The Irish language has some truly poetic ways to tell a special someone that you love them. There are seven of our faves below but funny enough, not one translates directly as “I love you.” That said, all will leave them in no doubt of your feelings.
Though they may not be direct, these romantic Irish phrases are sure to sweep them off their feet. So have a go at learning them to recite out loud, write them in a card or love letter, or have them engraved on a piece of our lovely jewelry. Whichever way you choose to deliver one of these seven romantic phrases, we're sure they will be impressed.
1. Mo Anam Cara (Mu On-um Kara)
This short phrase isn't perfect Irish, but it builds on the idea of an Anam Cara, a "soul friend" and roughly translates as “My Soul Mate” or “My Soul Friend.”
The ancient Celts believed in a soul that radiated about the body. When two individuals formed a deep bond, they believed their souls would mingle and each person could be said to have found their Anam cara, or “soul friend.” It is this beautiful phrase that inspired our Mo Anam Cara jewelry and is a popular choice for engravings too!
Explore all Mo Anam Cara Jewelry
2. A chuisle mo chroí (Ah Kooish-la mu kree) or Mo chuisle (Mu Kooish-la)
You might recognize this one from the movie, Million Dollar Baby. The literal translation of a chuisle mo chroí is "the pulse of my heart" or "my pulse." This might be a little anatomical for some. But anyone who has felt their heart race at the sight of their loved one is sure to identify with the sentiment.
3. Grá Geal Mo Chroí (Graw gee-yal mu kree)
Translated as "shining" or "bright love of my heart" this is a beautiful phrase with a wonderful lightness that eloquently captures the wonderful warm feeling of being in love. Perhaps as a result, it pops up in several Irish love songs and ballads with records back to 1855. This phrase also inspired our design for this lovely ring with the phrase encircling the band.
4. Is tú mo ghrá (Iss too mu graw) or “Mo Ghrá thú” (muh graw hoo)
"You are my love," or is tú mo ghrá, is probably the closest we come to saying “I love you” in Irish.
There are many dialects in Irish depending on the part of the country you hail from. “mo ghrá thú” (muh graw hoo) has the same meaning as “Is tú mo ghrá.”
5. Grá go Deo (graw gu djo)
Translated as "love forever" or " forever love" this phrase emphasises eternity, an important theme in Celtic culture, represented by the unbroken form of Celtic and Trinity Knots.
The phrase Grá Go Deo is a romantic sentiment to adorn any piece of jewelry, but we think the sentiment works especially well with the symbolism of beautiful celtic knot designs.
6. Tá mo chroí istigh ionat (Taw mu kree iss-chig un-it)
Another phrase that might be a little anatomical for some, it roughly translates as "my heart is in you." We see this phrase as going some way toward capturing the sense of the selflessness of love. It can be used for a romantic relationship but also works equally well used as a phrase for a parents love for a child.
7. Is tú mo stóirín (Iss too mu stor-een)
This translates as "You are my (little) sweetheart". The “-ín” at the end of Stóirín makes the word stór (sweetheart) diminutive. But rather than it being a cutesy 'baby-speak' it makes the term even more affectionate.
Feeling Inspired?
Whatever phrase you might choose, any one is sure to impress your stóirín, your
sweetheart. If you are looking for a romantic gift to match your fine words and are not sure where to start get in touch. We would be delighted to help you find the perfect piece and phrase to sweep them off their feet.
Irish Jewelry that says "I Love You!"
Ask Gemma
My mom was raised speaking Irish (did not learn English until she immigrated to the U.S.). Her nickname for me was, phonetically, "lah-neen byug". We think it means little one, but she'd never clarify. Do you have any thoughts on proper spelling and meaning? She was from the Galway area for reference on her specific pronunciation.