Fáilte

Language: Irish (Gaeilge)

• What it means: Welcome. The pronunciation may be approximated by “FAWL-cha”.

• Word origin: Fáilte originates from Old Irish and is nearly the same word as in Scottish Gaelic, in which the accent leans the other way (Fàilte). Incidentally, in Scottish the word also means “hail” (as in “Fàilte a Mhoire” = Hail Mary).

• Sample phrases: “Céad míle fáilte” = A hundred thousand welcomes (Kade MEE-la FAWL-cha); “Tá fáilte romhat” = You’re welcome (Taw FAWL-cha ROH-ot).

• Does it work in English? In Ireland, Fáilte is commonly seen on signs (official and non-official), at doorways and in homes; naturally, because the diaspora is widespread you’ll also find “Fáilte” signs (and doormats, T-shirts, bumper stickers, etc.) wherever there are people of Irish descent. However, only in Ireland itself are you likely to hear “Fáilte” frequently used as a greeting by either Irish or English speakers. The word has been adopted by Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority (www.failteireland.ie).

• One place (at least) in the US that you’re also likely to hear this greeting? Fáilte Irish Import Shop in Lexington, Kentucky, founded by an ex-Dubliner in 2001.