Lá breithe shona duit!
law BREH-huh HUN-uh ditch
"Happy birthday to you!" — the standard Irish phrase for one person.
Lá breithe means "birthday" (literally "day of birth"), shona means "happy," and duit means "to you" (singular).
More Ways to Say It
Irish adjusts slightly depending on who you're speaking to, and there's one common naming mix-up worth clearing up first.
Irish vs. Scottish Gaelic
"Gaelic" is often used loosely, and it's worth knowing what it actually refers to before you search further.
Irish (Gaeilge)
The language spoken in Ireland, often called "Gaelic" informally in English. This page covers Irish specifically.
Scottish Gaelic
A related but distinct language spoken in Scotland — "happy birthday" is different: Co-là-breith sona dhut.
Same Family, Different Languages
Both descend from a common ancestor language, but they're not mutually intelligible today — worth confirming which one you actually need.
A Complete Birthday Message in Irish
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between "Irish" and "Gaelic"?
Irish is often called "Gaelic" informally, but Scottish Gaelic is a separate, related language spoken in Scotland. This page covers Irish (Gaeilge) specifically, which is the more common search intent.
How do you say happy birthday to more than one person in Irish?
Use the plural form: "Lá breithe shona daoibh!" instead of the singular "duit."
What does "Go maire tú an lá" mean?
"May you live the day" — a traditional Irish blessing used for birthdays and other significant occasions, often added after the standard greeting.