Free everyday learning for people living in Ireland. Independent of ISD and the Irish Government. Practice content, not an official citizenship test, syllabus or language qualification.
What’s happening? What’s new?
A casual greeting between people who are comfortable with informal conversation.
Possible reply: “Not much—how about yourself?”
It does not mean something is physically cracked. Craic can also refer to fun or conversation.
How are you?
An everyday greeting; a short reply is often enough.
Possible reply: “Good, thanks. And you?”
You can give a fuller answer when the person has time and is asking more personally.
Fine, okay or satisfactory
A flexible reply whose meaning depends on tone.
Possible reply: “I’m grand, thanks.”
It does not always mean excellent. If a decision matters, ask for a clear answer.
What’s happening?
Informal greeting or request for news.
Possible reply: “Not much. How was your weekend?”
It may be a greeting rather than a request for a long story.
Listen; I have something to tell you
Can introduce a conversation without asking you to move.
Possible reply: “Sure—what is it?”
It can also be literal. Use the situation to decide.
The person being discussed
Informal references when the speaker assumes you know who they mean.
Possible reply: “Do you mean the person at reception?”
Not a claim of ownership. Avoid using it where respectful precision is needed.
I have just sent it
A construction you may hear in Irish English.
Possible reply: “Thanks, I’ll check my inbox.”
In this sentence, after describes a recent completed action.
Well done; good for you
Informal praise for an effort or achievement.
Possible reply: “Thanks—I appreciate it.”
Meaning can change with sarcasm; it is not always a reference to sport.
Helpful, decent or okay
Informal approval of a person or arrangement.
Possible reply: “Sound, thanks for your help.”
Here it is an adjective of approval, not noise.
No problem
A friendly response to thanks or a small request.
Possible reply: “Thanks a million.”
If the request concerns work, still confirm any timing or commitment.
Thank you very much
Friendly appreciation; common in everyday exchanges.
Possible reply: “No problem.”
A figure of speech, not a number of separate thanks.
Let me know; contact me
A colleague may use it to invite a message or question.
Possible reply: “I’ll send you a message tomorrow.”
Usually no literal shouting is expected.
I will respond later
Useful when a colleague cannot answer immediately.
Possible reply: “Thanks—when would be a good time to follow up?”
It does not specify a deadline; clarify one if necessary.
Please repeat what you said
A useful request when speech is fast or unfamiliar.
Possible reply: “Could you say it a little more slowly, please?”
Asking for clarification is welcome; you do not need to imitate an accent.
That’s okay; no further action is needed
For example, someone may say it when you apologise for a small inconvenience.
Possible reply: “Thanks.”
If it concerns money or a booking, ask what exactly is confirmed.
Request a shopping bag
An ordinary shop interaction.
Possible reply: “Could I have a bag, please?”
Check the price if needed; do not assume every bag is free.
Will you take it away or eat here?
A café or food counter may ask this.
Possible reply: “Sit-in, please.”
This is about where you will eat, not your residence status.
Check where to leave the bus or train
Useful before relying on an unfamiliar route.
Possible reply: “Is this the stop for the library?”
Confirm with the operator’s current information; routes and schedules change.
Ask for a name or place spelling
Useful for names, appointments and directions.
Possible reply: “Could you spell the surname for me, please?”
Preserve accents when recording names; ask rather than guessing.
Ask someone’s preferred pronunciation
A respectful question when meeting a person.
Possible reply: “I want to get your name right—how do you say it?”
Their own pronunciation takes precedence over an app approximation.
Reference check: 6 October 2026. Editorial review pending.