I am taking the advice of Audrey Nickel after reading her book, The Irish Gaelic Tattoo Handbook and the bitesize.irish blog. Believe in Yourself became my mantra when I started to doubt my decision to pack up my life and move from everything I'd ever known at the age of 56. As an honor to my Irish heritage (maternal and paternal), I would like "Believe in Yourself" for a tattoo (“An Caighdeán Oifigiúil” – “The Official Standard”). Other sites have told me that "Creid ionat féin" is the proper translation, but since it is going to be permanent, I want confirmation from those on this forum since you come so highly recommended. Since I've learning that Irish is so different than English, how to properly pronounce it would also be appreciated. My next goal is to learn the language (wish me luck). Thank you all so much for your invaluable advice.

Cindi

Yes, that translation works.
Some might say as an alternative (just using a different preposition):
Creid ort féin
but there's no real difference in meaning.

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I'm not a native (or entirely fluent) speaker, so be sure to wait for confirmations/corrections, especially for tattoos.

Thank you. I will take your advice and wait for 2 more confirmations.

Creid ionat féin is OK.

Thanks. You said ok. Is there something better like the alternative noted above?

I'd go with this one.

Thank you!

Can someone tell me how to pronounce it properly? I am such a newbie at this language. Thanks.

First, I'm Audrey Nickel, and I'm glad the book has been a help to you!

I also agree with the translation you've been give: "Creid ionat féin"

How to pronounce it will vary somewhat by dialect. I'd say "krej UN-ut hayn." But for audio (and for more options) I recommend you visit www.abair.ie. Type the words into the text box, choose a dialect, and hit "déan sintéis."

Sometimes this program does better with individual words than with phrases, so you might want to try it both ways.

Audrey/Redwolf

Thank you. I was trying to find a good translation site. I appreciate all your wisdom.