Useful Welsh Sayings / Phrases / Words
Useful Welsh Phrases & Sayings: A Beginner’s Guide
Whether you are learning Welsh to reconnect with your heritage, preparing for a trip to Wales, or simply interested in the beauty of the Cymraeg language, these essential phrases will help you speak with confidence. Welsh is a living, breathing language—understanding a few key phrases is the best way to open doors and connect with the culture.
Basic Welsh Greetings
In Wales, greetings can vary slightly by region and formality. Here is a guide to getting started:
| Welsh Phrase | English Translation | Pronunciation Guide | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shwmae | Hello / How are you? | SHOO-my | Common in South Wales. |
| Sut mae | How are you? | SIT-my | Often heard in North Wales. |
| Bore da | Good morning | BOR-eh DAH | Standard across all regions. |
| Prynhawn da | Good afternoon | prin-HOWN DAH | Formal, used throughout the day. |
| Nos da | Good night | NOSS DAH | Used before going to bed. |
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Welsh Terms of Endearment & Cultural Phrases
Welsh is a language of heart and soul. These terms go beyond simple translation, carrying deep cultural weight that is often reflected in our most cherished gifts.
| Welsh Phrase | Meaning / Nuance | Pronunciation Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Cwtch | More than a hug; a "cwtch" creates a feeling of safety, comfort, and home. It is a protective, loving embrace. | KUTCH (rhymes with butch) |
| Cariad | Literally "love," but also used as a term of address for a partner, child, or dear friend. It implies deep affection. | KAH-ree-ad |
| Hiraeth | A profound longing for home, a place, or a time that may no longer exist. It is a deep-seated connection to Welsh heritage. | HEER-eyeth |
| Diolch | Thank you. | DEE-olch (the 'ch' is the soft, throaty sound found in 'loch') |
| Iechyd da! | Cheers! (Literally "Good health!") | YEK-heed DAH |
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Politeness & Emphatic Phrases
In Welsh, adding emphasis or formality can change the tone of a conversation significantly. These are key for showing appreciation or navigating social situations respectfully.
| Welsh Phrase | English Translation | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Diolch | Thank you | Standard, everyday use. |
| Diolch yn fawr | Thank you very much | More polite and appreciative. |
| Diolch yn fawr iawn | Thank you very, very much | Highly emphatic and very polite. |
Essential Survival Phrases
Whether you are dining out or exploring the countryside, these phrases are fundamental for polite interaction and navigation.
- Os gwelwch yn dda (Please) - oss GWEL-ooch un THDA
- Sori (Sorry) - SOR-ee
- Esgusodwch fi (Excuse me) - ess-giss-ODD-ookh vee
- Ble mae'r tŷ bach? (Where is the toilet?) - BLEH my-AIR ty-BAHCH
- Ble mae'r dafarn? (Where is the pub?) - BLEH my-AIR tav-ARN
- Un peint, os gwelwch yn dda. (One pint, please.) - EEN paynt, oss GWEL-ooch un THDA
- Ble mae'r orsaf? (Where is the station?) - BLEH my-AIR OR-sav
Welsh Numbers, Days & Months
Numbers 1–10
| Number | Welsh | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Un | EEN |
| 2 | Dau | DIE |
| 3 | Tri | TREE |
| 4 | Pedwar | PED-war |
| 5 | Pump | PIMP |
| 6 | Chwech | CHWECH (throaty 'ch') |
| 7 | Saith | SAY-th |
| 8 | Wyth | OO-ith |
| 9 | Naw | NOW |
| 10 | Deg | DEG |
Days of the Week
| Day | Welsh | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Dydd Llun | DEETH LLEEN |
| Tuesday | Dydd Mawrth | DEETH MOWRTH |
| Wednesday | Dydd Mercher | DEETH MER-cher |
| Thursday | Dydd Iau | DEETH Y-eye |
| Friday | Dydd Gwener | DEETH GWEN-er |
| Saturday | Dydd Sadwrn | DEETH SAD-oorn |
| Sunday | Dydd Sul | DEETH SEEL |
Months of the Year
- Ionawr (January) - YON-owr
- Chwefror (February) - CHWEV-ror
- Mawrth (March) - MOWRTH
- Ebrill (April) - EH-brill
- Mai (May) - MY
- Mehefin (June) - meh-HEH-vin
- Gorffennaf (July) - gor-THEN-nav
- Awst (August) - OWST
- Medi (September) - MEH-dee
- Hydref (October) - HED-rev
- Tachwedd (November) - TACH-weth
- Rhagfyr (December) - RHAG-veer
Frequently Asked Questions About the Welsh Language
What does the word "Cwtch" actually mean?
A "cwtch" is far more than just a hug. It is a deeply cultural Welsh term that encompasses a feeling of safety, comfort, and home. It is often described as a protective, loving embrace that makes you feel secure.
Is Welsh difficult to learn?
Like any language, it takes practice, but Welsh is highly phonetic! Once you learn how the letters sound (especially the double consonants like 'll' and 'ch'), you will find that words are pronounced exactly as they are written.
What is the difference between "Shwmae" and "Sut mae"?
They both mean "How are you?" or "Hello." "Shwmae" is the most common greeting in South Wales, while "Sut mae" is more frequently heard in North Wales.
Why is "Sospan Fach" so famous?
Originally a simple 19th-century poem, "Sospan Fach" (Little Saucepan) became a symbol of Welsh industrial pride and resilience, specifically linked to the tin-plate industry in Llanelli. It is now a beloved anthem sung at rugby matches across Wales.
What does "Hiraeth" mean?
Hiraeth is a uniquely Welsh word that is famously difficult to translate. It refers to a deep, profound longing for home, a place, or a time that may no longer exist—an ache for your roots.