Gwen is a former Welsh tutor from Powys, Wales. She was raised in a bilingual family speaking both Welsh and English, which gave her a love of languages. She recently graduated from Oxford University and is now studying a Master's in Translation Studies at Cardiff University. She enjoys learning French and Turkish in her free time.
I’ve been dysgu Twrceg (learning Turkish) for a few years now, and I’ve noticed some surprising similarities between Welsh words and their Turkish counterparts. You might have already guessed, but this is because Turkish and Welsh have both inherited a significant amount of their vocabulary from Lladin (Latin). I’ve put together a list of my …
Today’s Welsh word of the day is adduned (plural: addunedau), a feminine noun which means resolution. This word is most commonly used in the phrase adduned Blwyddyn Newydd (New Year’s resolution), but adduned can also mean vow, as in addunedau bedydd (baptismal vows) or addunedau priodas (wedding vows). adduned resolution addunedau resolutions The word adduned …
Today’s word of the day is carw (plural: ceirw) which is the Welsh word for deer or reindeer. This is a masculine noun that is susceptible to all three mutations. carw deer / reindeer Soft mutationgarw Nasal mutationngharw Aspirate mutationcharw At this time of year, you’re probably hearing quite a lot about ceirw Siôn Corn …
Today’s article is all about Siôn Corn (Father Christmas)! The Welsh Santa Claus is named after corn simnai (a chimney-stack) – translated literally into English, he would be called something like John Stack. You may also hear some people borrow the English name Santa Claus directly into Welsh, spelt Santa Clôs. Siôn Corn Father Christmas …
There’s a chill in the air, and colourful lights are twinkling all around town – it must be getting close to Nadolig (Christmas)! Nadolig Christmas Nadolig is probably the most common Welsh term for Christmas, but it’s also common to hear y Nadolig or ‘Dolig for short. If you want to refer to Christmas time …
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at one of the most common Welsh words: mae. You probably know by now that mae can mean is as in Mae cinio’n barod! (Dinner is ready!) or are as in Mae Elen a Gwilym yn gadael (Elen and Gwilym are leaving). But did you know …
Today’s word of the day is mislif (plural: mislifoedd), which means period or menstruation. The menstrual period is also commonly referred to as misglwyf (plural: misglwyfau), so keep an eye out for both of these variations. mislif period Mislif is a masculine noun and is only susceptible to the soft mutation. Soft mutationfislif Nasal mutationN/A …
Growing up, owls were my best friend’s favourite animal, so I always tried to get them presents in the shape of a tylluan (owl). In honour of these marvellous birds (and my marvellous friend), today’s Welsh word of the day is tylluan (plural: tylluanod), which is a feminine noun meaning owl. These adar nosol (nocturnal …
Today’s Welsh Word of the Day is cwmwl (cloud). Along with glaw (rain), clouds are probably the most consistent feature of Welsh weather. Growing up, awyr las (a blue sky) was a rare sight, but it never bothered me; I remember going to the traeth (beach) on grey overcast days and having a great time …
Ever since I can remember, fy hoff liw (my favourite colour) has been melyn (yellow). My earliest memory is of my childhood bedroom, which had yellow wallpaper decorated with blue and red teddies. melyn yellow Melyn is only susceptible to the soft mutation: Soft mutationfelyn Nasal mutationN/A Aspirate mutationN/A Melyn comes from the same Proto-Celtic …
