Heather is passionate about everything language-related. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, she holds a TEFL certification from Aberystwyth University and a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics from the University of Western Ontario. Along with her native English, she speaks Italian, Welsh, and a smattering of Japanese and French.
It might not be the most thrilling word in Welsh, but haearn (iron) played a truly important role in shaping Wales during the Chwyldro Diwydiannol (Industrial Revolution). Let’s explore its etymology, uses and how it helped forge a nation! haearn iron According to the Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, the word comes from the Celtic form isarnon, …
Some Welsh words are incredibly tricky for me to remember, but today’s word – dibynnu (a verb-noun meaning to depend or to rely) – isn’t one of them! I always link it to the phrase “the bunny,” said as if I were speaking an urban Brooklyn accent. If you can find little memory hooks like …
We all have hopes and dreams for the future. Some of us may aspire to fame, while others are content with the idea of a simple life, surrounded by family, close friends, a home, and a fulfilling job. In Welsh, the word for hope is gobaith, which refers to the desire for something to happen …
How often do we find ourselves in situations that bring a sigh of sadness, anger, or despair, or perhaps a groan of pain, distress, or disapproval? (Too often, I’m afraid!) In Welsh, the verb-noun ochneidio perfectly captures the act of expressing these emotions through such sounds. ochneidio to sigh / to groan Etymologically speaking, it …
Yes, I know what you’re thinking – before we dive in, you’re probably wondering, isn’t “now” in Welsh just nawr or rŵan? Well, it turns out there’s actually a third option – bellach – and its meaning isn’t quite as straightforward as those familiar four-letter words! bellach now / any more But let me backtrack …
Today, we’re investigating the most common Welsh term for someone who eats excessively: bolgi. This word is widely used across the country, making it a safe choice no matter where you are. However, as you’ll soon discover, there’s an astonishing array of dialectal variations to explore! Let’s dive in! bolgi glutton / big eater Bolgi …
Since the dawn of time, the moon has always been a point of interest for people andcivilisations all over the world. From tales about werewolves, stories about cheese and old wives tales relating to health issues, us humans have always been fascinated with the connection we have with the moon, and the role it plays …
If you’ve only just started learning Welsh, its pronunciation may seem somewhat daunting at first due to its many double consonants, Ys and Ws. However once you’ve learned the basics, you’ll realise that many of the words are easier to pronounce than you might have expected! How to pronounce DD in Welsh IPA Symbol: /ð/ …
Are you tired of using the phrase tipyn bach ad nauseam? Then it’s time to add some flair to your Welsh with this adorable word for the smallest amount of something: mymryn. mymryn a little bit In English, mymryn can be translated in various ways – a little bit, a smidgen, an iota, a speck, …
Being from Canada, I’m often asked here in Wales if I’ve ever encountered a bear. Thankfully, the only ones I’ve seen have been at the zoo, but I have friends who’ve come across them while hiking in the Canadian wilderness. In Welsh, this iconic and feared animal is known as arth. arth bear Arth is …
