About The Author

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.


The Most Common Welsh Phrases You’ll Hear in a Café

One of the best places you can practise your Welsh and increase your confidence is at your local café, especially if customers are encouraged to order in Welsh. In this article, we’ve included the most common Welsh phrases you will hear when ordering, paying and receiving your food at the table. Ordering at the counter …

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20 Basic Welsh Phrases You’ve Got to Know to Survive

Although almost everyone in Wales is fluent in English, the Welsh language has a steadfast place in the country’s culture and history. In fact, according to a recent survey, approximately 30% of the population of Wales can speak Welsh, thanks in part to the increase in Welsh-medium education. I can tell you first-hand that whenever …

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Welsh Sympathy Quotes & Phrases for Cards

Writing a sympathy message to a family member or friend can be an enormous challenge. In fact, you may feel as if no words could possibly comfort them at their time of need. While it is true that you cannot take their pain away, it is often better to express your feelings and show your …

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How to Say “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!” in the Welsh Language

how to say merry christmas and a happy new year in welsh

Things are certainly starting to feel Christmassy here in Tywyn. The festive street lights have been lit, the high street shops are decorated to the nines with colourful lights and decorations, and our local Father Christmas has paid a visit to most of the villages in the area on his sleigh. Unusually for this time of year, the temperature has fallen below zero, giving the rolling hills of the Dysynni valley a frosty silver sheen in the early hours of the morning. It certainly is a magical time of year! 🙂

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How to Say “Thank you very much!” in Welsh

One of the first survival phrases you will have to learn if you move to Wales is “Thank you very much!” This phrase translates as “Diolch yn fawr iawn!“ Dyma chi, pymtheg punt. – O, diolch yn fawr iawn. Here you are, fifteen pounds. – Oh, thank you very much. Let’s break it down into …

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How to Say “Cheers!” in Welsh

If you’re out at the pub celebrating with your Welsh friends – or any group of friends for that matter– someone will likely offer to make a toast at some point during the conversation. In Welsh, the way to say Cheers! is Iechyd da! (It is sometimes anglicised to Yaki da! or Yaki dah! but …

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