Looking to pay someone or something a compliment? Just like with other words, there are several different ways of saying ‘beautiful’ in the Welsh language. Here are the top 6 adjectives for you to learn.
1. Hardd
Let’s start with the most common one. This adjective can be used to describe a person (specifically a female) or it can be used to describe an object, and it has more of a dignified feel to it rather than the ones below. It would probably be one of the most common one to describe a landscape or a scenery, and it would normally accompany a feminine noun. Here’s an example you could use if you want to pay someone a compliment:
Rwyt ti’n edrych mor hardd yn dy ffrog newydd.
You look so beautiful in your new dress.
2. Prydferth
This adjective can also be used to describe a person or an object. If you’re going to use it to compliment a person, use it to compliment a female, just like ‘hardd’ above. Again, this adjective would probably be one of the most common one to describe a landscape or a scenery for example:
Mae’r olygfa ar gopa’r Wyddfa yn hynod o brydferth.
The view at the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is extremely beautiful.
3. Tlws
This adjective can also mean ‘jewel’ or a ‘precious stone’ in Welsh, but it can also mean ‘beautiful’. It’s more than likely that you’ll use this adjective with a feminine noun, so be careful as you will need to change ‘tlws’ to ‘tlos’. In some parts of north Wales, you might also hear a variation on this adjective such as ‘clws’.
Gwelais fodrwy dlos yn y siop.
I saw a beautiful ring in the shop.
4. Golygus
With this adjective, you can only use it to describe a male, and it’s the English equivalence of ‘handsome’. So, if you want to give a compliment to your boyfriend, partner or husband, or even a stranger, this adjective would be your best bet!
Rwyt ti’n edrych mor olygus ar ôl cael torri dy wallt!
You look so handsome after your hair cut!
5. Hyfryd
This adjective can translate as ‘beautiful’ but it can also translate as ‘delightful’ and ‘lovely’. In general, it wouldn’t be used to compliment someone’s looks. A common way of using it in a sentence would be to describe someone’s actions:
Mi wnaethoch chi ganu’n hyfryd yn yr Eisteddfod.
You sang beautifully at the Eisteddfod.
6. Pert
And lastly, we have ‘pert’, which is more commonly used in south Wales. The English equivalent would be ‘pretty’, so it doesn’t have the same impact as ‘hardd’ or ‘prydferth’, but you could still use it if you want to show off your extensive vocabulary!
Am gi bach pert sy’ ‘da ti!
What a beautiful little dog you have!
So, there you go: the six most popular ways to say ‘beautiful’ in Welsh. What do you think? Can you think of anything else to add to the list?
