St. Dwynwen’s Day, which takes place on January 25th, is what is known as the Welsh Valentine’s Day, although it celebrates a very different saint! St. Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers and a princess who is said to have lived during the 5th century. According to legend, she fell deeply in love …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Mari Lwyd (or Y Fari Lwyd) is a uniquely Welsh pagan tradition that predates Christianity. Although typically associated with South Wales, it is celebrated annually on or close to January 13th in the small town of Dinas Mawddwy, located in the heart of Gwynedd in the north. The tradition involves mounting a horse skull (penglog …
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 …
‘Have a good day!’ (or ‘Have a nice day!‘) is one of the most common ways in English to conclude a conversation or end a message on a positive note besides the various forms of goodbye. So, naturally, when an English person starts learning Welsh, it is also one of the first expressions he or she …
There is only one way to say Goodnight! in Welsh and that is Nos da! with nos meaning night and da meaning good. The expression good night and sleep well can be translated word for word from the English: Nos da a chysga’n dda. (informal)Nos da a chysgwch yn dda. (formal or plural) Good night …