I thought today’s word, cynhaeaf (harvest), would be particularly fitting as we find ourselves well into the tymor yr hydref (autumn season). It gives us a chance to reflect on the summer months, while also giving thanks to our ffermwyr (farmers) for the hard work that goes into bringing in the harvest. cynhaeaf harvest The …
Washed-up jellyfish on the beach are a very common sight in Wales, especially during the summer months. Despite their fearsome reputation, most species are actually quite harmless, inflicting just a mild sting. That said, there are a vicious few such as the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish that can do plenty of damage, even posthumously, so unless …
Like many children his age, my young son is terrified of y tywyllwch (the dark), and more specifically, of the creatures that might be lurking there. He doesn’t believe there is an anghenfil under his bed, funnily enough, but he doesn’t dare venture into the upstairs bathroom on his own! As you’ve probably guessed by …
Yes, yes, I know – the pedantic amongst you will be quick to point out that ych-a-fi isn’t a single word but three words combined to form an interjection. It can be translated in any number of ways including yucky, disgusting, horrible – just take your pick! All we really need to know is that …
Do you know why the grawnfwyd (cereal) Kelloggs advertises itself with a picture of a ceiliog (cockerel / rooster)? The easy answer is that these adar (birds) are known for waking people in the morning with their canu (usually singing, here crowing), signalling the start of the day and time for brecwast (breakfast). But it …
The Welsh word for congratulations is … a long one! I remember it took me ages to learn how to pronounce this word without getting my tongue tied, so don’t worry if it takes you a while for you to master it as well. llongyfarchiadau congratulations The singular form llongyfarchiad means congratulation, but you won’t …
Today let’s talk about the word cefnogi, which means to support. A great way to remember this word is to look at the first part of it, cefn. You may know that this is the word for back in Welsh, so you can think of it as being like backing someone, just as is often …
Our Welsh word of the day today is mieri, which means brambles or briars. It refers to the whole planhigyn (plant) rather than just to the mwyar (berries). Like in English, it is sometimes used in a general sense to refer to llwyni (bushes) with lots of drain (prickles or thorns). Mieri is a collective …
Gwasgu is a verb that, in most cases, means to squeeze or to press, although the range of situations it can be used in extends much further! gwasgu to squeeze / to press It comes from the proto-Celtic *wedsk, which is also the root of words in other Celtic languages like fáisc in Irish and …
Though having a gyrfa (career) that you love is a dream and a blessing, for many people unfortunately it’s not reality. If your swydd (job) isn’t your passion, you may rely on dreams of a more exciting ymddeoliad (retirement) to get you through the day! Ymddeol is the Welsh word for retiring or to retire. …