Welsh (Cymraeg) is a Brittonic Celtic language spoken by about 880,000 people in Wales. An official language alongside English, it is enjoying a remarkable revival thanks to bilingual education, the S4C channel and a dynamic music scene. With this kit, you have the bare essentials to navigate Cardiff, Caernarfon or the Welsh countryside.
Welsh (Cymraeg) is the most vibrant Celtic language in Europe. With about 880,000 speakers in Wales, nearly 30% of the population, it resists the erosion that has pushed back its Brittonic cousins (Cornish, Breton). An official language alongside English since the Welsh Language Act of 1993, it benefits from strong institutional support: mandatory bilingual signage, expanded Welsh-medium education, the S4C television channel, radio and digital programs in Cymraeg.
Welsh belongs to the Brittonic branch of Celtic languages, like Breton and Cornish. It is written in a 28-letter Latin alphabet with several specific digraphs (ch, dd, ff, ng, ll, ph, rh, th) that transcribe sounds absent in English. The most disorienting feature remains consonant mutations: the first letter of a word changes depending on grammatical context, in soft, nasal or aspirate mutation. Once the mechanism is grasped, reading becomes fairly phonetic.
The welcome from Welsh speakers toward foreigners who try their language is exceptional. A few words instantly open the doors of pubs, farms and festivals. This kit gathers the essentials to handle an arrival at Cardiff airport, find your way through the valleys, order in a traditional pub, signal an emergency and say goodbye gracefully. You will find key greetings (bore da, diolch, hwyl fawr), basic vocabulary and cultural tips to avoid faux pas. Memorize these expressions before leaving and you will gain confidence from the very first hours on site.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You arrive at Cardiff Central station in the early morning. You enthusiastically greet the ticket agent in Welsh before continuing in English. Later in the day, you will greet each shopkeeper you meet with the appropriate phrase.
You get into a taxi outside the station. You tell the driver that your accommodation is near an old house, opposite a school. You also ask him for a good local market and a traditional restaurant for the evening.
You sit in a caffi in the center of Caernarfon. You order fresh bread with butter and a tall glass of water. The waiter then offers you Northern milk to accompany your coffee, a local specialty.
You slipped during a hike in Snowdonia and feel pain in your head. You explain your state to a fellow hiker, pointing to the affected eye and ear. You also mention pain in your right hand.
It is the morning of departure. You warmly greet your host in standard Welsh, then with the South Wales phrase, and finally with the North Wales one to show you have traveled through the whole country. You say goodbye with a big farewell.
What you need to know before travelling to a gallois-speaking country.
Welsh is a Celtic language with consonant mutations: the first letter of a word changes depending on the grammatical context. Pen (head) becomes ben, mhen or phen. Don't be surprised: it is a structural feature, not a mistake.
English is understood everywhere in Wales, but using a few Welsh words (diolch, bore da, hwyl) is immediately noticed and appreciated. The Welsh are proud of their language and warmly welcome foreigners' efforts.
Wales has two main varieties: the north (Gogledd) and the south (De). Differences cover everyday words: llaeth or llefrith for milk, mam-gu or nain for grandmother. Adapt to your region.
Rugby is almost a religion in Wales. Mastering a few words around the Six Nations Championship and knowing Stadium Principality in Cardiff opens up conversations in every Welsh pub.
The Eisteddfod, an annual festival of poetry, music and choral singing, is the major cultural event. Mentioning this deep attachment to traditional Welsh arts instantly creates a bond with your interlocutor.
Road signs are bilingual throughout the country: Welsh appears first, English underneath. Reading both versions is an excellent way to enrich your vocabulary throughout your trip.
Avoid calling Wales England or mixing the two. Welsh national feeling is very strong, especially among younger generations. Wales and Cymru are the only acceptable terms.
Green tea (paneidiau) is a social institution. A simple paned (cup) can stretch for an hour of conversation. Refusing a tea offer in a Welsh home comes across as lack of interest.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Diolch
thanks
Esgusodwch fi
excuse me
ie
yes (identification)
nage
no (identification)
ydw
yes (I am)
nac ydw
no (I'm not)
i
I / me
fi
I / me (alt)
ti
you (familiar)
chi
you (formal/plural)
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
All Targumi resources for this language.
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