Welsh, or Cymraeg, is a Celtic language spoken primarily in Wales and by the Welsh diaspora. As a language rich in history and culture, Welsh offers a unique perspective on family and relationships through its vocabulary. Understanding these words can deepen your appreciation of the Welsh language and culture, whether you are a language learner or a visitor to Wales.

### Basic Family Terms

Family plays a significant role in Welsh society, and the language reflects this importance with a variety of terms for family members. The word for family in Welsh is “teulu.” Here are some fundamental family-related terms:

– Mam – Mother
– “Mae fy mam yn coginio.” (My mother is cooking.)
– Tad – Father
– “Mae fy nhad yn gweithio yn y swyddfa.” (My father works in the office.)
– Brawd – Brother
– “Mae gan fy mrawd gi.” (My brother has a dog.)
– Chwaer – Sister
– “Mae fy chwaer yn astudio yn y brifysgol.” (My sister is studying at the university.)
– Nain and Taid – Grandmother and Grandfather respectively
– “Mae fy nain a fy nhaid yn byw yng Nghymru.” (My grandmother and grandfather live in Wales.)
– Wyr (grandson) and Wyres (granddaughter)
– “Dyma fy wyr, Steffan.” (This is my grandson, Steffan.)

### Extended Family and In-Laws

The Welsh language includes specific terms for extended family members and in-laws, emphasizing the importance of these relationships.

– Ewythr – Uncle
– “Mae fy ewythr yn hoffi pysgota.” (My uncle likes fishing.)
– Modryb – Aunt
– “Mae gan fy modryb ddau gi.” (My aunt has two dogs.)
– Cefnder and Cyfnither – Male and Female Cousins respectively
– “Mae fy nghyfnither yn canu yn y côr.” (My cousin (female) sings in the choir.)
– Brawd-yng-nghyfraith and Chwaer-yng-nghyfraith – Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law
– “Mae fy mrawd-yng-nghyfraith yn athro mathemateg.” (My brother-in-law is a math teacher.)

### Terms of Endearment and Affection

Welsh also has several terms to express affection, which are often used among family members.

– Annwyl – Dear
– “Helô, fy annwyl.” (Hello, my dear.)
– Cariad – Love
– “Ti yw fy nghariad i.” (You are my love.)
– Fy nghalon – My heart
– “Fy nghalon, dw i’n dy garu di.” (My heart, I love you.)

### Relationship Status

Discussing relationship status is common, and knowing these terms can be helpful in social settings.

– Priod – Spouse
– “Dyma fy mriod, Elen.” (This is my spouse, Elen.)
– Carwr and Carwres – Boyfriend and Girlfriend
– “Mae gen i garwr newydd.” (I have a new boyfriend.)
– Sengl – Single
– “Dw i’n sengl ar hyn o bryd.” (I am single at the moment.)
– Yn briod – Married
– “Maen nhw’n briod ers deng mlynedd.” (They have been married for ten years.)

### Common Phrases Related to Family and Relationships

Here are some common phrases that might be useful when discussing family and relationships in Welsh:

– “Sut mae dy deulu?” (How is your family?)
– “Mae gen i ddau o blant.” (I have two children.)
– “Pryd wyt ti’n mynd i ymweld â’th nain a’th daid?” (When are you going to visit your grandma and grandpa?)

By learning these Welsh words and phrases, you can engage more deeply with the Welsh-speaking community, whether you’re visiting Wales or meeting Welsh speakers elsewhere. Embracing the language is a wonderful way to show respect for Welsh culture and to foster closer relationships with those who hold it dear.