Understanding Infinitives in Welsh Grammar

What are Infinitives in Welsh?

In the Welsh language, infinitives are the base form of verbs, never conjugated and often used with verbal particles such as “i”, “i’r”, or “am”. They remain unchanged in structure when forming different tenses and moods. Welsh infinitives generally end in a vowel: “gweld” (to see), “cant”, (to sing) and “cael” (to have).

Key Concepts of Welsh Infinitives

Verbal Particles

Verbal particles are essential in Welsh grammar, as they are used to introduce or connect infinitives to other elements of a sentence. Common verbal particles include “i” (to), “i’r” (to the), and “am” (for). Utilizing these particles with infinitives helps convey tense, mood, and voice in various sentences.

Example:
– I bobl i fynd i’r siop (“For people to go to the shop”)

Infinitive Constructions

Infinitive constructions involve using infinitives with different elements to express actions or states in Welsh. They are integral to linking ideas and conveying complex thoughts.

With subject pronouns:
Welsh uses subject pronouns such as “fe” (he) or “hi” (she) together with the word “fydd” (will) and the particle “i”, followed by the infinitive.

Example:
– Fe fydd i fynd (“He will go”)

With possessive pronouns:
In Welsh, possessive pronouns like “ei” (his/her) can be used alongside the particle “i” and infinitive to express possession.

Example:
– Ei fab i weithio (“Her son who works”)

Infinitives in Different Tenses and Moods

In the Welsh language, distinct structures and particles govern the use of infinitives in various tenses and moods.

Present tense:
For present tense, the verbal particle “yn” is used preceding the infinitive.

Example:
– Mae hi’n mynd i’r siop (“She goes to the shop”)

Future tense:
In the future tense, Welsh uses subject pronouns with the word “fydd” followed by the particle “i” and infinitive.

Example:
– Fe fydd i wylio’r ffilm (“He will watch the film”)

Conditional mood:
By using the word “basai” (would be) in conjunction with the particle “i” and infinitive, the conditional mood is conveyed.

Example:
– Basai hi’n mynd pe bai hi’n gwybod (“She would go if she knew”)

Common Welsh Infinitives and Phrases

Welsh infinitives are used in various expressions to convey actions, thoughts, and states. Here are some essential Welsh infinitives and their English translations, followed by common phrases where they are utilized:

– gweld (to see): Gwela i ddim (“I can’t see”)
– pratia (to practice): Mae hi’n pratia siarad Cymraeg (“She is practicing speaking Welsh”)
– hoffi (to like): Hoffwn i bwyta siocled (“I would like to eat chocolate”)
– dysgu (to learn): Dysgwch i chwarae’r ffidil (“Learn to play the violin”)

Conclusion

A strong understanding of infinitives in Welsh grammar is critical for mastering the language. With their function as the most basic form of verbs, they are essential in creating a variety of expressions, tenses, and moods. By recognizing the role of verbal particles, utilizing infinitive constructions, and integrating infinitives into different tenses and moods, learners enrich their command over the intricacies of Welsh grammar. Practice with common infinitives and phrases will further solidify one’s grasp of this crucial linguistic component.