Learning Welsh can be a rewarding experience, but like any language, it comes with its unique set of challenges. One common area of confusion for learners is the difference between using **gwneud** (to do) and **wedi gwneud** (did). Understanding the distinction between these two can greatly improve your grasp of Welsh grammar and help you communicate more effectively.

Understanding Gwneud

**Gwneud** is the Welsh verb for “to do” or “to make.” It is used to indicate an action that is currently happening or a general statement about an action. Below, we will break down its usage and provide some vocabulary that will enhance your understanding.

Gwneud – to do, to make
Rwy’n mynd i wneud fy ngwaith cartref.
I am going to do my homework.

Rwy’n – I am (short form of “Rwyf yn”)
Rwy’n hapus iawn heddiw.
I am very happy today.

Mynd – to go
Mae e’n mynd i’r siop.
He is going to the shop.

Gwaith cartref – homework
Mae gen i lawer o waith cartref heno.
I have a lot of homework tonight.

Heddiw – today
Mae’n braf heddiw.
It is nice today.

In the example sentences above, you can see how **gwneud** and its related vocabulary fit into the structure of a sentence to convey an ongoing or habitual action.

Understanding Wedi Gwneud

**Wedi gwneud** is used to indicate a completed action, similar to the past tense “did” in English. It is formed by combining **wedi** (after, has/have) with the verb **gwneud**. This construction is essential for discussing actions that have already been completed.

Wedi gwneud – did, have done
Rwyf wedi gwneud fy ngwaith cartref.
I have done my homework.

Rwyf – I am
Rwyf wedi blino ar ôl y daith hir.
I am tired after the long journey.

Blino – tired
Mae’n blino ar ôl gweithio drwy’r dydd.
He is tired after working all day.

Ar ôl – after
Byddwn ni’n cwrdd ar ôl cinio.
We will meet after lunch.

Daith – journey
Roedd y daith yn hir ond yn werth chweil.
The journey was long but worthwhile.

The sentences above show how **wedi gwneud** is used to convey that an action has been completed. Note how the sentence structure changes slightly to accommodate this tense.

Comparing Gwneud and Wedi Gwneud

Let’s compare how the same action is described in the present and past tenses using **gwneud** and **wedi gwneud**.

Gwneud – to do, to make
Rwy’n gwneud cinio nawr.
I am making lunch now.

Wedi gwneud – did, have done
Rwyf wedi gwneud cinio.
I have made lunch.

By looking at these sentences, you can see how **gwneud** denotes an ongoing action, while **wedi gwneud** indicates a completed action.

Contextual Vocabulary

To fully grasp the usage of **gwneud** and **wedi gwneud**, it’s helpful to learn some additional vocabulary that can be used in various contexts. Here are a few examples:

Gorffen – to finish
Mae’n amser gorffen y gwaith.
It’s time to finish the work.

Dechrau – to start
Byddwn ni’n dechrau yn syth ar ôl brecwast.
We will start right after breakfast.

Gweithio – to work
Mae hi’n gweithio mewn swyddfa.
She works in an office.

Hoffi – to like
Rwy’n hoffi darllen llyfrau.
I like reading books.

Dysgu – to learn
Rydw i’n dysgu Cymraeg.
I am learning Welsh.

Darllen – to read
Mae e’n darllen papur newydd.
He is reading a newspaper.

Sgwrsio – to chat
Roeddwn i’n sgwrsio gyda fy ffrind neithiwr.
I was chatting with my friend last night.

Neithiwr – last night
Beth wnaethoch chi wneud neithiwr?
What did you do last night?

Common Mistakes and Tips

When learning a new language, making mistakes is a natural part of the process. Here are some common mistakes learners make with **gwneud** and **wedi gwneud**, along with tips to avoid them.

Misusing Tenses
Learners often mix up **gwneud** and **wedi gwneud**. Remember that **gwneud** is for ongoing or habitual actions, while **wedi gwneud** is for completed actions. Practice by creating sentences in both tenses to reinforce the difference.

Gwneud
Rwy’n gwneud gwaith cartref ar hyn o bryd.
I am doing homework right now.

Wedi gwneud
Rwyf wedi gwneud y gwaith cartref eisoes.
I have already done the homework.

Overusing Wedi
Sometimes learners overuse **wedi** when it isn’t necessary. Not every past action requires **wedi**. For instance, when using simple past tense verbs, **wnaeth** (did) might be more appropriate.

Wnaeth – did (simple past)
Beth wnaeth ti neithiwr?
What did you do last night?

Forgetting the Mutation
In Welsh, verbs often undergo initial consonant mutation. For example, **gwneud** can become **wneud** after certain prepositions like **i** (to).

Mutation
Rwy’n mynd i wneud cinio.
I am going to make lunch.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding, try these practice exercises. Translate the sentences from English to Welsh using **gwneud** and **wedi gwneud**.

1. I am doing my homework.
Rwy’n gwneud fy ngwaith cartref.

2. I have done my homework.
Rwyf wedi gwneud fy ngwaith cartref.

3. She is going to work now.
Mae hi’n mynd i weithio nawr.

4. We have finished the project.
Rydym wedi gorffen y prosiect.

5. They are learning Welsh.
Maen nhw’n dysgu Cymraeg.

6. He was chatting with his friend.
Roedd e’n sgwrsio gyda’i ffrind.

Conclusion

Mastering the difference between **gwneud** and **wedi gwneud** is crucial for effective communication in Welsh. By understanding when to use each form, you can convey your thoughts more accurately and fluently. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to context, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. With time and effort, you will become more comfortable using these verbs and their associated vocabulary. Happy learning!