Learning Welsh can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but like any language, it comes with its unique set of challenges. One of these challenges is understanding the difference between words that might seem straightforward in English but have specific nuances in Welsh. Two such words are byth and bob amser, which translate to “never” and “always” respectively in English. These words are fundamental in expressing frequency and time in Welsh, and mastering their use can significantly improve your fluency.

Understanding Byth (Never)

The Welsh word byth is used to express the concept of “never.” It is a strong word that indicates that an action or event does not happen at any time.

Byth
This word means “never” in English. It is used to denote that something has not happened and will not happen at any point.
Dydw i byth yn mynd i’r dref honno.

One important thing to note is that byth can often be found in negative sentences, as Welsh frequently uses double negatives. For instance, instead of saying “I never go,” you might say “I don’t never go.”

Fyth
This is a variant of byth and is often used in specific contexts, especially in South Wales. It carries the same meaning as “never.”
Fydd e fyth yn dod yn ôl.

Understanding Bob Amser (Always)

On the other end of the spectrum, we have bob amser, which means “always.” This phrase is used to indicate that an action or event happens at all times or consistently over time.

Bob amser
This phrase translates to “always” in English. It is used to describe something that occurs continuously without exception.
Rydw i bob amser yn ymarfer Cymraeg.

O hyd
Another way to express the idea of “always” or “still” is by using the phrase o hyd. This is often used to indicate that something has been happening continuously up to the present moment.
Mae hi’n canu o hyd.

Examples and Usage in Sentences

To get a better understanding of how these words are used in context, let’s look at some example sentences:

Byth
Nid ydynt byth yn bwyta cig.
This sentence means “They never eat meat.” Here, byth is used to indicate that eating meat is something that does not happen at any time.

Bob amser
Mae e bob amser yn hapus.
This translates to “He is always happy.” In this sentence, bob amser shows that his happiness is a constant state.

Fyth
Nid wyf fyth yn anghofio fy nhrwyn.
This means “I never forget my nose.” The use of fyth here emphasizes that forgetting the nose is an impossible event.

O hyd
Rydw i’n dysgu o hyd.
This translates to “I am still learning.” The phrase o hyd indicates that the action of learning is ongoing.

Common Mistakes and Tips

When learning Welsh, it’s easy to make mistakes with these words, especially if your first language is English. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to avoid them:

Double Negatives with Byth
In Welsh, it’s common to use double negatives for emphasis. For instance, “I never go” would be “Dydw i byth ddim yn mynd.” Remember that the negative particle dim (not) often accompanies byth.
Dydw i byth ddim yn mynd i’r ysgol ar ddydd Sadwrn.

Consistent Use of Bob Amser
Ensure that when you use bob amser, it aligns with actions that are truly consistent. It’s not just for habitual actions but those that are genuinely ongoing.
Mae hi bob amser yn darllen cyn mynd i’r gwely.

Regional Variations
Be aware of regional variations. For example, fyth is more common in South Wales. If you’re learning Welsh in a specific region, listen to how native speakers use these terms.
Fyddwn ni fyth yn anghofio’r cyfarfod hwn.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances of byth and bob amser is crucial for mastering Welsh. These words help you express the frequency and continuity of actions, and they are used frequently in daily conversation. By paying attention to their usage and practicing with native speakers, you can gain a deeper understanding and greater fluency in Welsh.

Whether you’re using byth to say that something never happens or bob amser to indicate that something always occurs, these words are essential tools in your Welsh language toolkit. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find that these concepts become second nature.