Learning a new language can be both an exciting and challenging adventure. Welsh, the native language of Wales, offers a rich linguistic tapestry to explore. For English speakers, understanding the nuances between certain Welsh words can be particularly challenging. Today, we will delve into two Welsh verbs: **siarad** and **datgan**. Although both can be translated into English as “to speak” or “to state,” they are used in different contexts. This article will help you understand the subtle differences between these two terms and how to use them correctly in conversation.

Siarad

**Siarad** is the Welsh word most commonly used for “to speak” or “to talk.” It is a versatile verb that can be used in various contexts, from casual conversation to formal speeches.

Siarad
To speak or to talk.
Mae’n gallu siarad Saesneg yn dda.

The word **siarad** is used when referring to the act of speaking in general. For example, if you want to say that someone is speaking English well, you would use **siarad**.

Gwrando
To listen.
Rwy’n hoffi gwrando ar gerddoriaeth.

Just as speaking is vital, so is listening. **Gwrando** means “to listen,” and it often accompanies **siarad** in conversations. For example, if you enjoy listening to music, you would say, “Rwy’n hoffi gwrando ar gerddoriaeth.”

Deall
To understand.
Rwy’n deall eich pryderon.

Understanding is a crucial part of communication. **Deall** means “to understand.” If someone is expressing concerns and you want to convey that you understand them, you would use this word.

Ateb
To answer or to reply.
A wnewch chi ateb y cwestiwn hwn?

In any conversation, questions and answers are exchanged. **Ateb** means “to answer” or “to reply.” If you are asking someone to answer a question, you would use **ateb**.

Sgwrs
Conversation.
Roedd gennym sgwrs ddiddorol am wleidyddiaeth.

A conversation can be captivating and enlightening. The word for “conversation” in Welsh is **sgwrs**. If you had an interesting conversation about politics, you would say, “Roedd gennym sgwrs ddiddorol am wleidyddiaeth.”

Geiriau
Words.
Mae geiriau yn bwysig mewn cyfathrebu.

Words are the building blocks of any language. **Geiriau** means “words.” To emphasize the importance of words in communication, you might say, “Mae geiriau yn bwysig mewn cyfathrebu.”

Cyfieithu
To translate.
Gallwch chi gyfieithu’r ddogfen hon?

Translation is often needed in multilingual settings. **Cyfieithu** means “to translate.” If you need someone to translate a document, you would use this word.

Ymarfer
To practice.
Mae angen i mi ymarfer fy Nghymraeg.

Practice is essential for mastering any language. **Ymarfer** means “to practice.” If you need to practice your Welsh, you would say, “Mae angen i mi ymarfer fy Nghymraeg.”

Datgan

**Datgan** is another Welsh verb that can be translated as “to state” or “to declare.” It is generally used in more formal or official contexts compared to **siarad**.

Datgan
To state or to declare.
Mae’r gweinidog wedi datgan ei benderfyniad.

When you want to convey that someone has made an official statement or declaration, you use **datgan**. For example, if a minister has declared their decision, you would say, “Mae’r gweinidog wedi datgan ei benderfyniad.”

Hysbysu
To inform.
Mae’n rhaid i ni hysbysu’r cyhoedd am y newid.

Informing people is a key part of communication, especially in formal settings. **Hysbysu** means “to inform.” If you need to inform the public about a change, you would use this word.

Cyhoeddi
To publish or to announce.
Byddwn yn cyhoeddi’r canlyniadau yfory.

Publishing or announcing information is often done in official settings. **Cyhoeddi** means “to publish” or “to announce.” If you are going to announce the results tomorrow, you would say, “Byddwn yn cyhoeddi’r canlyniadau yfory.”

Datganiad
Statement.
Rhyddhaodd y cwmni ddatganiad i’r wasg.

A statement is a formal expression of facts or opinions. **Datganiad** means “statement.” If a company released a statement to the press, you would say, “Rhyddhaodd y cwmni ddatganiad i’r wasg.”

Gosod
To set or to place.
Mae angen i ni osod y sail ar gyfer y prosiect.

Setting the foundation for something is crucial in both projects and declarations. **Gosod** means “to set” or “to place.” If you need to set the foundation for a project, you would use this word.

Bod
To be.
Mae’n bwysig bod yn onest wrth wneud datganiadau.

The verb **bod** means “to be” and is essential in forming various tenses and statements. If you want to say that it is important to be honest when making statements, you would use **bod**.

Adrodd
To report.
Rhaid i ni adrodd y digwyddiad i’r awdurdodau.

Reporting incidents or events often involves formal declarations. **Adrodd** means “to report.” If you need to report an incident to the authorities, you would use this word.

Cadarnhau
To confirm.
Gallwch chi gadarnhau’r trefniadau cyn diwedd y dydd?

Confirmation is usually needed in formal communications. **Cadarnhau** means “to confirm.” If you need someone to confirm arrangements before the end of the day, you would use this word.

Putting It All Together

Understanding when to use **siarad** and **datgan** can significantly enhance your communication skills in Welsh. While both words can be translated as “to speak” or “to state,” their usage contexts are different. **Siarad** is more informal and versatile, often used in everyday conversations. In contrast, **datgan** is more formal and used in official or declarative contexts.

For instance, if you are having a casual conversation with friends, you would use **siarad**. On the other hand, if you are making an official statement or announcement, you would use **datgan**.

Let’s look at a few more examples to further clarify the differences:

Siarad
To speak or to talk.
Rydym yn siarad am y tywydd heddiw.

Datgan
To state or to declare.
Mae’r llywodraeth wedi datgan cyfnod clo newydd.

In the first example, **siarad** is used because the context is an informal conversation about the weather. In the second example, **datgan** is used because it involves an official announcement by the government about a new lockdown.

Gwrando
To listen.
Mae’n bwysig gwrando ar bawb yn y cyfarfod.

Hysbysu
To inform.
Mae’r ysgol wedi hysbysu’r rhieni am y newidiadau.

In these examples, **gwrando** is used in the context of an important meeting where listening to everyone is crucial, and **hysbysu** is used in the context of the school informing parents about changes.

Deall
To understand.
Rwy’n deall eich pryderon am y sefyllfa.

Cyhoeddi
To publish or to announce.
Byddwn yn cyhoeddi’r manylion yn fuan.

Here, **deall** is used to convey understanding of someone’s concerns, while **cyhoeddi** is used to indicate that details will be announced soon.

Ateb
To answer or to reply.
Plîs atebwch y cwestiynau yn ofalus.

Datganiad
Statement.
Roedd y datganiad yn glir ac yn gryno.

In these examples, **ateb** is used to request careful answers to questions, and **datganiad** is used to describe a statement that was clear and concise.

Sgwrs
Conversation.
Mae gennym sgwrs am y cynlluniau.

Gosod
To set or to place.
Rhaid i ni osod y meini prawf ar gyfer y prosiect.

Here, **sgwrs** is used for a conversation about plans, and **gosod** is used to indicate setting criteria for a project.

Geiriau
Words.
Mae eich geiriau yn ysbrydoledig.

Bod
To be.
Mae’n hanfodol bod yn dryloyw wrth wneud penderfyniadau.

In these examples, **geiriau** is used to describe inspiring words, and **bod** is used to stress the importance of being transparent when making decisions.

Cyfieithu
To translate.
A allwch chi gyfieithu’r testun hwn i Gymraeg?

Adrodd
To report.
Mae’r newyddion yn adrodd am y digwyddiad.

Here, **cyfieithu** is used to ask for a text to be translated into Welsh, and **adrodd** is used to describe the news reporting an event.

Ymarfer
To practice.
Mae angen ymarfer pob dydd i wella.

Cadarnhau
To confirm.
Gallwch chi gadarnhau’r amser cyfarfod?

In these examples, **ymarfer** is used to stress the need for daily practice to improve, and **cadarnhau** is used to ask for confirmation of a meeting time.

By understanding the contexts in which **siarad** and **datgan** are used, you can more effectively communicate in Welsh. Remember that language learning is a journey, and practice is key. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as they are a natural part of the learning process. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find yourself more confident in your ability to speak and state things in Welsh.