Understanding the Traditional Welsh Counting System
The traditional Welsh counting method is based on twenties, not tens. While modern Welsh often uses a decimal (base-10) system for convenience, the base-20 system is still widely taught and respected, especially when discussing money, ages, and time. Learning the traditional system is a valuable skill for anyone serious about Welsh language learning.
Why Use the Traditional System?
Using the traditional system demonstrates respect for the language’s history and is still encountered in many Welsh-speaking communities, markets, and cultural contexts. Even if you use the decimal system day-to-day, understanding the traditional method will help you in conversations with native speakers and when exploring Welsh literature or folklore.
How the Traditional Welsh Counting System Works
The key to the traditional system is counting in twenties. For example, instead of saying “thirty” as three tens, you’d say “ten on twenty.” Here’s a breakdown of the main numbers you’ll use:
- Un – 1
- Dau – 2
- Tri – 3
- Pedwar – 4
- Pump – 5
- Chwech – 6
- Saith – 7
- Wyth – 8
- Naw – 9
- Deg – 10
- Un ar ddeg – 11
- Dau ar ddeg – 12
- Ugain – 20
- Deg ar hugain – 30 (10 on 20)
- Ddeugain – 40 (two twenties)
- Hanner cant – 50 (half a hundred, or 2½ twenties)
- Trigain – 60 (three twenties)
- Pedwar ugain – 80 (four twenties)
- Cant – 100
Counting Coins and Notes in Welsh
In day-to-day Welsh, you’ll need to know how to talk about pounds and pence:
- Punt (plural: punnoedd) – Pound
- Cewin (plural: ceiniogau) – Penny
To say “two pounds fifty,” you’d say “dwy bunt a hanner can ceiniog” (literally, “two pounds and a half a hundred pennies”).
Examples of Counting Money Using the Traditional System
- 25p – “Pump ar hugain ceiniog” (Five on twenty pennies)
- 40p – “Ddeugain ceiniog” (Two twenties of pennies)
- 65p – “Pump ar bymtheg ar hugain ceiniog” (Five on fifteen on twenty pennies)
- £1.20 – “Un bunt ac ugain ceiniog” (One pound and twenty pennies)
- £2.50 – “Dwy bunt a hanner cant ceiniog” (Two pounds and half a hundred pennies)
Useful Phrases for Handling Money
- Faint ydy hwn? – How much is this?
- Mae’n costio… – It costs…
- Dyma’r arian. – Here’s the money.
Tips for Mastering the Traditional Welsh Counting System
- Practice with real-life scenarios—try counting out change or reading price tags in Welsh.
- Listen to native speakers, especially in market settings or on Welsh-language media, to hear the traditional system in action.
- Use language learning platforms like Talkpal to reinforce your understanding and pronunciation.
- Write out different amounts in both decimal and traditional forms to see the patterns.
Conclusion
Learning to count money in Welsh using the traditional system is both a linguistic challenge and a rewarding cultural experience. By practicing regularly and using resources like Talkpal, you’ll soon be comfortable with the base-20 system, impressing both teachers and native speakers alike. Whether you’re shopping in a Welsh village or reading local literature, understanding traditional counting opens up a richer world of Welsh language and culture.
