What Does “Wedi Bod” Mean in Welsh?
“Wedi” means “after” or “has/have” in the context of forming the perfect tense. “Bod” is the infinitive form of “to be.” Put together, “wedi bod” literally translates as “have been.” This construction is used to talk about experiences or actions that started in the past and are relevant to the present—just like the English present perfect tense.
How to Form Sentences with “Wedi Bod”
To say “have been” in Welsh, you need three components:
- The appropriate form of the verb “to be” for the subject (e.g., “dw i” for “I am,” “rwyt ti” for “you are”)
- The word “wedi”
- The word “bod”
Here’s the basic structure:
Subject + form of “to be” + wedi bod + rest of the sentence
For example:
- Dw i wedi bod yn y dref. – I have been in town.
- Rwyt ti wedi bod yn gweithio. – You have been working.
- Mae hi wedi bod yn hapus. – She has been happy.
Examples of “Wedi Bod” in Everyday Welsh
Let’s look at some more practical examples to help you get used to this structure:
- Dw i wedi bod yn dysgu Cymraeg. – I have been learning Welsh.
- Rydyn ni wedi bod yn aros yma. – We have been staying here.
- Maen nhw wedi bod yn gwylio’r teledu. – They have been watching television.
Notice how “wedi bod” is always preceded by a form of “bod” (to be) that matches the subject. This is key to forming correct Welsh sentences.
Adding Time Expressions
To specify how long someone has “been” doing something, you can add a time expression to your sentence. For instance:
- Dw i wedi bod yma ers dwy flynedd. – I have been here for two years.
- Mae hi wedi bod yn gweithio ers bore. – She has been working since morning.
“Ers” means “since” or “for,” and is used in combination with a time period or point in time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning to use “wedi bod,” some learners try to translate directly from English, leading to errors. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Don’t omit the correct form of “bod” at the start of the sentence. Saying “Wedi bod yn y dref” without “Dw i” is incomplete.
- Don’t use “wedi bod” for continuous actions that are still ongoing. For actions still in progress, Welsh uses a different structure (e.g., “Dw i’n dysgu” – I am learning).
- Don’t confuse “wedi bod” with “wedi” alone, which means “have/has” in the perfect tense (e.g., “Dw i wedi bwyta” – I have eaten).
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master “wedi bod” is through regular practice and exposure. Try forming your own sentences using the structure you’ve learned, and listen to native speakers—whether in conversation, on the radio, or on Welsh language learning platforms like Talkpal. The more you use “wedi bod,” the more natural it will feel.
Why Mastering “Wedi Bod” Matters
Being able to use “wedi bod” accurately allows you to talk about your experiences and what you or others have done—a vital part of everyday conversation. It’s a fundamental building block for expressing yourself clearly and confidently in Welsh.
Conclusion
“Wedi bod” is an essential construction for expressing “have been” in Welsh. By understanding the structure, practicing with examples, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to fluency. To deepen your learning, consider using resources like Talkpal, which offers interactive ways to practice and improve your Welsh skills. With regular practice, you’ll soon find that using “wedi bod” becomes second nature.
