Understanding “allan”: The Basic Meaning
“Allan” is a Welsh adverb that means “out” or “outside”. It is most often used to indicate movement from an inside space to outside, or to describe an action that happens outside. For example, if someone says, “Cer allan!”, it means “Go out!” Here, “allan” tells us about the direction or location relative to an inside space.
Examples of “allan” in Sentences
- Dw i’n mynd allan – I am going out.
- Mae’r ci y tu allan – The dog is outside.
- Galwch allan os ydych angen help – Call out if you need help.
Understanding “tu allan”: Adding Specificity
“Tu allan” is a phrase that literally translates to “the outside” or “outside of”. It is used to specify location, often in relation to another object or place. “Tu” means “side” or “surface”, so “tu allan” means “the outside side” or simply “outside”. This phrase is commonly used when you want to be more precise about where something or someone is, especially when compared to “allan” alone.
Examples of “tu allan” in Sentences
- Mae’r car tu allan i’r tŷ – The car is outside the house.
- Roedd y plant yn chwarae tu allan – The children were playing outside.
- Gadewch eich esgidiau tu allan – Leave your shoes outside.
Key Differences Between “tu allan” and “allan”
Although both “tu allan” and “allan” refer to being outside, their usage differs in subtle but important ways:
- “Allan” is typically used to describe motion or action (going out, being out, moving out), or when “outside” is used adverbially.
- “Tu allan” is generally used to describe specific locations and is often followed by “i” (to) or “o” (of) to indicate outside of a particular place or object.
Think of “allan” as saying “out” in English, while “tu allan” is closer to “outside” or “outside of” in English, giving a clearer sense of position.
Practical Tips for Learners
- Use “allan” for actions or general movement outside, such as “mynd allan” (to go out).
- Use “tu allan” when specifying a location in relation to something else, such as “tu allan i’r ysgol” (outside the school).
- Listen for context in conversations, as native speakers will naturally use the correct form, which can help you internalize the difference.
- Practice with example sentences, swapping “allan” and “tu allan” to see how the meaning changes.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common mistakes for Welsh learners is overusing “allan” when “tu allan” is required, especially when specifying a location. Remember, if you are describing something being outside a specific place, “tu allan” is the correct choice. For actions or movement, “allan” is usually sufficient.
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Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “tu allan” and “allan” is an important step for anyone learning Welsh. “Allan” is best for describing movement or actions, while “tu allan” is used for specific locations. By practicing these forms in context and using resources like the Talkpal blog, you can quickly gain confidence in using Welsh naturally and correctly. Keep practicing, and soon these subtle differences will become second nature!
