Understanding Adverbs of Time in Welsh Grammar

As an integral component of Welsh grammar, adverbs of time serve to indicate when an event or action takes place. This article offers an in-depth exploration of these adverbs, including their formation, usage, and common examples.

Formation of Adverbs of Time

Welsh adverbs of time can be derived from various sources, including:

1. Nouns: By adding the suffix ‘-wedd’ or ‘-yd,’ a noun can be transformed into an adverb of time. For example, ‘nos’ (night) becomes ‘noswedd’ (at night).

2. Adjectives: Adjectives can also be converted into adverbs of time by adding the suffix ‘-(i)th.’ For example, ‘hir’ (long) becomes ‘hirth’ (for a long time).

3. Prepositions: Some adverbs of time derive from prepositions, such as ‘ar ôl’ (after).

4. Cardinal numbers: These numbers can be transformed into adverbs by appending the suffix ‘-(i)ait’ to the end. For example, ‘un’ (one) becomes ‘unait’ (once).

Different Categories of Adverbs of Time

Adverbs of time in Welsh grammar can be organized into multiple categories, each with their unique characteristics.

Definite Adverbs of Time

These adverbs provide specific information about when an event or action occurs. Examples include ‘heddiw’ (today), ‘yfory’ (tomorrow), and ‘neithiwr’ (last night).

Indefinite Adverbs of Time

Indefinite adverbs of time convey more general information, without specifying the exact moment of an event or action. Examples include ‘aml’ (often), ‘byth’ (ever, never), and ‘weithiau’ (sometimes).

Relative Adverbs of Time

Relative adverbs reference a particular point in time, relative to another event or action. Examples include ‘cyn’ (before), ‘ar ôl’ (after), and ‘tra’ (while).

Progressive Adverbs of Time

These adverbs indicate the progression or duration of an event or action. Examples encompass ‘nawr’ (now), ‘yn y blaen’ (previously), and ‘erbyn hyn’ (by now).

Interrogative Adverbs of Time

Employed in questions, interrogative adverbs of time probe for information regarding the timing of an event or action. Examples include ‘pryd’ (when), ‘am ba hyd’ (for how long), and ‘tan pryd’ (until when).

Usage of Adverbs of Time in Welsh Sentences

Typically, adverbs of time appear at the beginning or end of a sentence, depending on the context and emphasis required. For instance:
– Yfory, byddaf yn mynd i’r siop. (Tomorrow, I will go to the shop.)
– Daw’r bws bob awr. (The bus comes every hour.)

In specific circumstances, the adverb of time might be placed in the middle of the sentence. For example:
– Byddaf yn yr ysgol tra byddwch yn y swyddfa. (I will be at school while you are at the office.)

Common Welsh Phrases with Adverbs of Time

Utilizing adverbs of time, several common Welsh phrases can enhance your understanding and usage of the language:

1. Pryd bynnag (whenever): Cysylltwn â mi pryd bynnag y byddwch yn barod. (Contact me whenever you are ready.)
2. Ar un adeg (once upon a time): Ar un adeg, yr oedd yna fachgen a merch fach. (Once upon a time, there was a little boy and a little girl.)
3. Yn gyntaf (firstly): Yn gyntaf, dylai’r wyau gael eu torri’n fanwl. (Firstly, the eggs should be finely chopped.)

Summary

Developing a comprehensive grasp of adverbs of time in Welsh grammar is essential for effectively communicating the nuances in timing and duration of events and actions. By understanding their formation, categorization, and usage in sentences, one can expect a significant improvement in both written and spoken Welsh.