Understanding Legal Terms in Welsh
Legal language can often be complex and specialized, but learning these terms can significantly enhance your comprehension of legal texts and proceedings. Below, we break down some of the most frequently used legal terms in Welsh, providing explanations and context for each.
Cyfraith (Law)
The word cyfraith is the Welsh term for “law.” It is a foundational word that you will encounter frequently in legal contexts. In sentences, it can be used similarly to its English counterpart. For example:
– Mae’r gyfraith yn gwarchod hawliau dynol. (The law protects human rights.)
Llys (Court)
The Welsh word for “court” is llys. This term is essential, as it pertains to the place where legal cases are heard and decided. For instance:
– Mae’r achos yn mynd i’r llys. (The case is going to court.)
Barnwr (Judge)
A barnwr is a “judge,” a critical figure in the legal system responsible for ensuring justice is served. For example:
– Bydd y barnwr yn gwneud penderfyniad. (The judge will make a decision.)
Cyfreithiwr (Lawyer)
The term cyfreithiwr translates to “lawyer” in English. Lawyers play a vital role in representing parties in legal matters. For example:
– Mae angen cyfreithiwr da arnoch chi. (You need a good lawyer.)
Deddf (Act/Statute)
The Welsh word deddf refers to an “act” or “statute,” which are laws passed by a legislative body. For instance:
– Mae’r deddf newydd yn effeithio ar bawb. (The new act affects everyone.)
Cyflwyniad (Submission)
In legal contexts, cyflwyniad means “submission,” referring to the formal presentation of a case or argument in court. For example:
– Gwnaeth y cyfreithiwr gyflwyniad cadarn. (The lawyer made a strong submission.)
Tystiolaeth (Evidence)
Evidence is crucial in legal proceedings, and the Welsh term for it is tystiolaeth. For example:
– Mae digon o dystiolaeth i’w gael yn euog. (There is enough evidence to find them guilty.)
Erlyn (Prosecute)
The term erlyn means “to prosecute.” It involves bringing legal action against someone. For instance:
– Bydd yr heddlu yn erlyn y troseddwr. (The police will prosecute the offender.)
Amddiffyn (Defend)
Conversely, amddiffyn means “to defend,” referring to the act of protecting someone from legal action. For example:
– Mae’r cyfreithiwr yn amddiffyn ei gleient. (The lawyer is defending their client.)
Dedfryd (Sentence)
The term dedfryd refers to a “sentence” in a legal context, indicating the punishment assigned to someone found guilty. For example:
– Cafodd ef ddedfryd o ddeng mlynedd. (He received a sentence of ten years.)
Apêl (Appeal)
An apêl is an “appeal,” referring to the process of challenging a court decision. For example:
– Rydym yn bwriadu gwneud apêl. (We intend to make an appeal.)
Cyhuddiad (Accusation)
The word cyhuddiad translates to “accusation,” an assertion that someone has done something illegal. For instance:
– Mae wedi wynebu cyhuddiad difrifol. (He has faced a serious accusation.)
Cyfiawnder (Justice)
The concept of cyfiawnder is central to the legal system, meaning “justice.” For example:
– Mae’r llys yn chwilio am gyfiawnder. (The court seeks justice.)
Hawliau (Rights)
The term hawliau means “rights,” fundamental principles that individuals are entitled to. For example:
– Mae gennych chi hawliau sylfaenol. (You have basic rights.)
Cyfrinach (Confidentiality)
In legal contexts, cyfrinach refers to “confidentiality,” the principle of keeping information private. For instance:
– Mae’r wybodaeth hon yn gyfrinach. (This information is confidential.)
Cyfrifoldeb (Responsibility)
The Welsh word cyfrifoldeb means “responsibility,” a duty or obligation. For example:
– Mae gennych chi gyfrifoldeb cyfreithiol. (You have a legal responsibility.)
Cyhoeddi (Publish)
The term cyhoeddi means “to publish,” often used in the context of making legal information publicly available. For example:
– Rhaid cyhoeddi y ddeddf newydd. (The new act must be published.)
Cyfrifon (Accounts)
In legal and financial contexts, cyfrifon refers to “accounts.” For example:
– Rhaid i’r cyfrifon fod yn gywir. (The accounts must be accurate.)
Rheol (Rule)
The term rheol translates to “rule,” a principle or regulation set by an authority. For example:
– Mae’n rhaid dilyn y rheolau. (The rules must be followed.)
Achwyniad (Complaint)
An achwyniad is a “complaint,” a formal expression of dissatisfaction. For instance:
– Mae wedi cyflwyno achwyniad ffurfiol. (He has submitted a formal complaint.)
Arbennigwr (Expert)
The Welsh word arbennigwr means “expert,” someone with specialized knowledge in a particular field. For example:
– Mae’n arbennigwr mewn cyfraith droseddol. (He is an expert in criminal law.)
Ymchwiliad (Inquiry)
An ymchwiliad is an “inquiry,” a formal investigation. For example:
– Mae’n arwain yr ymchwiliad. (He is leading the inquiry.)
Gweithredu (Action)
The term gweithredu means “action,” often referring to legal proceedings. For instance:
– Mae’n cymryd gweithredu cyfreithiol. (He is taking legal action.)
Rhybudd (Notice)
A rhybudd is a “notice,” an official warning or announcement. For example:
– Mae wedi derbyn rhybudd cyfreithiol. (He has received a legal notice.)
Ymgynghori (Consult)
The Welsh word ymgynghori means “to consult,” often used in the context of seeking legal advice. For example:
– Dylech ymgynghori â chyfreithiwr. (You should consult a lawyer.)
Gwrandawiad (Hearing)
A gwrandawiad is a “hearing,” a session in which a case is heard in court. For instance:
– Mae’r gwrandawiad wedi’i drefnu ar gyfer dydd Llun. (The hearing is scheduled for Monday.)
Cyfrinachol (Confidential)
The term cyfrinachol means “confidential,” referring to information that must be kept private. For example:
– Mae’r dogfennau hyn yn gyfrinachol. (These documents are confidential.)
Gwrthwynebiad (Objection)
A gwrthwynebiad is an “objection,” a formal expression of disapproval or disagreement in court. For instance:
– Mae’n gwneud gwrthwynebiad i’r tystiolaeth. (He is making an objection to the evidence.)
Dirwy (Fine)
The Welsh word dirwy means “fine,” a monetary penalty imposed for an offense. For example:
– Rhaid iddi dalu dirwy. (She must pay a fine.)
Gwarant (Warrant)
A gwarant is a “warrant,” an official authorization for an action such as an arrest or search. For example:
– Mae’r heddlu wedi cyflwyno gwarant chwilio. (The police have issued a search warrant.)
Cyfreithlon (Legal)
The term cyfreithlon means “legal,” referring to something permitted by law. For example:
– Mae’r gweithgaredd hwn yn gyfreithlon. (This activity is legal.)
Anghyfreithlon (Illegal)
Conversely, anghyfreithlon means “illegal,” referring to something prohibited by law. For example:
– Mae’r gweithgaredd hwn yn anghyfreithlon. (This activity is illegal.)
Hawlio (Claim)
The Welsh word hawlio means “to claim,” often used in the context of asserting a right or demanding something. For example:
– Mae’n hawlio iawndal. (He is claiming compensation.)
Deddfwriaeth (Legislation)
The term deddfwriaeth refers to “legislation,” laws collectively set by a governing body. For example:
– Mae’r deddfwriaeth newydd yn berthnasol. (The new legislation is relevant.)
Adroddiad (Report)
An adroddiad is a “report,” a formal account of an investigation or findings. For instance:
– Mae’r adroddiad yn cynnwys tystiolaeth bwysig. (The report includes important evidence.)
Arbrawf (Trial)
The Welsh word arbrawf means “trial,” a formal examination of evidence in court. For example:
– Mae’r arbrawf yn dechrau yfory. (The trial starts tomorrow.)
Cyngor (Advice)
The term cyngor means “advice,” often used in the context of legal counsel. For example:
– Mae angen cyngor cyfreithiol arnoch chi. (You need legal advice.)
Cyhuddwr (Accuser)
A cyhuddwr is an “accuser,” someone who claims another person has committed an offense. For instance:
– Mae’r cyhuddwr yn darparu tystiolaeth. (The accuser is providing evidence.)
Cyhuddedig (Accused)
Conversely, cyhuddedig refers to the “accused,” the person charged with an offense. For example:
– Mae’r cyhuddedig yn pledio’n ddieuog. (The accused pleads not guilty.)
Deddfu (Enact)
The Welsh word deddfu means “to enact,” referring to the process of passing a law. For example:
– Mae’r llywodraeth yn deddfu cyfraith newydd. (The government is enacting a new law.)
Gwybodaeth (Information)
The term gwybodaeth means “information,” crucial in legal contexts for building cases. For example:
– Mae angen mwy o wybodaeth arnom. (We need more information.)
Cyhuddo (Accuse)
The Welsh word cyhuddo means “to accuse,” often used in legal contexts. For example:
– Mae’n cyhuddo rhywun o ladrata. (He is accusing someone of theft.)
Cyfaddawd (Compromise)
The term cyfaddawd means “compromise,” a settlement of differences. For example:
– Mae’r ddwy ochr wedi cyrraedd gyfaddawd. (Both sides have reached a compromise.)
Cyfrinacholdeb (Secrecy)
The Welsh word cyfrinacholdeb means “secrecy,” the act of keeping something confidential. For example:
– Mae cyfrinacholdeb yn hanfodol yn yr achos hwn. (Secrecy is essential in this case.)
Cyfrinacholdeb (Secrecy)
The Welsh word cyfrinacholdeb means “secrecy,” the act of keeping something confidential. For example:
– Mae cyfrinacholdeb yn hanfodol yn yr achos hwn. (Secrecy is essential in this case.)
Cyflafareddu (Arbitrate)
The term cyflafareddu means “to arbitrate,” a method of resolving disputes outside the courts. For example:
– Mae’r partïon yn cytuno i gyflafareddu. (The parties agree to arbitrate.)
Gwrthdaro (Conflict)
The Welsh word gwrthdaro means “conflict,” often used to describe disputes or disagreements. For example:
– Mae gwrthdaro rhwng y ddwy ochr. (There is a conflict between the two sides.)
Ymgyfreitha (Litigate)
The term ymgyfreitha means “to litigate,” the process of taking legal action. For example:
– Maent yn bwriadu ymgyfreitha. (They intend to litigate.)
Hawliad (Claim)
A hawliad is a “claim,” a demand for something due or believed to be due. For instance:
– Mae wedi gwneud hawliad am iawndal. (He has made a claim for compensation.)
Cyfiawnhau (Justify)
The Welsh word cyfiawnhau means “to justify,” often used in legal defenses. For example:
– Mae’n rhaid iddynt gyfiawnhau eu gweithredoedd. (They must justify their actions.)
Cyfreithlondeb (Legality)
The term cyfreithlondeb means “legality,” the quality or state of being in accordance with the law. For example:
– Mae angen archwilio cyfreithlondeb y gweithgaredd hwn. (The legality of this activity needs to be examined.)
Dirprwyo (Delegate)
The Welsh word dirprwyo means “to delegate,” often used in the context of assigning responsibilities. For example:
– Mae’n dirprwyo ei dyletswyddau i’w gynorthwyydd. (He is delegating his duties to his assistant.)
Trysorlys (Treasury)
The term trysorlys means “treasury,” often referring to a government department responsible for financial and economic matters. For example:
– Mae’r trysorlys yn cyhoeddi’r gyllideb. (The treasury publishes the budget.)
Cyfreithloni (Legalize)
The Welsh word cyfreithloni means “to legalize,” the process of making something lawful. For example:
– Mae’r llywodraeth yn bwriadu cyfreithloni cyffuriau penodol. (The government intends to legalize certain drugs.)
Gwarant (Guarantee)
A gwarant is a “guarantee,” a formal promise or assurance. For instance:
– Mae’n rhoi gwarant ar y cynnyrch. (He gives a guarantee on the product.)
Cyfreithlondeb (Legitimacy)
The term cyfreithlondeb also translates to “legitimacy,” referring to the quality of being lawful or recognized as valid. For example:
– Mae’n rhaid sicrhau cy
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