Learning a new language can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially when diving into the rich and culturally significant Welsh language. For those embarking on this journey at the A1 level, it’s essential to build a solid foundation of basic vocabulary. This article will introduce you to 50 essential Welsh words that are crucial for beginners. By familiarizing yourself with these words, you’ll be well-equipped to handle basic conversations and navigate everyday situations. Let’s get started!

Greetings and Basic Phrases

1. Helo

One of the first words you’ll need is “helo,” which simply means “hello.” It’s a universal greeting and a great way to start any conversation.

2. Prynhawn da

This phrase means “good afternoon.” It’s a polite way to greet someone during the afternoon hours.

3. Nos da

“Nos da” translates to “good night.” Use this phrase when saying goodbye in the evening or before going to bed.

4. Diolch

Saying thank you is important in any language. “Diolch” is the Welsh word for “thank you.”

5. Os gwelwch yn dda

This means “please.” It’s essential to use polite phrases like this one when making requests.

6. Ie

“Ie” is the Welsh word for “yes.” It’s a short and straightforward word that you’ll use often.

7. Na

Conversely, “na” means “no.” It’s just as important to know how to say no as it is to say yes.

8. Esgusodwch fi

This phrase translates to “excuse me.” Use it to get someone’s attention or to politely move through a crowd.

9. Sori

“Sori” is the Welsh equivalent of “sorry.” It’s a useful word for apologizing in various situations.

10. Sut mae?

This phrase means “how are you?” It’s a friendly way to ask someone about their well-being.

Numbers and Counting

11. Un

“Un” is the Welsh word for “one.” It’s the first number you’ll need to know when counting.

12. Dau

This is the word for “two.” It’s pronounced as “die,” and it’s essential for basic counting.

13. Tri

“Tri” means “three.” It’s similar to the English word, making it easier to remember.

14. Pedwar

“Pedwar” is the Welsh word for “four.” It’s a bit longer, but with practice, it’ll become second nature.

15. Pump

“Pump” translates to “five.” It’s another straightforward number to add to your vocabulary.

16. Chwech

This is the word for “six.” It’s pronounced as “chwech,” with a guttural sound that’s unique to Welsh.

17. Saith

“Saith” means “seven.” It’s an essential number for basic arithmetic and daily use.

18. Wyth

This word translates to “eight.” It’s pronounced as “oyth.”

19. Naw

“Naw” is the Welsh word for “nine.” It’s short and easy to remember.

20. Deg

“Deg” means “ten.” It’s the final number in this basic counting list.

Days of the Week

21. Dydd Llun

“Dydd Llun” translates to “Monday.” It’s the first day of the week in Welsh.

22. Dydd Mawrth

This means “Tuesday.” It’s the second day of the week.

23. Dydd Mercher

“Dydd Mercher” is the Welsh word for “Wednesday.” It’s the midpoint of the workweek.

24. Dydd Iau

This phrase means “Thursday.” It’s an important day to know in any weekly schedule.

25. Dydd Gwener

“Dydd Gwener” translates to “Friday.” It’s often a favorite day as it marks the start of the weekend.

26. Dydd Sadwrn

This is the Welsh word for “Saturday.” It’s part of the weekend and a day for leisure.

27. Dydd Sul

“Dydd Sul” means “Sunday.” It’s the final day of the week and often a day of rest.

Common Nouns

28. Car

“Car” in Welsh is exactly the same as in English. It means “car” or “automobile.”

29. Ty

“Ty” translates to “house.” It’s pronounced as “tee.”

30. Bwyd

This word means “food.” It’s essential for discussing meals and dietary preferences.

31. Dwr

“Dwr” translates to “water.” It’s pronounced as “door.”

32. Arian

“Arian” means “money.” It’s a crucial word for any financial transactions.

33. Siop

“Siop” translates to “shop” or “store.” It’s similar to the English word and easy to remember.

34. Bws

“Bws” means “bus.” It’s another word that’s very similar to its English counterpart.

35. Ffrind

“Ffrind” translates to “friend.” It’s pronounced as “freend.”

36. Teulu

“Teulu” means “family.” It’s pronounced as “tie-lee.”

37. Cartref

This word translates to “home.” It’s a comforting and essential word in any language.

Adjectives and Descriptions

38. Mawr

“Mawr” means “big” or “large.” It’s used to describe the size of objects.

39. Bach

This word means “small.” It’s the opposite of “mawr.”

40. Newydd

“Newydd” translates to “new.” It’s used to describe something that is recent or just acquired.

41. Hen

“Hen” means “old.” It’s the opposite of “newydd.”

42. Da

“Da” translates to “good.” It’s a positive adjective used in various contexts.

43. Drwg

This word means “bad.” It’s the opposite of “da.”

44. Poeth

“Poeth” translates to “hot.” It’s used to describe temperature.

45. Oer

“Oer” means “cold.” It’s the opposite of “poeth.”

46. Cyflym

“Cyflym” translates to “fast.” It’s used to describe speed.

47. Araf

This word means “slow.” It’s the opposite of “cyflym.”

48. Prydferth

“Prydferth” means “beautiful.” It’s used to describe something aesthetically pleasing.

49. Hyll

This word translates to “ugly.” It’s the opposite of “prydferth.”

50. Blinedig

“Blinedig” means “tired.” It’s used to describe a state of fatigue.

Conclusion

Mastering these 50 essential Welsh words will give you a strong foundation as you continue to learn the language. Whether you’re greeting someone, counting, describing your surroundings, or simply having a basic conversation, these words will come in handy. Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and consistency is key. Practice these words regularly, and don’t be afraid to use them in your daily interactions. Before you know it, you’ll be more confident in your Welsh language skills and ready to tackle more complex vocabulary and grammar. Happy learning!