Welsh, or Cymraeg, is a beautiful language spoken predominantly in Wales, part of the United Kingdom. With its Celtic roots, Welsh boasts a rich history and unique sound. Learning a few common Welsh words and phrases can be a delightful way to connect with Welsh culture, even if you’re not planning to become fluent. This article explores some commonly used Welsh words and phrases that are perfect for beginners and travelers looking to make a positive impression.

### Greetings and Common Expressions

Greetings are fundamental in any language, and Welsh is no exception. To begin, the general greeting for “hello” is “Shwmae” (pronounced shoo-my) or “Helo” (pronounced heh-loh), both of which are informal and widely used among friends and acquaintances.

Sut wyt ti? (How are you?) is a common follow-up after greeting someone. The response could simply be “Da iawn, diolch” (Very good, thank you) or “Dim yn ddrwg, diolch” (Not bad, thank you).

For farewells, you can say “Hwyl” (Bye) or “Hwyl fawr” (Goodbye) when you’re leaving. If you’re wishing someone a good day, you can say “Cael diwrnod da!”

### Politeness and Courtesy

Being polite is key in any interaction. To say please, you would use “Os gwelwch yn dda” (If you please) and for thank you, “Diolch”. To express gratitude more emphatically, you can say “Diolch yn fawr” (Thank you very much).

If you need to get past someone or attract their attention, saying “Esgusodwch fi” (Excuse me) is appropriate and polite.

### Dining Out

If you’re dining out in Wales, knowing some basic Welsh can enhance your experience. When entering a restaurant, you might want to ask for a table by saying “Ga i gael bwrdd i ddau, os gwelwch yn dda?” (Can I have a table for two, please?).

Once you’re ready to order, you can say “Hoffwn i archebu nawr, os gwelwch yn dda” (I would like to order now, please). If you enjoyed your meal, you might want to compliment the chef with “Roedd y bwyd yn fendigedig!” (The food was wonderful!)

### Asking for Directions

Getting around in a new place can be daunting. If you’re lost, you can ask “Allwch chi ddangos i mi ble mae’r orsaf drenau?” (Can you show me where the train station is?).

When inquiring about the distance to a place, you might say “Faint o bellter i’r maes parcio?” (How far is it to the parking lot?).

### Emergencies and Important Phrases

In case of emergencies, it’s crucial to know some basic phrases. For help, you would shout “Helpwch fi!” (Help me!). To call for an ambulance, you can say “Ffoniwch ambiwlans!”

If you need the police, you should say “Ffoniwch yr heddlu!” (Call the police!).

### Numbers and Shopping

When shopping, knowing numbers can be very helpful. The numbers one to ten in Welsh are: un, dau, tri, pedwar, pump, chwech, saith, wyth, naw, deg.

If you want to ask the price of something, you could say “Faint yw hwn?” (How much is this?). If you’re at a market, you might also hear “Bargen i chi!” (A bargain for you!).

### Days of the Week and Weather

Discussing the days of the week (Llun, Mawrth, Mercher, Iau, Gwener, Sadwrn, Sul) and talking about the weather are great ways to practice your Welsh. For example, to say it’s a sunny day, you could say “Mae hi’n heulog heddiw” (It is sunny today).

### Conclusion

Learning Welsh can be a rewarding and enriching experience. By mastering these commonly used words and phrases, you’re not only enhancing your travel experience but also showing respect and appreciation for Welsh culture. Pob lwc! (Good luck!)