The Welsh word **hir** translates to “long” in English. It is used to describe something that has a considerable length from end to end. Whether you are talking about a river, a piece of string, or even a period of time, **hir** is the word you would use.

Hir: Long
Mae’r afon hon yn **hir** iawn.
(This river is very long.)

When using **hir**, it’s important to focus on the length of an object or a duration of time rather than its height. Here are some more examples to illustrate its usage:

Afon: River
Mae’r **afon** yn rhedeg trwy’r dref.
(The river runs through the town.)

Llinyn: String
Mae’r **llinyn** hwn yn rhy **hir**.
(This string is too long.)

Cyfnod: Period
Roedd y **cyfnod** hwnnw yn **hir** iawn.
(That period was very long.)

More Contexts for Hir

**Hir** can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe intangible lengths, such as time or distance.

Amser: Time
Cymrodd hynny lawer o **amser** **hir**.
(That took a very long time.)

Pellter: Distance
Cerddodd hi **pellter** **hir**.
(She walked a long distance.)

Uchel – Tall

On the other hand, **uchel** means “tall” or “high” and is used to describe the height of an object or person. When you want to talk about the vertical dimension, **uchel** is your go-to word.

Uchel: Tall/High
Mae’r adeilad hwn yn **uchel** iawn.
(This building is very tall.)

**Uchel** is more appropriate for situations involving height, such as buildings, mountains, or the height of a person.

Adeilad: Building
Mae’r **adeilad** hwn yn **uchel** ac yn drawiadol.
(This building is tall and impressive.)

Mynydd: Mountain
Mae’r **mynydd** yn **uchel** ac yn heriol.
(The mountain is tall and challenging.)

Person: Person
Mae e’n **person** **uchel**.
(He is a tall person.)

More Contexts for Uchel

**Uchel** is also used to describe abstract heights, such as levels of sound or quality.

Sain: Sound
Mae’r **sain** yn rhy **uchel**.
(The sound is too high/loud.)

Ansawdd: Quality
Mae ansawdd y gwaith yn **uchel** iawn.
(The quality of the work is very high.)

Distinguishing Between Hir and Uchel

A common mistake for English speakers learning Welsh is using **hir** and **uchel** interchangeably. To avoid this, remember that **hir** is about length and **uchel** is about height.

Practical Examples

Consider a few more practical examples to solidify your understanding:

Coeden: Tree
Mae’r **goeden** hon yn **uchel** iawn.
(This tree is very tall.)

Ffilm: Film
Mae’r **ffilm** yn **hir** iawn.
(The film is very long.)

Ffordd: Road
Mae’r **ffordd** hon yn **hir** ac yn syth.
(This road is long and straight.)

Wal: Wall
Mae’r **wal** yn **uchel** ac yn gadarn.
(The wall is tall and sturdy.)

Common Phrases and Idioms

Welsh, like any language, has its own set of idiomatic expressions. Some of these involve the words **hir** and **uchel**.

Hir o hyd: Long-lasting
Bydd y cof am y digwyddiad hwn yn **hir o hyd**.
(The memory of this event will be long-lasting.)

Uchel ei barch: Highly respected
Mae’n **uchel ei barch** yn y gymuned.
(He is highly respected in the community.)

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between **hir** and **uchel** is crucial for accurate communication in Welsh. While both words deal with dimensions, their contexts differ significantly. **Hir** relates to length, whether it be physical or temporal, whereas **uchel** pertains to height or levels.

By practicing with these words in various contexts, you will become more comfortable with their correct usage. Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and mastery comes with time and practice. Keep these distinctions in mind, and you will find yourself using **hir** and **uchel** accurately in no time.

Happy learning!