Visiting Wales offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture steeped in history and a language that has survived the test of time. While many locals speak English, learning some key Welsh vocabulary can greatly enhance your experience. This article will guide you through essential Welsh phrases and vocabulary that will help you as a tourist, making your trip more enjoyable and interactive.

Greetings and Basic Politeness

Welsh people appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words. Here are some basic phrases that you can use to greet people and show politeness.

– Hello: “Helo” or “S’mae” (informal)
– Helo, sut wyt ti? (Hello, how are you?)

– Good morning: “Bore da”
– Bore da, a oes gennych chi goffi? (Good morning, do you have coffee?)

– Good afternoon: “Prynhawn da”
– Prynhawn da, ble mae’r toiledau? (Good afternoon, where are the toilets?)

– Good evening: “Noswaith dda”
– Noswaith dda, pryd mae’r bws olaf? (Good evening, when is the last bus?)

– Thank you: “Diolch”
– Diolch yn fawr iawn am eich help. (Thank you very much for your help.)

– Sorry: “Mae’n ddrwg gen i”
– Mae’n ddrwg gen i, dw i ddim yn deall. (Sorry, I don’t understand.)

Directions and Transportation

Getting around in Wales can be an adventure in itself. Knowing some Welsh can help you navigate through cities and countryside alike.

– Where is…?: “Ble mae…?”
– Ble mae’r orsaf drenau? (Where is the train station?)

– How far is it?: “Pa mor bell yw hi?”
– Pa mor bell yw hi i Gaerdydd? (How far is it to Cardiff?)

– Right: “Dde”
– Tro i’r dde ar ôl y goleuadau. (Turn right after the lights.)

– Left: “Chwith”
– Tro i’r chwith wrth y gyffordd. (Turn left at the junction.)

– Straight ahead: “Yn syth ymlaen”
– Ewch yn syth ymlaen am ddwy filltir. (Go straight ahead for two miles.)

– Bus: “Bws”
– A oes bws i Aberystwyth? (Is there a bus to Aberystwyth?)

– Train: “Trên”
– Pryd mae’r trên nesaf i Fangor? (When is the next train to Bangor?)

Ordering Food and Drinks

Wales is known for its delightful cuisine, and knowing some Welsh will make your dining experiences more enjoyable.

– Menu: “Bwydlen”
– Ga i weld y fwydlen, os gwelwch yn dda? (Can I see the menu, please?)

– Water: “Dŵr”
– Ga i ddŵr, os gwelwch yn dda? (Can I have water, please?)

– Beer: “Cwrw”
– Ga i gwrw, os gwelwch yn dda? (Can I have a beer, please?)

– Bill: “Bil”
– Ga i’r bil, os gwelwch yn dda? (Can I have the bill, please?)

– Vegetarian: “Llysieuwr”
– Ydych chi’n gweini bwyd llysieuol? (Do you serve vegetarian food?)

Shopping and Bargaining

Whether you’re in a bustling market or a quaint local shop, these phrases can help you get by.

– How much is this?: “Faint yw hwn?”
– Faint yw hwn yn y siop? (How much is this in the shop?)

– Do you accept credit cards?: “Ydych chi’n derbyn cerdyn credyd?”
– Ydych chi’n derbyn cerdyn credyd yma? (Do you accept credit cards here?)

– Discount: “Disgownt”
– A oes disgownt ar gael? (Is there a discount available?)

Emergencies and Health

In case of emergencies, these phrases can be lifesavers.

– Help: “Help”
– Help, dw i angen doctor! (Help, I need a doctor!)

– I am sick: “Dw i’n sâl”
– Dw i’n sâl, lle mae’r ysbyty agosaf? (I am sick, where is the nearest hospital?)

– Call the police: “Ffoniwch yr heddlu”
– Ffoniwch yr heddlu, os gwelwch yn dda. (Call the police, please.)

Learning Welsh can not only enhance your travel experience but also show respect towards the local culture and community. While this guide covers basic phrases and vocabulary, don’t hesitate to expand your knowledge further. Enjoy your visit to Wales, and Pob lwc! (Good luck!)