Learning a new language is a fascinating journey that opens doors to new cultures, ideas, and perspectives. Welsh, a Celtic language spoken predominantly in Wales, offers a rich tapestry of history and tradition. One particularly intriguing aspect of Welsh is its quantitative vocabulary. Understanding how quantities are expressed in Welsh can provide deeper insights into the language’s structure and usage. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you navigate the complexities of numbers, quantities, and related vocabulary in Welsh.

The Basics: Cardinal Numbers

Cardinal numbers are the foundation of any quantitative vocabulary. They are the numbers we use for counting and indicate quantity. In Welsh, cardinal numbers have unique forms that you must memorize. Here is a list of the basic cardinal numbers from one to twenty:

1. Un
2. Dau (masculine), Dwy (feminine)
3. Tri (masculine), Tair (feminine)
4. Pedwar (masculine), Pedair (feminine)
5. Pump
6. Chwech
7. Saith
8. Wyth
9. Naw
10. Deg
11. Un ar ddeg
12. Deuddeg
13. Tri ar ddeg
14. Pedwar ar ddeg
15. Pymtheg
16. Un ar bymtheg
17. Dau ar bymtheg
18. Deunaw
19. Pedwar ar bymtheg
20. Ugain

It’s essential to note the gender distinctions for numbers two, three, and four. The use of masculine or feminine forms depends on the gender of the noun being counted.

Numbers Beyond Twenty

Once you master the numbers up to twenty, the next step is to understand how Welsh expresses numbers beyond this point. Here are a few examples:

21. Un ar hugain
22. Dau ar hugain
30. Deg ar hugain
40. Deugain
50. Hanner cant
60. Trigain
70. Deg a thrigain
80. Pedwar ugain
90. Naw deg
100. Cant

Notice how Welsh uses a vigesimal system (based on twenty) in some instances, which is different from the decimal system (based on ten) used in English. For example, 21 is literally “one on twenty” (un ar hugain) and 40 is “two twenties” (deugain).

Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers indicate the position or order of things in a sequence. In Welsh, ordinal numbers also have distinct forms:

1st. Cyntaf
2nd. Ail
3rd. Trydydd (masculine), Trydedd (feminine)
4th. Pedwerydd (masculine), Pedwaredd (feminine)
5th. Pumed
6th. Chweched
7th. Seithfed
8th. Wythfed
9th. Nawfed
10th. Degfed

As with cardinal numbers, gender plays a role in the formation of some ordinal numbers. The pattern continues similarly for numbers beyond ten.

Expressing Fractions and Decimals

Understanding fractions and decimals is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of quantitative vocabulary. In Welsh, fractions are usually expressed as follows:

– 1/2: Hanner
– 1/3: Trydydd
– 1/4: Pedwerydd
– 1/5: Pumed

For decimals, Welsh uses a system similar to English:

– 0.1: Pwynt un
– 0.2: Pwynt dau
– 0.5: Pwynt pump

Quantitative Expressions in Everyday Context

To communicate effectively in Welsh, you need to know how to use quantitative vocabulary in various contexts. Here are some common phrases and expressions:

– Age: “Dw i’n dri deg oed” (I am thirty years old).
– Time: “Mae hi’n ddeg o’r gloch” (It is ten o’clock).
– Money: “Mae’n costio pum punt” (It costs five pounds).
– Measurements: “Mae’n dair troedfedd o uchder” (It is three feet tall).

Quantitative Adjectives

Welsh also uses quantitative adjectives to describe amounts and quantities:

– Much: Llawer
– Many: Llawer
– Few: Ychydig
– Several: Sawl

These adjectives can modify nouns to provide more information about quantity. For example, “Mae gen i lawer o lyfrau” means “I have many books.”

Using Quantitative Vocabulary in Questions

Asking questions involving quantities is a common aspect of everyday conversation. Here are some examples:

– How much?: Faint?
– How many?: Faint o?

For instance, “Faint o bobl sydd yma?” means “How many people are here?” and “Faint mae hyn yn costio?” translates to “How much does this cost?”

Advanced Quantitative Vocabulary

As you become more proficient in Welsh, you will encounter more complex quantitative vocabulary. Here are some advanced terms and expressions:

– Dozen: Dwsin
– Score (20): Ugain
– Gross (144): Gros
– Percent: Canran

Understanding these terms will allow you to engage in more detailed and nuanced conversations.

Scientific and Mathematical Contexts

In scientific and mathematical contexts, precise quantitative vocabulary is essential. Here are some terms you might encounter:

– Sum: Swm
– Average: Cyfartaledd
– Ratio: Cymhareb
– Proportion: Cymesuredd
– Equation: Hafaliad
– Formula: Fformiwla

These terms are crucial for discussing data, conducting experiments, and solving mathematical problems.

Idiomatic Expressions Involving Quantities

Welsh, like any language, has idiomatic expressions that involve quantities. Here are a few examples:

– To cost an arm and a leg: Costio braich a choes
– To be in two minds: Bod yn ddau feddwl
– To give someone a piece of your mind: Rhoi darn o’ch meddwl i rywun

These idiomatic expressions add color and depth to your language skills, making your conversations more engaging and authentic.

Practice Makes Perfect

Mastering quantitative vocabulary in Welsh requires practice and exposure. Here are some tips to help you:

1. **Flashcards**: Create flashcards with Welsh numbers and their English equivalents to reinforce your memory.
2. **Practice Conversations**: Engage in conversations with native speakers or fellow learners, focusing on using quantitative vocabulary.
3. **Listening and Reading**: Listen to Welsh radio stations, watch Welsh TV shows, and read Welsh books or articles to see how quantitative vocabulary is used in context.
4. **Exercises and Quizzes**: Take online quizzes and complete exercises that focus on quantitative vocabulary to test your knowledge.

Conclusion

Understanding and using quantitative vocabulary is a crucial aspect of mastering the Welsh language. From basic cardinal and ordinal numbers to more complex fractions, decimals, and idiomatic expressions, this guide has provided a comprehensive overview to help you on your learning journey. Remember, the key to mastering any language is consistent practice and exposure. So, immerse yourself in Welsh, use your quantitative vocabulary in everyday conversations, and watch your skills grow. Happy learning!