Understanding the Basics: Welsh Numbers and Time Vocabulary

Before diving into telling time, a solid grasp of Welsh numbers and key time-related vocabulary is essential. Welsh numbers are distinct and have their own pronunciation challenges, so practice is key.

Welsh Numbers 1 to 12

• 1 – un
• 2 – dau (masculine) / dwy (feminine)
• 3 – tri (m) / tair (f)
• 4 – pedwar (m) / pedair (f)
• 5 – pump
• 6 – chwech
• 7 – saith
• 8 – wyth
• 9 – naw
• 10 – deg
• 11 – un ar ddeg
• 12 – deuddeg

Note the gender variations in numbers 2, 3, and 4, which depend on the noun’s gender. This gender agreement can affect time expressions, especially when referring to hours (which are feminine).

Key Time-Related Vocabulary

• awr – hour (feminine noun)
• munud – minute
• eiliad – second
• hanner – half
• chwarter – quarter
• mae hi’n – it is (used for telling time)
• pymtheg munud – fifteen minutes

Expressing the Hour: How to Say “O’Clock” in Welsh

Welsh uses a distinctive structure to state the hour, often beginning with the phrase Mae hi’n (“It is”). The word awr (hour) is feminine, so numbers must agree accordingly.

Basic Structure for Full Hours

The formula to express the hour is:

Mae hi’n + [number] + awr

Examples:

• Mae hi’n un awr – It is one o’clock.
• Mae hi’n ddau awr – It is two o’clock.
• Mae hi’n chwech awr – It is six o’clock.

Remember the mutation rule in Welsh: after yn, numbers 2 (dau) and 3 (tri) mutate to ddau and ddrî respectively, showing the importance of grammar rules in telling time correctly.

Mutations and Gender Agreement in Hours

• Un awr (one hour) is straightforward.
• For 2, 3, and 4, mutations apply: ddau awr, ddrî awr, beddair awr.
• From 5 onwards, the numbers are used as they are.

Telling Time to the Minute: Minutes Past the Hour

Welsh can express time in a few different ways, similar to English, including using “past” the hour or “to” the next hour.

Structure for Minutes Past

Mae hi’n + [minutes] + munud + ar ôl + [hour]

Example:

• Mae hi’n pum munud ar ôl tri – It is five minutes past three.
• Mae hi’n pymtheg munud ar ôl pump – It is fifteen minutes past five.

Common Phrases for Minutes Past

• pum munud ar ôl – five minutes past
• deg munud ar ôl – ten minutes past
• pymtheg munud ar ôl – fifteen minutes past
• ugain munud ar ôl – twenty minutes past

Expressing “Half Past” and “Quarter Past/To”

Welsh uses specific terms for half and quarter times, which are very common in everyday speech.

Half Past

To say “half past [hour],” Welsh uses:

Hanner awr wedi + [hour]

Example:

• Hanner awr wedi dau – Half past two.

Quarter Past and Quarter To

• Chwarter wedi + [hour] – quarter past [hour]
• Chwarter i + [next hour] – quarter to [next hour]

Examples:

• Chwarter wedi tri – Quarter past three.
• Chwarter i pedwar – Quarter to four.

Using “To” the Hour in Welsh

When expressing minutes “to” the next hour, the structure changes slightly:

Mae hi’n + [minutes] + munud + i + [next hour]

Example:

• Mae hi’n pum munud i bump – It is five minutes to five.
• Mae hi’n deg munud i un – It is ten minutes to one.

24-Hour Clock vs. 12-Hour Clock in Welsh

Both 12-hour and 24-hour clocks are used in Wales, but the 12-hour clock is more common in everyday conversation. The 24-hour clock is typically used for formal schedules such as transportation timetables.

• For the 12-hour clock, time is usually stated without AM or PM. Context clarifies the time of day.
• For the 24-hour clock, numbers above 12 are pronounced as they are, e.g., Mae hi’n pedwar ar hugain awr (It is 24 o’clock, i.e., midnight).

Common Expressions Related to Time in Welsh

Beyond telling the exact time, Welsh includes many idiomatic expressions related to time that enrich your conversational skills.

• Am y tro – For the time being.
• Ar y pryd – At that time.
• Yn fuan – Soon.
• Yn hwyr – Late.
• Yn gynnar – Early.

Tips for Learning to Tell Time in Welsh

Mastering time expressions in Welsh can be challenging, but these tips can help you progress more quickly:

• Practice Numbers Daily: Repetition of Welsh numbers, especially with gender variations and mutations, is crucial.
• Use Language Apps Like Talkpal: Interactive tools provide real-time speaking and listening practice with native speakers.
• Listen to Welsh Media: Radio broadcasts and podcasts frequently mention time, helping you hear natural usage.
• Practice Speaking Aloud: Telling time aloud reinforces pronunciation and confidence.
• Make Flashcards: For common phrases like “quarter past,” “half past,” and “minutes to,” flashcards aid memorization.

Conclusion: Embrace the Challenge of Telling Time in Welsh

Telling time in Welsh involves understanding numbers, gender agreements, and unique time expressions such as “hanner awr wedi” and “chwarter i.” While the grammar and pronunciation can be challenging at first, consistent practice with resources like Talkpal can accelerate your learning. By mastering these skills, you not only improve your ability to communicate effectively but also deepen your appreciation of Welsh culture and language. Whether you’re scheduling meetings, catching a train, or chatting with friends, telling time in Welsh is a practical and rewarding language milestone to achieve.