A sounds like the “a” in the English word “man. " E sounds like the “e” in the English word “bet. " I sounds like the “ee” in the English word “queen. " O sounds like the “o” in the English word “lot. " U sounds like the “i” in the English word “pita. " W sounds like the “oo” in the English word “zoo. " Y sounds like “uh” when used alone as a definite article (the equivalent of the word “the” in English). When used in a word with 2 letters, it sounds like the “u” in the English word “under. " In other words, it sounds like the “i” in the English word “pita” (similar to the Welsh “u”).
“Ae,” “ai,” and “au” all sound like the “y” in the English word “my. " “Aw” sounds like the “ow” in the English word “cow. " “Eu” and “ei” both sound like the “ay” in the English word “pray. " “Ew” makes something of an “eh-oo” sound unique to Welsh. To practice this, listen to native speakers saying Welsh words such as “mewn” and “tew,” and try to mimic their pronunciation. “Iw” and “yw” sound like the “ew” in the English word “yew. " “Oe” sounds like the “oy” in the English word “toy. " “Ow” sounds like the “ow” in the English word “low. " “Wy” sounds like the “wi” in the English word “win. " “Ywy” sounds like the “ui” in the English word “fluid. "
The letters “c” and “g” are always hard, as in the English words “cat” and “goat. " The letter “f” sounds like the “v” in the English word “five. "
“Ch” is a soft, aspirated sound from the back of your throat, similar to the Scottish “ch” in the word “loch. " “Dd” sounds like the “th” in the English word “seethe. " “Ff” sounds like the “f” in the English word “fight. " “Ll” is a sound unique to Welsh, something like a “thl” sound. Listen to native speakers to get a better idea of how to pronounce this sound. “Ng” sounds like the “ing” in the English word “finger. " “Rh” sounds as if the “h” comes before the “r,” exhaling a bit before pronouncing the “r. " As with the “ll,” listening to native speakers will help you get the hang of it. “Th” sounds like the “th” in the English word “think. "
This phrase is itself a contraction of “sut mae,” literally “how is,” and is used to mean, roughly, “how are things?” Almost all Welsh speakers also speak English, so it’s common to hear “helo” as a greeting as well.
The typical response to “sut dach chi?” is “da iawn,” which means “very good. " You can also use this phrase to congratulate someone on an accomplishment or indicate that you approve of something they said or did. You might also hear “iawn” on its own, which is the equivalent of saying “fine” or “okay” in English.
“Dw I’n dysgu Cymraeg” (I’m learning Welsh. ) “Dach chi’n meindio siarad Cymraeg efo fi?” (Do you mind speaking Welsh with me?) “Fedrech chi ddeud hynny eto?” (Could you say that again?) “Fedrech chi siarad yn arafach?” (Could you speak more slowly?)
“Beth ydy eich enw chi?” (What’s your name?) “Lle dach chi’n byw?” (Where do you live?) “Sut mae’r tywydd?” (How’s the weather? Note: the weather is an important topic of conversation in Wales. ) “O ble ydych chi’n dod?” (Where are you from?)[9] X Research source
Os gwelwch yn dda: please Diolch: thank you Croeso: you’re welcome (reply to “thank you”) Mae’n ddrwg ‘da fi: sorry Esgusodwch fi: excuse me
Search for Welsh chat groups online that you can join if you want to practice speaking with other Welsh learners. [12] X Research source
For passive learning, put Welsh music on in the background while you’re doing chores or commuting to work or school. If you’re interested in taking a more active approach, search online for the lyrics to the song, then try to translate them from Welsh into English (or any other language).
If you turn on Welsh subtitles, you can practice reading in Welsh as well as listening to it being spoken. Just keep in mind that the Welsh subtitles might not reflect what’s said verbatim. You can also watch tv shows and films about Wales to get a glimpse of Welsh people and their culture, as well as the beautiful Welsh countryside. [15] X Research source
You can also take courses in Welsh while visiting. Look up the Welsh for Adults courses offered by Aberystwyth University.
