Welsh can look intimidating on the page — all those consonant clusters, double Ls, and words that seem unfamiliar to English speakers. In practice, Welsh spelling follows consistent sound rules, and a little pronunciation knowledge makes a big difference. Welsh is a living Celtic language spoken by hundreds of thousands of people across Wales today, and learning even a handful of everyday words can be a meaningful way to connect with Welsh heritage.
The pronunciation guides below are English-friendly approximations rather than exact phonetic spellings. Welsh pronunciation varies somewhat by region and speaker, so hearing a native speaker is always the best final guide.
A Few Welsh Pronunciation Basics First
Once you know a few letter combinations, Welsh words become much more predictable.
- Ll has no exact English equivalent. Place your tongue as if saying an English L, then blow air along the sides without voicing the sound.
- Dd is pronounced like the voiced "th" in "this," not the unvoiced "th" in "thin."
- Ch is a guttural sound similar to the "ch" in the Scottish word "loch."
- F is pronounced like an English "v." Welsh uses ff for the English "f" sound.
- W can function as a vowel and is often pronounced like "oo."
- Y can represent different vowel sounds depending on its position in a word.
Everyday Welsh Greetings
Bore da (roughly BOR-eh dah) — Good morning.
Shwmae (roughly SHOO-my) — An informal hello, especially associated with south Wales. You may also encounter Su'mae and other regional forms.
Sut wyt ti? — How are you? This is an informal form used when speaking to one person.
Da iawn, diolch — Very good, thank you. A common conversational reply.
Nos da (roughly nohs dah) — Good night.
Hwyl or Hwyl fawr — Bye / goodbye.
Thank You, Welcome, and Good Wishes in Welsh
Diolch — Thank you. It is one of the most useful Welsh words to learn.
Diolch yn fawr — Thank you very much.
Croeso — Welcome.
Pob lwc — Good luck.
Iechyd da — Literally "good health" and commonly used as a toast, much like "cheers."
Nadolig Llawen — Merry Christmas / Happy Christmas.
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda — Happy New Year.
Welsh Words for Family and Home
Cariad — Love; also used as a term of endearment such as "dear" or "darling."
Mab — Son. The word is related to the patronymic naming tradition behind Welsh ap and ab forms.
Merch — Daughter or girl.
Cartref — Home.
Teulu — Family.
Cymru and Cymru am Byth
Cymru (roughly KUM-ree) is the Welsh name for Wales. It is related to Cymry, the Welsh word for the Welsh people, and ultimately to an older Brittonic idea of fellow-countrymen or compatriots.
Cymru am byth means "Wales forever." It is a familiar expression of Welsh pride and is often heard or seen around sport, cultural events, and heritage celebrations.
Another national symbol closely tied to Welsh identity is Y Ddraig Goch, the Red Dragon. You can read the history and legend behind it in our guide to the Welsh Dragon and the meaning of Y Ddraig Goch.
Why Learning a Little Welsh Matters
Welsh is a surviving Brittonic Celtic language with roots reaching back to the languages spoken in Britain before the development of English. It remains actively used across Wales in homes, schools, public life, broadcasting, music, literature, and community life.
Welsh is also a mandatory element of the Curriculum for Wales. Major cultural events such as the National Eisteddfod give the language a highly visible public platform through poetry, music, performance, and competition.
For families with Welsh ancestry, learning a few words is a simple way to connect with a living culture rather than treating heritage as something that exists only in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions About Welsh Phrases
How do you say hello in Welsh?
Shwmae is a common informal greeting, especially in south Wales. Bore da, meaning "good morning," is also widely used as a greeting.
How do you say thank you in Welsh?
Diolch means "thank you." Diolch yn fawr means "thank you very much."
How do you say I love you in Welsh?
Rwy'n dy garu di is a common informal way to say "I love you" to one person. Cariad means "love" and is also used as a term of endearment.
Is Welsh hard to pronounce?
Welsh contains sounds that are unfamiliar to many English speakers, particularly ll and ch, but its spelling system is relatively consistent. Once the main sound rules are learned, pronunciation becomes much more predictable.
Is Welsh still spoken today?
Yes. Census 2021 recorded more than half a million people aged three or older in Wales who reported being able to speak Welsh. The language remains active in education, media, community life, and cultural events across the country.
Sources and Further Reading
Welsh Government — Welsh language in Wales: Census 2021 · Hwb — Languages, Literacy and Communication in the Curriculum for Wales · Visit Wales — The Welsh language
If learning the language has made you curious about your own family name, read our guide to finding your Welsh family name and where it comes from.
If you're proud of your Welsh heritage, use the search bar above to find your family name. We carry heritage gifts for over 2,000 Scottish, Irish, and Welsh surnames.