Welsh isn’t just a language - it’s a lifeline in Wales. Whether you’re ordering a pint in a pub or asking for directions in the valleys, these 40 words will help you navigate daily life like a local.
Greetings and Basics
Helô
/ˈhɛloː/“Hello”
The standard Welsh greeting. Pronounced like 'hello' but with a slightly longer 'o'.
Sut wyt ti?
/sɨt ʊɨt tiː/“How are you?”
The informal way to ask how someone is. The formal version is 'Sut dach chi?'.
Diolch
/ˈdiː.ɔlχ/“Thank you”
Essential for polite interactions. For emphasis, use 'Diolch yn fawr' (thank you very much).
Food and Drink
Bara
/ˈbara/“Bread”
A staple in Welsh cuisine, especially in dishes like 'bara brith' (fruit loaf).
Cwrw
/ˈkʊrʊ/“Beer”
Wales has a thriving beer scene. Try a local brew like 'Brains' or 'Tiny Rebel'.
Pysgodyn
/ˈpəsɡɔd/“Fish”
Common in coastal towns. 'Pysgodyn sgleiniog' means 'glittery fish' - Welsh for mackerel.
Getting Around
Ffordd
/fɔrð/“Road”
You’ll see this on road signs. 'Ffordd ymlaen' means 'way forward' - useful for navigation.
Gorsaf
/ˈɡɔrsav/“Station”
As in 'Gorsaf reilffordd' (train station). Handy for public transport.
Bws
/bʊs/“Bus”
Pronounced like the English word. 'Bws nesaf' means 'next bus'.
Shopping and Money
Siop
/ʃɔp/“Shop”
You’ll find this on high streets everywhere. 'Siop lyfrau' is a bookshop.
Arian
/ˈarjan/“Money”
Essential for transactions. 'Faint yw hwn?' means 'How much is this?'.
Tŷ bwyta
/ˌtɨː ˈbʊɨ̯ta/“Restaurant”
Literally 'eating house'. For a more casual meal, look for a 'caffi' (café).
Time and Weather
Heddiw
/ˈhɛðɪu̯/“Today”
Useful for planning. 'Beth yw’r tywydd heddiw?' means 'What’s the weather today?'.
Bwrw glaw
/ˈbʊrʊ ɡlaʊ/“Raining”
A phrase you’ll use often in Wales. 'Mae’n bwrw glaw' means 'It’s raining'.
Amser
/ˈamsɛr/“Time”
As in 'Faint o’r gloch yw hi?' (What time is it?).
Tip: Welsh place names can be tongue-twisters. Start with simpler ones like 'Caerdydd' (Cardiff) before tackling 'Llanfairpwllgwyngyll'.
Bonus: Welsh Words with No Direct English Translation
Hiraeth
/ˈhɪraɨ̯θ/A deep longing for home, often tied to Welsh culture. It’s more than nostalgia - it’s a cultural ache.
Cwtch
/kʊtʃ/A warm hug or safe space. It’s the Welsh equivalent of 'hygge' but with more affection.
For more on Welsh culture, check out our guide to Welsh superstitions and the words behind them.
