Welsh is a Celtic language with a distinct rhythm and structure. If you're just starting out, understanding how sentences are formed will make learning much easier. This guide covers the essentials - no fluff, just the basics.
Basic Word Order
Welsh typically follows a Verb-Subject-Object (VSO) order. This means the verb usually comes first, followed by the subject and then the object.
Example: "Dw i'n hoffi coffi" (I like coffee) breaks down as: "Dw" (like), "i" (I), "coffi" (coffee).
Common Sentence Patterns
- Statements: "Mae hi'n bwrw glaw" (It is raining). "Mae" (is) + "hi" (it) + "bwrw glaw" (raining).
- Questions: "Ydy hi'n bwrw glaw?" (Is it raining?). The word order stays similar, but intonation changes.
- Negations: "Dydy hi ddim yn bwrw glaw" (It is not raining). "Dydy...ddim" wraps around the subject to negate.
Key Grammar Points
Welsh has some quirks that might trip up beginners. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Mutations: Initial consonants often change based on grammar rules. For example, "cath" (cat) becomes "gath" after "y" (the).
- Prepositions: They often merge with pronouns. "Ar" (on) + "hi" (it) becomes "arni" (on it).
- No indefinite article: Welsh doesn’t use "a" or "an." "Cath" can mean "a cat" or just "cat."
Treiglad
/ˈtrei̯ɡlad/“Mutation”
A change in the initial consonant of a word triggered by grammatical context, common in Celtic languages.
Practical Examples
| Welsh | English | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Dw i'n dysgu Cymraeg. | I am learning Welsh. | Verb (Dw) + Subject (i) + Object (Cymraeg) |
| Ble mae'r tŷ? | Where is the house? | Question word (Ble) + Verb (mae) + Subject (tŷ) |
For more on essential phrases, check out our guide on Swedish Travel Phrases for the Adventurous Nomad.
Tip: Listen to Welsh radio or watch Welsh-language TV to get a feel for natural sentence flow. The rhythm is just as important as the rules.
