Visiting Wales? Here are some useful phrases for you:
Please note that the ‘ch’ letter is always pronounced as in the name “Bach” or the Scottish ‘loch’ and never as the ‘ch’ in English such as in “chimney” or “much”.
The letter ‘ll’ is a little more difficult. My advice would be to say the letter ‘l’ (with your tongue touching the roof of your mouth), and then breathe in sharply through the sides of your mouth. Try and recreate that sound breathing out!
There are some phrases which are regional (North / South). However you will be understood anywhere with either version.
Let us know if you need any further words or phrases.
Bore da | [borr-eh dah] | Good morning |
P’nawn da | [p-noun dah] | Good afternoon |
Noswaith dda | [noss-why-th tha] | Good evening |
Nos da | [noss dah] | Good night |
Shw’mae (South Wales) | [shoe-my] | Hi / Alright? |
Su’mae (North Wales) | [See-my] | Hi / Alright? |
Shwt ŷch chi? (South Wales) | [Should ee chee] | How are you? |
Sut dach chi? (North Wales) | [Seat dah-ch chee] | How are you? |
Ble mae… | [blair my] | Where is… |
Diolch | [dee-ol-ch] | Thank you |
Diolch yn fawr | [dee-ol-ch] | Thank you very much |
Croeso | [croy-so] | Welcome / you’re welcome |
Ga i | [gah ee] | Can I have / May I? |
Esgusodwch fi | [ess-giss-odd-ooch vee] | Excuse me |
Ty bach | [tee bach] | Toilet (lit. Little house) |
Oes …… yma? | [oys ……. umm-ah] | Is there a …… here? |
Coffi | [coffee] | Coffee |
Te | [teh] | Tea |
Llaeth | [ll-aye-th] | Milk |
Siwgwr | [shoo-goor] | Sugar |