ychydig
/əˈχədɪɡ/
The Welsh phrase for "a little bit" is ychydig.
ychydig is used to describe a small amount or quantity of something.
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter Tipyn bach, which specifically means "a little bit" or "small bit".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using ychydig as an adjective to modify a noun, it is often followed by the particle o (meaning "of") to create the phrase ychydig o, which translates to "a little bit of".
How do you pronounce it?
/əˈχədɪɡ/
Did you know?
- The word ychydig is a mutated form of bychydig, meaning the starting consonant changes based on its place in a sentence.
- Welsh speakers use ychydig as a social tool to soften critiques or requests to avoid appearing too blunt.
- Although ychydig is understood nationwide, speakers in North and South Wales often use different colloquial alternatives for 'a little bit'.
Examples in context
- Mae ychydig o amser ar ôl.There is a little bit of time left.
Example conversation
Owain and Rhiannon are cooking together in the kitchen.
- OwainWyt ti eisiau mwy o halen, Rhiannon?Do you want more salt, Rhiannon?
- RhiannonYchydig yn angenol, Owain.A little bit is needed, Owain.
- OwainA yw hyn yn ddigon?Is this enough?
- RhiannonIe, mae hynny'n berffaith.Yes, that is perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ychydig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ychydig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
