(preconsonantal) a
In Welsh, the word for "and" is expressed as either a or ac depending on the following sound. If unsure, use (preconsonantal) a. Wiktionary also lists (prevocalic) ac.
Meaning: used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj)
Ways to say it
| Welsh |
|---|
| (preconsonantal) a |
| (prevocalic) ac |
The word is a conjunction used to connect two similar words, phrases or other elements in a sentence.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two forms is purely phonological, meaning it is determined by the sound of the word that follows to avoid a hiatus (a gap between two vowel sounds). Use a when the next word begins with a consonant, and use ac when the next word begins with a vowel.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Wales, it is more common to use a for all cases. In South Wales, particularly in Glamorgan and Gwent, ac is preferred before vowels or the letter h.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form (preconsonantal) a is used specifically when the following word begins with a consonant. The form (prevocalic) ac is used when the following word begins with a vowel.
Did you know?
- The form ac is a direct relative of the Latin word 'atque' because they both come from the same Proto-Indo-European root.
- The words a and ac are doublets, meaning they evolved from different ancestral forms but now perform the same job in the language.
Examples in context
- Dw i'n hoffi coffi a chacen.I like coffee and cake.
- Mae'r ardal yn llawn coed ac afonydd.The area is full of trees and rivers.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, ac, CC BY-SA 4.0.
