oherwydd
/ɔˈhɛrwɨ̞ð/
The English word 'because' is expressed in Welsh using oherwydd or achos.
Meaning: by or for the cause that, on this account that, for the reason that (conj)
Ways to say it
| Welsh | IPA |
|---|---|
| oherwydd | /ɔˈhɛrwɨ̞ð/ (North Wales) /ɔˈheːrʊi̯ð/ (South Wales) |
| achos | /ˈaχɔs/ (North Wales) /ˈa(ː)χɔs/ (South Wales) |
Both terms are conjunctions used to express the reason for something, functioning as 'for the reason that' or 'on account of'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word achos literally means 'cause' or 'reason'.
Which one should you use?
While both mean 'because', achos is more common in spoken, informal Welsh than oherwydd.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔˈhɛrwɨ̞ð/
Did you know?
- The word achos shares a common ancestor with the Latin word 'occasion', which originally meant a 'falling down' or 'a seizing of an opportunity'.
- Because Welsh is a VSO language, the verb following oherwydd or achos often appears before the subject, which feels backward to English speakers.
- While oherwydd is a strong conjunction, using it at the start of a sentence is much more common in formal writing than in casual spoken Welsh.
Examples in context
- Dw i'n casáu'r byd oherwydd bod y byd yn fy nghasáu innau.I hate the world because the world hates me.This sentence shows how to use oherwydd to connect two clauses.Tatoeba #1963940 by Sisial, translation #1007446 by CM
- Fydd e ddim yma heddiw achos fod e’n sâl.He won’t be here today because he’s sick.This sentence demonstrates the use of achos to explain a reason.
- Aethon ni ddim achos nad oedd digon o amser gyda ni.We didn’t go because we didn’t have enough time.This sentence provides another example of using achos to state a cause.
- Dw i ddim yn gallu dod i'r parti heno, am fy mod i'n brysur.I cannot come to the party tonight, because I am busy.
Example conversation
Owain and Sian are talking about why Owain is tired.
- OwainRwy'n flino oherwydd bod i mi wenu'n gynnar.I am tired because I woke up early.
- SianYdy hynny'n wir, Owain?Is that true, Owain?
- OwainYdy, oherwydd roedd gen i lawr gwaith.Yes, because I had work.
- SianMae anialwch ddim, Sian sy'n ddalu.That is a pity, Sian is paying.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “because” translations and entries oherwydd, achos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries achos, oherwydd, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
