glöyn byw
/ˌɡloː.ɨ̞n ˈbɪu̯/masculine
The English word butterfly is translated into Welsh as glöyn byw. If unsure, use glöyn byw. It is also spelled pili-pala. Wiktionary also lists pilipala and iâr fach yr haf.
Meaning: insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Welsh | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| glöyn byw | /ˌɡloː.ɨ̞n ˈbɪu̯/ (North Wales) /ˌɡloː.ɨ̞n ˈbɨ̞u̯/ (North Wales) |
masculine |
| pili-pala | colloquial, alternative form | |
| pilipala | /ˌpɪliˈpala/ (North Wales) /ˌpɪliˈpa(ː)la/ (South Wales) |
masculine |
| iâr fach yr haf | standard |
All provided forms refer to the insect known as a butterfly.
What does it mean word for word?
The standard phrase iâr fach yr haf translates literally as 'little hen of the summer'.
Which one should you use?
The form iâr fach yr haf is considered the standard way to say butterfly. glöyn byw is another masculine form. The word pilipala has a colloquial alternative spelling, pili-pala.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
iâr fach yr haf is the standard form. pili-pala is a colloquial variation of pilipala.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms pilipala and glöyn byw are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌɡloː.ɨ̞n ˈbɪu̯/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The term glöyn byw literally means 'living coal'. This refers to the bright red-orange and black colors found on many common butterfly species.
Example sentences for Welsh are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Elowen and Dylan are in a garden.
- ElowenEdrychwch ar y glöyn byw hwn!Look at this butterfly!
- DylanMae ei liw yn hyfryd.Its color is lovely.
- ElowenYdy glöyn byw yn bywyllog?Is a butterfly clever?
- DylanDw i ddim yn gwybod.I don't know.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “butterfly” translations and entries glöyn byw, pili-pala, pilipala, iâr fach yr haf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries byw, glöyn, glöyn byw, haf, iâr, iâr fach yr haf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
