hwyl
/huːɨ̯l/
The English phrase "bye bye" can be translated into Welsh as hwyl.
hwyl is used as a casual way to say goodbye when leaving someone. The related phrase Hwyl am y tro specifically means "goodbye for now" and is used when you intend to meet the person again.
Which one should you use?
While hwyl is a general farewell, Hwyl am y tro is used when there is an intention to meet the person again in the future.
How do you pronounce it?
/huːɨ̯l/
Did you know?
- Beyond meaning 'goodbye', hwyl describes a specific feeling of emotional fervor, passion and inspiration, often felt during music or preaching.
- The Welsh word for 'goodbye', hwyl, shares the same ancient roots as the English word 'sail'.
- In a religious context, a preacher who possesses hwyl is one who can move a congregation to a state of spiritual ecstasy.
Examples in context
- Hwyl fawr, hwyl!Goodbye, bye bye!
- Hwyl am nawr.Bye for now.
Example conversation
Two friends are finishing a chat on the street.
- OwainRwy'n mynd nawr, Sian.I'm going now, Sian.
- SianDa iawn, hwyl am y tro!Very well, bye for now!
- OwainHwyl, gweler chi yno.Bye, see you there.
- SianHwyl!Bye!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hwyl, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hwyl, CC BY-SA 4.0.
