cyfrif
/ˈkəvrɪv/
The Welsh verb for 'to count' is cyfrif.
The term cyfrif is used to describe the action of enumerating items or determining a total number.
Meaning: to enumerate or determine number (verb)
Which one should you use?
While cyfrif is the base form, you may encounter Cyfrifio when referring to the act of counting in a conversational context. The plural noun form of the word is cyfrifau, which can mean 'counts' or 'reckonings'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form cyfrif is the infinitive used to express the concept 'to count'. If you want to say 'I counted', use the first-person singular past tense form cyfrifais. To address a group or use a polite command meaning 'you count', use cyfrifwch.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkəvrɪv/
Did you know?
- In Welsh, the word cyfrif is also used to describe an 'account' in a financial sense, such as a bank account.
- Welsh uses a specific system of 'mutation' where the first letter of cyfrif might change to gyfrif depending on the word that comes before it.
- The word cyfrif is built from the prefix cyf-, meaning 'co-' or 'together', and the root rhif, meaning 'number'.
Examples in context
- Mae angen i mi gyfrif y stoc.I need to count the inventory
- Dw i'n mwynhau cyfrifio sêr yn y nos.I enjoy counting stars at night
- Mae angen i mi gyfrif y plantI need to count the children.
- Byddaf yn cyfrif y pwyntiauI will count the points.
- Cyfrifwch y plant.Count the children.
Example conversation
Gareth and Sian are organizing a box of apples.
- GarethSian, a yw'n bosibl cyfrif yr afalau?Sian, is it possible to count the apples?
- SianYdw, gallaf gyfrif nhw yn gyflym.Yes, I can count them quickly.
- GarethFaint sydd yno?How many are there?
- SianMae dim ond deg yma.There are only ten here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cyfrif, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cyfrif, CC BY-SA 4.0.
