Wyt ti'n siarad Cymraeg?
The English phrase "do you speak welsh?" is translated into Welsh as Wyt ti'n siarad Cymraeg?
This phrase is used to ask if someone is able to communicate in the Welsh language.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Wyt ti'n siarad Cymraeg? translates to 'Are you speaking Welsh?' because the Welsh continuous aspect is used for habitual actions like speaking a language. The word siarad means 'to speak' and Cymraeg is the Welsh word for 'Welsh'.
Which one should you use?
Use Wyt ti'n siarad Cymraeg? when speaking to a child, a friend or someone you know well. You may also encounter the informal version Ti'n siarad Cymraeg?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In South Wales, you might hear Dych chi'n siarad Cymraeg? instead of A ydych chi'n siarad Cymraeg?
Did you know?
- The word siarad may be related to the English word 'charade', as both likely stem from a root meaning 'to chat'.
- The word Cymraeg shares a root with Cymry, the name for the Welsh people, which literally means 'compatriots'.
- If you want to be more formal or polite, you should use the version A ydych chi'n siarad Cymraeg? instead of the informal Wyt ti'n siarad Cymraeg?
Example conversation
Two students meet at university.
- CatrinHelo! Wyt ti'n siarad Cymraeg?Hello! Do you speak Welsh?
- OwainYdw, rhowyn i siarad ychydig.Yes, I speak a little.
- CatrinDa iawn, Owain!Very good, Owain!
- OwainDiolch, Catrin.Thanks, Catrin.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Cymraeg, siarad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
