ysbryd
/ˈəsbrɨ̞d/masculine
In Welsh, the English word ghost is translated as ysbryd. Wiktionary also lists bwgan.
Meaning: spirit appearing after death (noun)
Ways to say it
| Welsh | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ysbryd | /ˈəsbrɨ̞d/ (North Wales) /ˈəsbrɪd/ (South Wales) |
masculine |
| bwgan | /ˈbʊɡan/ (North Wales) /ˈbuːɡan/ (South Wales) |
The term refers to a spirit appearing after death.
Which one should you use?
While ysbryd refers to a spirit or ghost, bwgan is used to refer to a bogeyman or a more mischievous, folkloric creature.
How does it change in a sentence?
ysbryd is a masculine noun, and its plural form is ysbrydion.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈəsbrɨ̞d/
Did you know?
- The word ysbryd is used in Welsh to describe not only ghosts but also the 'spirit' of a person in the sense of their mood or courage.
- In Welsh folklore, a bwgan is not just a ghost but is often linked to the 'Bwca', a mischievous household spirit that might help with chores or cause chaos.
- The term bwgan can be used as a playful or mocking term for someone who is acting strange or frightened, similar to calling someone a 'scaredy-cat'.
Examples in context
- Oes ysbryd yma? Nac oes.Is there a ghost here? No.This sentence shows how to ask if a ghost is present using ysbryd.Tatoeba #10272364 by SabukHitam, translation #10272365 by SabukHitam
- Dw i ddim yn credu bod ysbryd yma o gwbl.I do not believe that there is a ghost here at all.This sentence demonstrates how to express a lack of belief in the presence of a ghost using ysbryd.Tatoeba #10272361 by SabukHitam, translation #10272362 by SabukHitam
Example conversation
Rhys and Sian are exploring an abandoned castle.
- RhysYdy ysbryd yn byw yma, Sian?Does a ghost live here, Sian?
- SianNi weldwyn dim ysbryd eto.We haven't seen any ghost yet.
- RhysMae'r lle hwn yn sychydu.This place is chilling.
- SianDewch yma, byddwn ni'n mynd adref.Come here, we will go home.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ghost” translations and entries ysbryd, bwgan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
