merch dda
/mɛrχ ðaː/word by word
The English phrase "good girl" is translated into Welsh as merch dda.
This phrase is used to praise a female child or a female pet for behaving well.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of merch (girl) and dda (good), following a noun-adjective order.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word da (good) changes to dda when it follows a feminine noun like merch.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛrχ ðaː/
Did you know?
- The word merch is a distant relative of the English word 'married' via the Latin marītus. Both words stem from an ancient root that referred to a young person or a spouse.
Examples in context
- Mae'r ferch dda wedi bod yn arbennig yn y dosbarth hwn.The good girl has been exceptional in this class.
- Roedd eich perfformiad ardderchog yn dangos eich bod yn ferch fendigedig.Your excellent performance shows that you're a wonderful girl.
- Y ferch dda sy'n dysgu Cymraeg yn rhugl.The good girl who learns Welsh fluently.
- Merch dda, diolch am helpu.Good girl, thanks for helping.
- Mae hi'n merch dda.She is a good girl.
Example conversation
Owain praises Elowen for tidying her room.
- ElowenEdrychwch ar y st اوف ystafell!Look at the room!
- OwainDiolch, taddi.Thanks, daddy.
- ElowenDiolch am helpu, merch dda.Thanks for helping, good girl.
- OwainDw i'n hap i helpu.I am happy to help.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (merch, dda) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries merch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
