gwyliau hapus
/ˈɡwɨ̞ljaɨ̯ ˈhapɨ̞s/word by word
gwyliau hapus is the Welsh way to say happy holidays.
This phrase is used as a holiday greeting.
Meaning: holiday greeting (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the plural noun gwyliau (holidays) and the adjective hapus (happy).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Welsh, the adjective hapus follows the noun gwyliau it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡwɨ̞ljaɨ̯ ˈhapɨ̞s/
Did you know?
- The word hapus is a calque of the English word 'happy'. It was formed by combining hap meaning 'luck' or 'chance' with the suffix -us to mirror the English structure.
- In Welsh, the root word hap refers to 'luck' or 'chance' rather than a sustained emotional state. This reflects an older view of happiness as something that happens by chance.
- While gwyliau hapus is used for general holidays, Welsh speakers often use Nadolig Llawen specifically for Christmas, which translates to 'Merry Christmas'.
Examples in context
- Gwyliau hapus i gyd!Happy holidays to all!
Example conversation
Two friends are saying goodbye before their winter break.
- ElowenGwyliau hapus, Dylan!Happy holidays, Dylan!
- DylanDiolch, Elowen. Gwyliau hapus i chdi hefyd!Thanks, Elowen. Happy holidays to you too!
- ElowenWynt ti'n mynd i gartref?Are you going home?
- DylanYdw, rwy'n mynd yfaliach.Yes, I am going now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy holidays” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (gwyliau, hapus) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gwyliau, hapus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
