Welcome to your guide on how to say hello and ask “how are you?” in Welsh! In this guide, we’ll cover both the formal and informal ways of greeting someone, along with a few regional variations. Whether you’re planning a trip to Wales or simply want to learn the language, this guide will provide you with plenty of tips and examples to get you started on your Welsh language journey.
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings
When it comes to formal greetings in Welsh, there are a few different ways to say hello. Let’s start with the most common one:
- Helo – This is the standard way to say hello in formal situations. It’s similar to the English word “hello” and is universally understood in Wales.
Now, let’s move on to asking how someone is doing formally:
- Sut wyt ti? – This means “How are you?” in Welsh. It’s a common phrase used to inquire about someone’s well-being in a formal context.
When responding to this greeting formally, you can say:
- Dw i’n iawn, diolch. – This means “I’m fine, thank you” in Welsh. It’s a polite way to acknowledge the greeting and convey that you’re doing well.
Informal Greetings
In informal settings, the Welsh language has its own unique greetings. Here are a few options that you can use:
- Shwmae – This is a popular informal greeting in Welsh, similar to the English “Hi” or “Hey.” It’s commonly used among friends and acquaintances.
- Bore da – This literally means “good morning” in Welsh, but it’s often used as a general greeting throughout the day. It’s a friendly way to say hello.
To ask “how are you?” informally, you can use the following phrases:
- Sut dych chi? – This is the informal way to ask “How are you?” in Welsh, suitable for friends and people you are more familiar with.
- Shwmae, sut mae? – This informal greeting translates to “Hello, how are you?” and is another way to initiate a conversation in a friendly manner.
For informal responses to these greetings, you can say:
- – This means “I’m good, thanks” in Welsh. It’s a casual and friendly way to let someone know that you’re doing well.
- ‘Da iawn, diolch. – This short response translates to “Good, thank you” and is another informal way to express that everything is going well.
Regional Variations
While Welsh is spoken throughout Wales, there are some regional variations when it comes to greetings. Here are a few examples:
Alright? – This informal greeting is commonly used in the southern regions of Wales, particularly in and around Cardiff.
Namaste – In some areas of North Wales, where there has been an influence from holidaymakers and retirees, you might hear people using the word “Namaste” as a way to say hello. This is a unique blend of Welsh and English.
Remember, these regional variations are not as common as the previously mentioned greetings, so they may not be universally understood. Stick to the more standard greetings to ensure clear communication.
Learning a new language is always an exciting journey, and Welsh is no exception. With these greetings and phrases in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to making authentic connections and demonstrating your interest in the Welsh language and culture. So, go ahead and practice these greetings, and don’t be shy to start a conversation next time you encounter someone Welsh-speaking!
