helo sut wyt ti
In Welsh, "hello how are" is expressed as helo sut wyt ti.
This phrase is a common greeting used to ask someone how they are doing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of helo (hello), sut (how), wyt (are) and ti (you).
Which one should you use?
The word ti is the singular, informal form of "you", whereas chi is the plural or formal form of "you". While helo sut wyt ti uses the singular informal pronoun, you may also use helo sut ydych chi to address multiple people or to address one person using the formal form.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people or a single person formally, the phrase changes to helo sut ydych chi.
When do people say it?
A common response to this greeting is da iawn, diolch (very well, thanks). For other greetings, you might encounter Shwmae, which is a popular informal greeting similar to "Hi" or "Hey" or Bore da, which literally means "good morning".
Did you know?
- The word sut shares a surprising history with the English word 'suit'. It actually entered the Welsh language via Middle English 'sute', meaning a type or kind of something.
- The pronoun ti used in this greeting is an ancient word inherited from Proto-Indo-European, making it a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'thee'.
- In Welsh culture, the choice between ti and chi is not just about number but can signal a shift in social intimacy or respect.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- ElowenHelo sut wyt ti, Gareth?Hello how are you, Gareth?
- GarethDw i'n dda, diolch. A thithau?I'm good, thanks. And you?
- ElowenYdw i'n dda iawn, diolch.I'm very good, thanks.
- GarethDa iawn. Welwni eto!Very good. See you again!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries helo, sut, ti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
