Mae'n dda gen i
Mae'n dda gen i is the Welsh way to say "I am happy".
This phrase is a way to express that you are pleased or content.
Which one should you use?
While Rwy'n hapus is a more direct translation of "I am happy" using the adjective hapus, Mae'n dda gen i is a more idiomatic way to express contentment or satisfaction.
Did you know?
- While Mae'n dda gen i expresses general contentment, the word hapus is more closely linked to the concept of luck. In Welsh, the words for 'happy' and 'lucky' share a deep root.
- Because Welsh is a Celtic language, the syntax of expressing emotions often revolves around 'having' a quality rather than 'being' a quality, unlike Romance or Germanic languages.
- The phrase Mae'n dda gen i can also be used to agree with a suggestion, similar to saying 'That works for me' or 'I'm happy with that' in English.
Examples in context
- Dw i'n hapus iawn bod ni'n dathlu gyda'n gilydd!I am very happy that we are celebrating together!
- Mae'n dda gen i fod yma.I am happy to be here.
Example conversation
Sian and Owain are meeting for coffee.
- SianHelo Owain! Mae'n dda gen i weld ti.Hello Owain! I am happy to see you.
- OwainDiolch Sian, mae'n dda gen i weld ti hefyd.Thanks Sian, I am happy to see you too.
- SianYdy mọi thing yn iawn?Is everything okay?
- OwainYdy, mae popeth yn wych.Yes, everything is great.
