Ways to say it
| Welsh | IPA |
|---|---|
| fi | /viː/ |
| mi | /miː/ |
| i |
fi is the most straightforward way to say "I" informally, though it also functions as an emphatic or stressed object pronoun meaning "me".
Which one should you use?
While fi is the standard informal form, mi serves as a colloquial or dialectal variant used as a subject pronoun in certain regions. The form i is specifically used as a subject pronoun in certain grammatical constructions, such as after the verb 'bod' (to be) in the form 'Dw I'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In West Wales, particularly in the Carmarthenshire area, 'Dwi may be used instead of Dw i. Additionally, mi is used as a dialectal subject pronoun in some regions.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form i is used as a subject pronoun in specific constructions, such as within the phrase Dw i. The form fi functions as a stressed or emphatic object pronoun, meaning "me".
How do you pronounce it?
/viː/
Did you know?
- Welsh allows for a 'double' subject where both mi and i appear in the same sentence to clarify who is acting.
- The various forms of 'I' in Welsh, such as mi and fi, actually share a common ancestor in the Proto-Celtic word *mī.
- The form mi is often used as a 'discourse marker' to signal the start of a sentence, even if it doesn't function as the primary subject.
Examples in context
- Dw i'n rhy fyr.I am too short.This sentence shows the use of the subject pronoun i with the verb 'bod'.Tatoeba #1979332 by Sisial, translation #436445 by lukaszpp
- Mae gen i lyfr.I have a book.This sentence demonstrates the use of the subject pronoun i following the verb 'mae'.Tatoeba #1979972 by Sisial, translation #2793249 by CK
- Es i i Lundain.I went to London.This sentence shows the use of the subject pronoun i in a past tense context.Tatoeba #8118133 by SteCymru14, translation #2629261 by Nylez
- Dw i'n hapus iawn.I am very happy.
- Fi oeddwn i'n chwarae pêl-droed ddoe.I was playing football yesterday.
- 'Dwi wedi bod yn helpu gyda'r gwaith cartref.I have been helping with the homework.
- 239 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elowen and Dylan are talking about their hobbies.
- ElowenWyt ti'n hoffi canu?Do you like singing?
- DylanYdw, ac mae gen fi giitar.Yes, and I have a guitar.
- ElowenDa iawn, mae fi'n hoffi canu hefyd.Very good, I like singing too.
- DylanYdych ti am ddimro?Do you want to jam?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I” translations and entries fi, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fi, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
