Dw i'n hoffi coffi
The English phrase "I like coffee" is translated into Welsh as Dw i'n hoffi coffi.
This phrase is used to express a personal preference for the drink coffee.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "I am liking coffee" because the Welsh verb structure uses a continuous form to express a general preference.
Did you know?
- The word coffi traveled a massive distance to reach Welsh, originating as the Arabic word qahwa before passing through Turkish, Italian and Dutch.
- Because hoffi comes from the root for 'beloved', saying you like coffee is linguistically closer to saying the coffee is 'dear' to your heart.
- In Wales, coffee culture often overlaps with a deep-rooted tradition of tea, making the statement Dw i'n hoffi coffi a specific choice in a tea-dominant society.
Examples in context
- Dw i'n hoffi coffi gyda llaeth.I like coffee with milk.
- Dw i'n hoffi coffi yn gryf.I like strong coffee.
- Dw i'n hoffi coffi yn y bore.I like coffee in the morning.
Example conversation
Owain and Sian are deciding what to order at a cafe.
- OwainWyt ti eisiau te neu goffi?Do you want tea or coffee?
- SianDw i'n hoffi coffi, os gwelwch yn dda.I like coffee, please.
- OwainDa iawn, byddaf i'n cael coffi hefyd.Very good, I will have coffee too.
- SianDiolch, Owain.Thank you, Owain.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coffi, hoffi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
