Hello and croeso (welcome) to this guide on how to express the phrase “I like” in Welsh! Whether you want to sound more polite or learn a more casual way of expressing your preferences, we’ve got you covered. Welsh is a fascinating and beautiful language spoken by around 700,000 people in Wales. So, let’s dive right in and explore the various ways to convey your likes in Welsh.
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Formal Ways to Say “I Like” in Welsh
In formal situations or when talking to someone you aren’t familiar with, it’s essential to choose appropriately polite language. Here are some formal phrases you can use to express your liking in Welsh:
“Rwy’n hoffi” – This is the most widely used way to say “I like” in Welsh. The phrase can be followed by a noun or a verbal noun.
Example: Rwy’n hoffi coffi (I like coffee)
“Rwy’n cymeradwyo” – This phrase is used when you want to show your appreciation and endorsement for something.
Example: Rwy’n cymeradwyo’r gwaith da a wneir yma (I appreciate the good work done here)
“Rwy’n edmygu” – Use this expression to convey that you admire or respect something or someone.
Example: Rwy’n edmygu eich talent (I admire your talent)
Informal Ways to Say “I Like” in Welsh
When conversing with friends, family, or in informal situations, you can use more relaxed and colloquial expressions to convey your liking in Welsh. Here are a few casual phrases to help you:
“Dwi’n licio” – This is the most commonly used informal way to say “I like” in Welsh. It’s used in North Wales.
Example: Dwi’n licio’r ffilm yna (I like that film)
“Dwi’n hoffi” – Similar to the formal version, this phrase is commonly used in South Wales.
Example: Dwi’n hoffi bwyd Cymreig (I like Welsh food)
“Dwi’n caru” – This expression is a Welsh equivalent of “I love,” often used informally when expressing strong liking or love for something.
Example: Dwi’n caru cerddoriaeth (I love music)
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are generally understood across Wales, it’s worth noting that there might be slight regional variations or preferences. For instance, “Hwnna yw’n grib patsh gonest” is a colloquial phrase that means “I like that a lot” in some parts of South Wales.
Remember, the regional variations aren’t something you need to worry about in most circumstances as the phrases we’ve mentioned earlier are widely understood and used throughout Wales.
Additional Tips and Examples
To help you further, here are some additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding of how to say “I like” in Welsh:
- When using the phrase “rwy’n hoffi” or “dwi’n hoffi,” make sure to include “yn” after “rwy’n” or “dwi’n” to connect the verb with the noun.
- You can combine the phrase “rwy’n hoffi” or “dwi’n hoffi” with various nouns to express your liking for different things. For example: “rwy’n hoffi’r bwyd” (I like the food), “dwi’n hoffi’r car” (I like the car), etc.
- Remember that Welsh generally uses a different word order compared to English. Adjectives often come after the noun, so instead of saying “I like the red car,” you would say “Rwy’n hoffi’r car coch” (I like the car red).
- Mixing in other positive expressions such as “wonderful” (gwych), “excellent” (ardderchog), or “fantastic” (ffantastig) can add emphasis to your liking.
- Don’t hesitate to ask a native Welsh speaker to help you practice these phrases. They’ll appreciate your interest and be glad to assist you!
Above all, keep practicing and enjoying the Welsh language. Remember that language is a beautiful way to connect with people and better understand different cultures. Rhaid i chi fwynhau dysgu’r Gymraeg – You must enjoy learning Welsh and have fun with it! Best of luck in your language journey!
