gwrando
/ˈɡwrandɔ/
To listen in Welsh is gwrando.
gwrando means to pay attention to a sound.
Meaning: to pay attention to a sound (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form gwrando is the infinitive used after other verbs, such as hoffi (to like). When using the verb in the present tense, the form changes based on the subject: Dwi'n gwrando (I listen), Rwyt ti'n gwrando (You listen), Mae o/hi'n gwrando (He/She listens), Rydyn ni'n gwrando (We listen) and Maen nhw'n gwrando (They listen). In most cases, the verb gwrando is followed by the preposition ar to mean 'listen to'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡwrandɔ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When translating 'listen to' into Welsh, do not omit the preposition. You must use gwrando ar instead of just gwrando.
Did you know?
- The core of the word gwrando is linked to the concept of 'silence', implying that listening is essentially the act of attending to silence.
- In some traditional Welsh contexts, a listener might respond to a story or song by saying Ydy or Ydy fo, which literally means 'is it' or 'is he'. This acts as a 'backchannel' to show they are actively listening.
- In Welsh, the preposition ar used with gwrando literally means 'on'. Therefore, when you listen to someone in Welsh, you are technically listening 'on' them.
Examples in context
- Dw i'n hoffi gwrando ar y radio.I like to listen to the radio.This sentence shows how to use gwrando when expressing a preference for listening to the radio.Tatoeba #6889966 by Sisial, translation #255913 by CK
- Dw i'n hoffi gwrando ar gerddoriaeth glasurol.I like to listen to classical music.This sentence demonstrates using gwrando with the phrase 'listen to classical music'.Tatoeba #6889918 by Sisial, translation #62946 by CK
- Dwi'n gwrando ar y cerddoriaethI'm listening to the music
Example conversation
Rhys and Rhiannon are in a quiet library.
- RhysMae angen gwrando yn ddigonol.It is necessary to listen carefully.
- RhiannonYdw, rwy'n gwrando nawr.Yes, I am listening now.
- RhysWyt ti'n clywed hyn?Do you hear this?
- RhiannonYdw, dw i'n gwrando.Yes, I am listening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “listen” translations and entries gwrando, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gwrando, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
