bach
/baːχ/
The Welsh word for little is bach.
bach is used to describe something as small in size. It often functions as a diminutive to express affection or to describe something as being 'a little bit' of something (e.g., a little bit of Welsh).
Meaning: small in size (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective bach is invariable and does not change its form for gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/baːχ/
Did you know?
- While bach means 'little', it shares a common ancestor with the English word 'big'.
- The word bach can be used to soften a request or a statement, acting as a hedge to make a sentence sound more polite or less direct.
- In Wales, bach is frequently used as a term of endearment for a loved one, similar to calling someone 'honey' or 'dear' in English.
Examples in context
- Na, rwy'n mynd ar y trên bach.No, I'm taking the little train.This sentence shows how to use bach when describing a train.
- Dwi’n siarad dim ond tipyn bach o Cymraeg.I only speak a little bit of Welsh.This sentence demonstrates using bach to mean a little bit of Welsh.Tatoeba #11649230 by deniko, translation #11649227 by deniko
- Dwi’n siarad dim ond tipyn bach o Saesneg.I only speak a little bit of English.This sentence demonstrates using bach to mean a little bit of English.Tatoeba #11649233 by deniko, translation #11649226 by deniko
- Byddwch yn ofalus gyda'r pethau bychain.Be careful with the little things.
- Mae gennym ychydig o amser.We have a little time.
- Mae gen i tad o hwyl.I have a little bit of fun.
Example conversation
Elowen and Dylan are looking at a puppy in a pet shop.
- ElowenEdrychwch ar y ci bach hwn!Look at this little dog!
- DylanMae e'n rhy haner bach.He is very little.
- ElowenYdy e'n bach iawn?Is he very small?
- DylanYdy, mae'n bach iawn.Yes, he is very small.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little” translations and entries bach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
