cariad mawr
/ˈkarjad mau̯r/word by word
The English phrase "lots of love" is expressed in Welsh as cariad mawr.
cariad mawr is a warm closing used at the end of a letter or message to someone you love.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "big love", where cariad is the noun for "love".
How does it change in a sentence?
cariad is a noun meaning "love".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkarjad mau̯r/
Did you know?
- In some regional Welsh dialects, terms of affection like cariad are used frequently even among strangers in friendly shops or markets to create a sense of community.
- The word mawr shares a prehistoric root with the English word 'more', as both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root for greatness or size.
- Welsh speakers often use cariad as a term of endearment for children or pets, making cariad mawr a phrase used far beyond romantic contexts.
Examples in context
- Cariad mawr i ti.Lots of love to you.
- Cariad mawr i bawb.Lots of love to everyone.
- Cariad mawr, Dylan.Lots of love, Dylan.
Example conversation
Dylan is sending a quick text message to Elowen.
- DylanHelo Elowen, dych chi'n dod?Hello Elowen, are you coming?
- ElowenYdw, dw i'n dod nawr.Yes, I am coming now.
- DylanDa iawn. Cariad mawr!Very good. Lots of love!
- ElowenDiolch, cariad mawr i chi hefyd.Thanks, lots of love to you too.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (cariad, mawr) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cariad, mawr, CC BY-SA 4.0.
