diolch yn fawr
/ˌdiɔlχ ən ˈvau̯r/
The Welsh phrase for "many thanks" is diolch yn fawr.
It functions as an interjection to show appreciation.
Meaning: many thanks (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of diolch (thanks) and yn fawr (greatly/large), literally meaning "thanks greatly".
Which one should you use?
While diolch is equivalent to a basic "thanks", diolch yn fawr is more emphatic and polite.
How does it change in a sentence?
To add more emphasis, you can add iawn (very) to the end of the phrase, resulting in diolch yn fawr iawn (many thanks indeed / many thanks very much).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌdiɔlχ ən ˈvau̯r/
Did you know?
- The word diolch shares an ancient root with the concept of prayer and worship, evolving from the Proto-Celtic word *yālos.
- The word fawr used in this phrase is the same word used to describe physical size or 'large' objects.
- The construction yn fawr uses the particle yn, which is one of the most versatile words in Welsh and changes function depending on whether it precedes an adjective or a noun.
Examples in context
- Diolch yn fawr am eich gwasanaeth rhagorol!Thank you very much for your excellent service!
- Croeso. Diolch yn fawr iawn am eich amser ac amser pob un o'ch cydweithwyr.You're welcome. Thank you very much for your time and every one of your colleagues' time.
- Diolch yn fawr iawn i ti am dy gymorth!Thank you very much to you for your help!
- Diolch yn fawr am y croeso.Many thanks for the welcome.
- Diolch yn fawr am y help.Many thanks for the help.
- Diolch yn fawr am y anrheg.Many thanks for the gift.
Example conversation
Rhys is receiving a book from Rhiannon at a cafe.
- RhysYdy'r llyfr yma i mi?Is this book for me?
- RhiannonYdw, diolch yn fawr am ddod.Yes, many thanks for coming.
- RhysDiolch yn fawr am y llyfr.Many thanks for the book.
- RhiannonCroeso, Rhys.You're welcome, Rhys.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry diolch yn fawr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries diolch, yn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
