anghenfil
masculine
The Welsh word for monster is anghenfil. If unsure, use anghenfil. Wiktionary also lists angenfilod.
Meaning: terrifying dangerous creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Welsh | Note |
|---|---|
| anghenfil | masculine |
| angenfilod | plural |
The word refers to a terrifying or dangerous creature.
Which one should you use?
anghenfil is the singular form used for one monster, while angenfilod is the plural form used for multiple monsters.
How does it change in a sentence?
anghenfil is a masculine noun. The plural form is angenfilod.
Did you know?
- The word anghenfil is built from the words angen meaning 'need' or 'lack' and anifail meaning 'animal'.
- In certain Welsh literary contexts, a 'monster' is not always an external beast, but can be a metaphor for a person with a void or 'need' in their soul.
- While anghenfil is the standard term, Welsh folklore often describes the 'Afanc', a lake monster that is a specific type of anghenfil feared in mythology.
Examples in context
- Roeddwn i'n ofn clywed sŵn y creadur ar y traeth yn y canol nos.I was scared to hear the monster's sound on the beach in the middle of the night.
- Fe aeth yr hogyn bach yn ofidus wrth glywed am y bwg yn yr hen goedwig.The little boy got scared upon hearing about the monster in the old forest.
- Penderfynodd y criw ifanc archwilio tŷ'r bwg yn eu hynt fel anturiaethwyr dewr.The young crew decided to explore the monster's house on their way as brave adventurers.
Example conversation
Rhys and Elowen are watching a scary movie.
- RhysEdrychwch ar yr anghenfil hwn!Look at this monster!
- ElowenMae'n edrynu'n dirys iawn.It looks very scary.
- RhysDyma'r anghenfil fwyaf erioed.This is the biggest monster ever.
- ElowenRydw i nad yn hoffi'r ffilm hon.I don't like this movie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monster” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
