Welcome to the wonderful world of counting in Welsh! Wales, known for its enchanting and lyrical language, has its own peculiar way of expressing numbers. Whether you’re looking to learn numbers in Welsh for travel, language exploration, or simply to impress a Welsh friend, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge you need. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of saying numbers in Welsh, focusing on standard language rather than regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Cardinal Numbers
Cardinal numbers are used to represent the quantity of something. In Welsh, these numbers are versatile and can be used in various contexts. Let’s start with the basics:
1-10: Un to Deg
1 – Un
2 – Dau
3 – Tri
4 – Pedwar
5 – Pump
6 – Chwech
7 – Saith
8 – Wyth
9 – Naw
10 – Deg
Now that you know the numbers from 1 to 10, we can move on to larger numbers. For instance, to say “eleven” in Welsh, we simply combine “un” (one) and “deg” (ten): “un deg un.” Similarly, “twenty-two” would be “dau ddeg dau.” It’s as easy as counting in English!
11-100: Un Deg Un to Cant
11 – Un deg un
12 – Un deg dau
13 – Un deg tri
20 – Dau ddeg
30 – Tri deg
40 – Pedwar deg
50 – Pump deg
60 – Chwech deg
70 – Saith deg
80 – Wyth deg
90 – Naw deg
100 – Cant
As you can see, counting from 11 to 100 is a breeze! Just remember to connect the individual numbers using “deg” (ten) as the connector. Take your time to practice and soon you’ll be able to effortlessly say any number in Welsh.
Large Numbers and Beyond: Mil, Miliwn, Biliwn
Welsh, like most languages, has specific terms to express larger numbers. Here are a few examples to help you understand:
- 1000 – Mil
- 10,000 – Deg Mil
- 1,000,000 – Miliwn
- 1,000,000,000 – Biliwn
- 10,000,000,000 – Deg Biliwn
By mastering these words, you can express significant numbers with ease. For example, if you want to say “5000” in Welsh, you would say “pump mil.” Similarly, “2 million” is “dau filiwn.” Keep in mind that Welsh uses a comma (,) instead of a period (.) as a thousands separator.
Ordinal Numbers
In addition to cardinal numbers, Welsh also has ordinal numbers to denote order or sequence. These numbers follow a different pattern compared to cardinal numbers. Let’s take a look:
1st to 10th: Cyntaf i Ddegfed
1st – Cyntaf
2nd – Ail
3rd – Trydydd
4th – Pedwerydd
5th – Pumed
6th – Chweched
7th – Seithfed
8th – Wythfed
9th – Nawfed
10th – Ddegfed
Using ordinal numbers can be incredibly useful in a myriad of situations. For example, if you want to say “first car” in Welsh, you would say “car cyntaf.” Similarly, “fourth child” would be “plentyn pedwerydd.” By combining cardinal numbers with these ordinal indicators, you’ll be able to express specific orderings with confidence.
Informal and Regional Variations
The numbers provided above are standard Welsh. However, like any language, there can be informal and regional variations. It’s important to note that while some regional dialects may use slightly different numbers, the differences are not significant enough to hinder communication. Therefore, we will focus on the standard numbers applicable to most Welsh speakers.
In Conclusion
Congratulations on acquainting yourself with how to say numbers in Welsh! We hope this guide has provided you with a solid foundation. Understanding numbers is essential for various practical purposes, from ordering in a café to telling the time. Embrace the beauty of the Welsh language and its number system. Remember to practice and feel free to refer back to this guide whenever you need a quick refresher. Happy counting!
