iawn
/jau̯n/
The English phrase ok can be translated into Welsh as iawn. Wiktionary also lists o'r gorau.
Meaning: acknowledgement or acceptance (intj)
Ways to say it
| Welsh | IPA |
|---|---|
| iawn | /jau̯n/ |
| o'r gorau |
The word iawn is highly versatile. It can be used to mean 'okay' (acceptance), 'right' (acknowledgement) or 'good' (quality).
Which one should you use?
While iawn means 'okay' or 'fine', o'r gorau is a much stronger expression meaning 'the best' or 'excellent'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/jau̯n/
Did you know?
- The word iawn shares a common ancestor with the word 'true' from ancient Celtic roots. It originally carried a sense of being 'noble' or 'genuine' rather than just a simple agreement.
- The word iawn can function as an intensifier in many contexts. Much like how English uses 'very' or 'really', you can place iawn after an adjective to increase its strength.
- If someone asks you how you are, answering with just iawn can sometimes sound a bit clipped or dismissive, depending on your tone of voice.
Examples in context
- Ydw, mae'n iawn gen i!Yes, I'm OK with that!
- Iawn, gwn i.OK, I know.
- Iawn, mae hynny'n iawn.OK, that is fine.
Example conversation
Sian and Rhys are agreeing on a meeting time.
- SianAllan y clock pump?At five o'clock?
- RhysIawn, hwnna yw'n berffaith.OK, that is perfect.
- SianDa iawn, Rhys.Very good, Rhys.
- RhysWelwn ni chi wedyn.I'll see you later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ok” translations and entries iawn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gorau, iawn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
