Welcome to the guide on how to say “one, two, three” in Welsh! Welsh, the native language of Wales, has a rich linguistic history and its own unique numerals. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways of counting from one to three in Welsh, with relevant tips, examples, and some distinctions between regions. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “One, Two, Three” in Welsh
Welsh has a formal register for counting, commonly used in educational settings, formal occasions, or when addressing people with respect. Here’s how you can say “one, two, three” formally:
1. Un, Dau, Tri
In the formal register, you would use the words “un” (one), “dau” (two), and “tri” (three) to count. Let’s see some examples:
- Un cloc (one clock)
- Dwi’n cael dau o rannau (I have two parts)
- Mae gyda fi tri plentyn (I have three children)
Informal Ways to Say “One, Two, Three” in Welsh
Welsh also has an informal register for counting, usually used in casual conversations or when talking to friends and family. Here’s how you can say “one, two, three” informally:
1. Un, Dau, Tri
The informal way of saying “one, two, three” in Welsh remains the same as the formal register. However, the pronunciation may vary slightly in casual speech. Here are some examples:
- Un cariad (one love)
- Ro’n i’n gweld dau llygod (I saw two mice)
- Daethon nhw mewn grŵp o tri (They came in a group of three)
Regional Variations
While Welsh generally follows the same counting system, regional variations do exist. These variations primarily affect the pronunciation of numbers. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Yn y De (In the South)
In southern Wales, including areas like Cardiff and Swansea, people often pronounce “one, two, three” as “un, dw, tri.” Here are a few instances:
- Welais i un cath yn chwarae (I saw one cat playing)
- Mae gen i dw seren ar fy nwylo (I have two stars on my hands)
- Mae pobol wedi cyrraedd tri awr yn gynharach (People have arrived three hours earlier)
2. Yng Ngogledd Cymru (In North Wales)
In northern Wales, regions such as Wrexham and Bangor, the pronunciation of “one, two, three” as “y’n, doh, tree” is more common. Consider the following examples:
- Dw i wedi cael y’n llythyrau (I have received one letter)
- Naethon ni brynu doh jât (We bought two hats)
- Mae ganddo tree o lo (He has three cups)
Tip: When engaging in conversation in Wales, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the regional variations and adjust your speech accordingly. People will appreciate your effort to adapt!
With this guide, you now know how to count from one to three in Welsh. Whether you’re using the formal or informal register, or encountering regional variations, you can confidently express these numbers. Welsh is a beautiful language, and making an effort to learn and use it is always appreciated by native speakers. So go ahead, practice, and have fun incorporating Welsh numbers into your conversations!
