gorffwys mewn hedd
The English phrase "rest in peace" is expressed in Welsh as gorffwys mewn hedd.
The phrase is used as a blessing or a formal expression of hope for the deceased, similar to the English 'Rest in Peace' or the Latin 'Requiescat in pace'.
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb gorffwys (rest), the preposition mewn (in) and the noun hedd (peace).
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing a single person or a group directly in a formal or plural sense (such as in a prayer or a formal dedication), the verb can be changed to the imperative form gorffwyswch mewn hedd.
Did you know?
- The word for 'peace', hedd, is actually a linguistic descendant of the concept of 'sitting'. It stems from an ancient Proto-Celtic root meaning 'to sit', implying that peace is a state of being seated and settled.
- In Welsh, the concept of 'peace' hedd can also be used in legal contexts to refer to a 'truce'.
- The root of the word for 'rest' in Welsh, powys, is also the name of a historic Welsh kingdom, though the meanings are unrelated in modern usage.
Examples in context
- Mae hi yn gorffwys mewn hedd.She is resting in peace.
Example conversation
Owain and Sian are visiting a cemetery.
- OwainMae'n drist iawn bod y tŷn yn anial.It is very sad that the man is gone.
- SianYdy, mae'n amser iddo gorffwys mewn hedd.Yes, it is time for him to rest in peace.
- OwainByddwn yn gobeithio hynny.I would hope that.
- SianBydd ef yn gorffwys mewn hedd nawr.He will rest in peace now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gorffwys, hedd, mewn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
