lladd
/ɬaːð/
The Welsh word for 'slay' is lladd.
The verb lladd is used to mean to kill or murder.
Meaning: to kill, murder (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form lladd can function as both the present tense ('kills') and the past tense ('killed') in many contexts. However, in a full sentence, the specific tense is usually determined by the surrounding context or a particle.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɬaːð/
Did you know?
- The word lladd is a linguistic cousin of the English word 'slay'. Both descend from the Proto-Celtic root *sladyeti.
- In traditional Welsh folklore and the Mabinogion, the concept of 'slaying' often involves magical conditions or prohibitions that must be followed to avoid a curse.
- Unlike in English, where 'slay' is often used as a modern slang term for doing something exceptionally well, lladd retains a much more literal and darker connotation.
Example conversation
Gareth and Sian are discussing a dark mystery novel.
- GarethPwy sy'n lladd y cymeriad?Who kills the character?
- SianDw i ddim yn gwybo, Gareth.I don't know, Gareth.
- GarethMae'n rhy feddal.It is too mild.
- SianBydd rhywun yn lladd rhywun yn fuan.Someone will kill someone soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lladd, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lladd, CC BY-SA 4.0.
