pren
/prɛn/
The Welsh word for tree is pren. Wiktionary also lists colfen.
Meaning: large woody plant (noun)
Ways to say it
| Welsh | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pren | /prɛn/ | |
| colfen | /ˈkɔlvɛn/ | colloquial |
The term refers to a large woody plant. You may also use the word Cangen when referring specifically to a branch, or Coetir when referring to woodland.
Which one should you use?
pren is the standard form, while colfen is a colloquial alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
colfen is a colloquial term.
How do you pronounce it?
/prɛn/
Did you know?
- The Welsh word pren refers not only to the living tree but also to timber or wood used for construction.
- The word pren is a linguistic cousin to the word for 'tree' in Breton, reflecting their shared Proto-Brythonic roots.
- The word pren is used in the name of several traditional Welsh instruments and tools, emphasizing the central role of wood in historic rural life.
Examples in context
- Roedd y gath yn eistedd ar y pren.The cat was sitting on the tree.
- Mae'r pren yn gryf iawn.The tree is very strong.
Example conversation
Owain and Elowen are walking in a park.
- OwainEdrychwch ar y pren hwn, Elowen!Look at this tree, Elowen!
- ElowenMae'n edrych yn hyfrydol.It looks lovely.
- OwainYdy'r pren yn hen?Is the tree old?
- ElowenYdw, mae'n hen iawn.Yes, it is very old.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tree” translations and entries pren, colfen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colfen, pren, CC BY-SA 4.0.
