da iawn
/daː jau̯n/word by word
The Welsh phrase for "well done" is da iawn. Wiktionary also lists go dda.
Meaning: exclamation of praise (intj)
Ways to say it
| Welsh | IPA |
|---|---|
| da iawn | /daː jau̯n/ (word by word) |
| go dda | /ɡoː ðaː/ (word by word) |
da iawn is a common and versatile way to say well done in Welsh.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, da iawn translates to "very good".
Which one should you use?
da iawn is a stronger expression of praise than go dda, equivalent to 'very well done' versus 'well done'.
How do you pronounce it?
/daː jau̯n/
Did you know?
- While da iawn means 'very good', the word iawn originally meant 'true' or 'noble' in ancient Celtic. You are essentially telling someone they were 'true' in their success.
- The mutation from da to dda in the phrase go dda is a characteristic of Welsh grammar that can confuse beginners, as the word changes its starting sound based on the preceding particle.
Examples in context
- Wnest ti dacluso dy stafell di? Da iawn!Did you clean your room? Well done!This sentence shows how to use da iawn as an exclamation of praise after someone has completed a task.
- Da iawn am eich llwyddiantWell done on your success.
- Boen i chi ar eich cyflwyniad ragorolCongratulations on your excellent presentation.
- Ffantastig! Ti'n serennol!Fantastic! You're a star!
Example conversation
Sian is praising Rhys for his painting.
- SianEdrychwch ar hyn! Da iawn, Rhys.Look at this! Well done, Rhys.
- RhysDiolch, Sian. Dw i'n hapus gyda phoen.Thanks, Sian. I am happy with it.
- SianMae'r lliwiau'n hyfryd.The colors are lovely.
- RhysYn gywir, dda iawn i mi!Right, well done to me!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “well done” translations and entries da iawn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (da, iawn, go, dda) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries da, go, iawn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
