Beth yw dy enw?
The English phrase "what is your name?" is translated into Welsh as Beth yw dy enw?
This phrase is a direct question used to ask someone for their name.
What does it mean word for word?
Beth means "what", yw is the linking verb "is", dy means "your" (singular and informal) and enw means "name".
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter Beth yw dy enw di? in informal settings. When addressing more than one person or using a formal tone, you should use Beth yw eich enw? or Beth yw eich enw chi?
How does it change in a sentence?
The possessive adjective dy is used specifically for the singular, informal "your", whereas eich is used for the plural or formal "your". The plural form of the word for "name" is enwau.
Did you know?
- The word yw for 'is' shares an ancient root with the word for the 'yew' tree. It stems from the Proto-Indo-European root for the 'yew' plant, which was often sacred in Celtic cultures.
- While Beth yw dy enw? is the standard question, Welsh culture often places a high value on the 'cynefin' or sense of place, making the answer often include where a person is from.
Examples in context
- Bore da! Beth yw eich enw chi?Good morning! What is your name?
- S'mae! Beth yw dy enw di?Hi! What is your name?
- Beth yw dy enw?What is your name?
Example conversation
Dylan and Rhiannon meet for the first time at a party.
- DylanHelo, fy eni yw Dylan. Beth yw dy enw?Hello, my name is Dylan. What is your name?
- RhiannonFy enw i yw Rhiannon.My name is Rhiannon.
- DylanMae'n bleser cysyllغةn, Rhiannon.It's a pleasure to meet you, Rhiannon.
- RhiannonYn bleser cysyllغةn hefyd.Pleasure to meet you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beth, dy, enw, yw, CC BY-SA 4.0.
