gwrach
/ˈɡwraːχ/
The Welsh word for witch is gwrach. Wiktionary also lists dewines.
Meaning: person who uses magic (noun)
Ways to say it
| Welsh | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gwrach | /ˈɡwraːχ/ | |
| dewines | feminine |
The term can be used to describe a person who uses magic. However, in many Welsh dialects, gwrach is used colloquially to mean 'woman' or 'old woman', often with a slightly derogatory or blunt tone, rather than strictly meaning a magical practitioner.
Which one should you use?
While gwrach is a general term for a witch, dewines specifically refers to a female practitioner of magic or a prophetess.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡwraːχ/
Did you know?
- The word gwrach is inherited from the Proto-Celtic word *wrakkā, which may be a feminine version of a word meaning 'husband' or 'man'.
- The word gwrach can be used in Welsh to describe a 'shrewish' woman, shifting the meaning from magical powers to a personality trait.
- The word dewines is linked to the concept of prophecy, reflecting a historical Welsh belief that magic and seeing the future were closely intertwined.
Examples in context
- Ai wir dyw hi'n gwrach?Is she really a witch?
- Mae'r ddinas yn gyfoethog o wrachod.The city is full of witches.
Example conversation
Dylan and Sian are reading a fantasy book together.
- DylanPwy yw'r gwrach yn y llyfr hwn?Who is the witch in this book?
- SianMae hi'n helpu'r prif gymeriad.She is helping the main character.
- DylanYdy hi'n dda ai?Is she good, then?
- SianYdy, mae hi'n dda iawn.Yes, she is very good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “witch” translations and entries gwrach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gwrach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
