Greetings! If you’re here to learn how to express years in Welsh, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through both the formal and informal ways of saying years in Welsh. We’ll cover various tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive right in and explore the wonderful world of Welsh language!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for Years
When it comes to formal usage, the Welsh language follows a conventional format for expressing years. Let’s take a look:
1. Cardinal Numbers
In formal Welsh, years are generally written using cardinal numbers. Here are a few examples:
- 1995 – “un naw naw pump”
- 2008 – “dau dim wyth”
- 1776 – “mil saith cant saith chwech”
2. Adjective + “o” + Cardinal Numbers
Alternatively, you may also express years using an adjective followed by the preposition “o” and then the cardinal number. This construction is commonly used in formal contexts:
“Blwyddyn” (year) + “o” + Cardinal Number
Examples:
- 1789 – “Blwyddyn o safon naw ten”
- 2010 – “Blwyddyn o safon dau ddeg”
- 1901 – “Blwyddyn o safon un naw un”
Informal Expressions for Years
For more casual conversations or informal settings, Welsh speakers often use a shorter and less formal way of expressing years. Let’s explore these informal expressions:
1. Using Just the Last Two Digits
In informal speech, it is common to simply mention the last two digits of the year. Here are some examples:
- 1995 – “naw naw pump”
- 2008 – “dwy dim wyth”
- 1776 – “saith cant saith chwech”
2. Adding “Y D” Prefix
Another informal way to express years is to add the prefix “y d” before the last two digits of the year:
- 1984 – “y d” + “84” = “y ddeugain pedwar”
- 2015 – “y d” + “15” = “y pymtheg”
- 1943 – “y d” + “43” = “y tri deg tri”
Tips for Pronunciation
Pronunciation can be quite challenging, especially for those new to Welsh. Here are a few tips to help you pronounce years in Welsh:
1. Mastering Numbers
Before attempting to pronounce years, it’s important to familiarize yourself with numbers in Welsh. Practice counting from 1 to 100 to develop a good foundation.
2. Focus on Sounds
Welsh has several unique sounds that may be unfamiliar to English speakers. Pay attention to the correct pronunciation of “ch,” “dd,” “ll,” and “rh” as these sounds frequently appear in Welsh words.
3. Listen to Native Speakers
The best way to improve your pronunciation is to listen to native Welsh speakers. Watch Welsh television shows, listen to Welsh radio programs, or seek out online resources to immerse yourself in the language.
Regional Variations
Welsh is spoken in different regions, and, naturally, some variation exists in how years are expressed. However, for simplicity’s sake, we will focus on the most commonly used expressions that are understood throughout Wales.
In Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to express years in Welsh. We covered both formal and informal ways of doing so, while providing tips for pronunciation and examples along the way. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep using these expressions to reinforce your understanding. Whether you find yourself in a formal or informal setting in Wales, you’ll now be able to confidently discuss years in Welsh. Best of luck on your Welsh language journey!
