dy enw
/də ˈɛnu/word by word
The Welsh phrase for "your name" is dy enw.
dy enw is used to refer to the name belonging to the person you are speaking to.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive adjective dy (your) and the noun enw (name).
Which one should you use?
If you are addressing more than one person, or if you wish to use a formal/polite form of "you", use eich enw instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
In colloquial speech, the particle di is often added after dy enw to clarify that the possessive refers specifically to the person being spoken to or to provide emphasis.
How do you pronounce it?
/də ˈɛnu/
Did you know?
- Welsh culture places a high value on patronymics, so asking for dy enw often invites a response that includes the speaker's father's name.
- In traditional Welsh poetry, the 'name' of a person is often used as a metaphor for their entire ancestral lineage and history.
- The word enw shares a common ancestor with the English word 'name' and the Latin 'nomen', tracing back to the same Proto-Indo-European root.
Examples in context
- S'mae, fy enw i yw Pekka. Beth yw dy enw di?Hi, my name is Pekka. What is your name?This example shows how to introduce yourself and then ask for the other person's name using dy enw.Tatoeba #1978690 by Sisial, translation #1014525 by CN
- Beth ydy dy enw di?What is your name?This example demonstrates a direct way to ask for someone's name using dy enw.Tatoeba #11572579 by deniko, translation #70623 by frpzzd
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dylan and Sian are meeting for the first time at a party.
- DylanHelo! Beth yw dy enw di?Hello! What is your name?
- SianSian yw fy enw i.My name is Sian.
- DylanMae'n bleser cysgelltu dy enw, Sian.It's a pleasure to know your name, Sian.
- SianDiolch, Dylan!Thanks, Dylan!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (dy, enw) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dy, enw, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
