Welsh is one of Europe's oldest languages and remains to this day a vibrant living
language, spoken naturally by more than 60% of Carmarthenshire's population.
On entering the county you will immediately notice that all directional signposts
are bilingual: Welsh first followed by the translation in English. The Welsh language has 29 letters in its alphabet (there is no K, Q or Z), with 21 single letters and 8 double letters. The vowels are: A, E, I, O, U, W and Y. Unlike the consanants which each have one sound only, the vowels can be long or short. As a rule, the accent in Welsh is on the penultimate syllable and is generally pronounced phonetically. Many Welsh place names are based on physical or geographical features. For example, Caer means fort. Carmarthen (Caerfyddin in Welsh), derives its name from the Brythonic Celtic Moridunon which means sea fort. Here are some basic words and phrases in Welsh that you might like to practise before making your trip. |
Welsh Croeso Bore da Prynhawn da Noswaith dda Nos da Hwyl fawr Diolch Diolch yn fawr Dim diolch Os gwelwch yn dda Iechyd da Cymru Cymraeg Castell Gardd Alelas |
English Welcome Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Good night Good bye Thank you Thank you very much No thank you Please Cheers Wales Welsh Castle Garden Blue Pathway |
Un Dau Tri Pedwar Pump Chwech Saith Wyth Naw Deg |
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Numbers |
Basic Welsh |