Learning Welsh, the native language of Wales, offers a gateway into the vibrant culture and rich history of this Celtic nation. Understanding the numerical system in Welsh is essential for various daily activities, such as shopping, telling time, discussing prices, and navigating. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Welsh numbers, including pronunciation guides, structural explanations, and practical applications to facilitate learners at all levels.

Introduction to Welsh Numerals

The Welsh numerical system is unique, blending decimal and vigesimal (based on 20s) aspects, reflective of its Celtic roots. Proficiency in numbers is vital for effective communication in both formal and informal contexts within Welsh-speaking regions.

Basic Numbers (1-10)

The foundation of learning Welsh numbers is mastering the basics, 1 through 10. Here are the primary Welsh numbers with their pronunciation aids:

1. Un – [ihn] – One
2. Dau (masculine), Dwy (feminine) – [dai, dew-ee] – Two
3. Tri (masc.), Tair (fem.) – [tree, tire] – Three
4. Pedwar (masc.), Pedair (fem.) – [ped-war, ped-ire] – Four
5. Pump – [pimp] – Five
6. Chwech – [khw-ekh] – Six
7. Saith – [seyth] – Seven
8. Wyth – [with] – Eight
9. Naw – [nou] – Nine
10. Deg – [dehg] – Ten

Forming Numbers (11-19)

Numbers 11 through 19 in Welsh are formed by adding “Un deg” before the unit number, indicating a sequence beyond ten:

• Un deg un – [ɪn dɛg ɪn] – 11
• Un deg dau – [ɪn dɛg daɪ] – 12
• Un deg tri – [ɪn dɛg triː] – 13
• Un deg pedwar – [ɪn dɛg ˈpɛdwar] – 14
• Un deg pump – [ɪn dɛg pɪmp] – 15
• Un deg chwech – [ɪn dɛg ˈxwɛx] – 16
• Un deg saith – [ɪn dɛg saɪθ] – 17
• Un deg wyth – [ɪn dɛg ʊiθ] – 18
• Un deg naw – [ɪn dɛg naʊ] – 19

Counting in Tens (20-100)

Understanding how to count by tens is crucial for forming larger numbers and for practical applications:

• Ugain – [ee-gain] – 20
• Deg ar hugain (literally “ten on twenty”) – [dehg ar hee-gain] – 30
• Deugain – [day-gain] – 40
• Hanner cant (literally “half a hundred”) or Pum deg (literally “five ten”) – [han-er kant] / [pim dehg] – 50
• Trigain – [tree-gain] – 60
• Deg a thrigain (literally “ten and sixty”) – [dehg ah tree-gain] – 70
• Pedwar ugain (literally “four twenties”) – [ped-war ee-gain] – 80
• Deg a phedwar ugain (literally “ten and four twenties”) – [dehg ah ped-war ee-gain] – 90
• Cant – [kant] – 100

Compound Numbers (21-99)

For numbers between 21 and 99, Welsh uses a combination of tens and units:

• Ugain a un – [ee-gain ah ihn] – 21
• Deg ar hugain a tri – [dehg ar hee-gain ah tree] – 33
• The pattern involves the tens (20, 30, etc.) followed by the unit number.

Larger Numbers

For discussing larger quantities and other numerical information in Welsh, these terms are used:

• Cant – [kant] – 100
• Mil – [meel] – 1,000
• Mil o filoedd (thousands) for numbers beyond 1,000.
• Miliwn – [mil-ee-wn] – 1,000,000

Practice and Exercises

• Listening and Pronunciation Practice: Use Welsh audio resources or language learning apps to familiarize yourself with the pronunciation of numbers. Practice speaking them aloud.
• Writing and Reading: Write numbers in both numeral and word forms to improve your literacy in Welsh.
• Practical Application: Incorporate Welsh numbers into daily tasks to reinforce learning.

Tips for Effective Learning

• Regular Practice: Consistent interaction with Welsh numbers enhances recall and understanding.
• Flashcards: Create flashcards with numbers on one side and their word forms on the reverse.
• Language Exchange: Engage in speaking practice with native speakers or fellow learners to improve fluency.

Conclusion

Achieving fluency in Welsh numbers is a crucial step toward effective communication and deeper cultural understanding. Begin with the basics, gradually move to more complex numbers, and incorporate regular practice into your study routine. With dedication and consistent effort, you’ll confidently navigate numerical contexts in Welsh, enriching your language skills and cultural appreciation.