Learning Welsh, a Celtic language spoken primarily in Wales, involves understanding its unique verb system. Unlike many languages, Welsh features both inflected and periphrastic verb forms, making its verb system complex yet fascinating. This guide provides a detailed exploration of Welsh verbs and their grammatical rules, aimed at aiding learners in mastering this aspect of the language.

Introduction to the Welsh Verb System

Welsh verbs can be categorized into two main types: inflected (conjugated directly) and periphrastic (using auxiliary verbs). The language also distinguishes between regular and irregular verbs, with irregular verbs often being the most commonly used.

Inflected Verbs

Inflected verbs in Welsh are primarily used in the present and preterite (simple past) tenses. They directly conjugate for person, number, and tense.

Present Tense

The present tense is often expressed through the periphrastic form, but some verbs have a simple present tense form used mainly for habitual actions.

• Example with “mynd” (to go):
  • Afirmative: “Af i” (I go), “Ei di” (You go), “Â i/Â hi” (He/She goes)
  • Negative: “Nac af i” (I do not go)

Preterite Tense

The preterite tense is used for actions completed in the past and is one of the few tenses that is regularly conjugated.

• Example with “gweld” (to see):
  • “Gwelais i” (I saw), “Gwelaist ti” (You saw), “Gwelodd o/hi” (He/She saw)

Periphrastic Verbs

Periphrastic verb forms are the most common way of expressing actions in Welsh and use auxiliary verbs, mainly “bod” (to be) and “gwneud” (to do), along with the main verb in its verbal noun form.

Present Tense

The present tense in the periphrastic form indicates ongoing or habitual actions.

• Example with “canu” (to sing) using “bod”:
  • “Dw i’n canu” (I am singing), “Rwyt ti’n canu” (You are singing)

Past Tense

The past tense can also be formed periphrastically, indicating completed actions.

• Example with “canu” using “gwneud” as an auxiliary:
  • “Gwnes i ganu” (I sang), “Wnest ti ganu” (You sang)

Future Tense

The future tense in Welsh is often expressed through the periphrastic form, using “bod” in a future construction.

• Example with “bwyta” (to eat):
  • “Bydda i’n bwyta” (I will eat), “Byddi di’n bwyta” (You will eat)

Imperative Mood

The imperative mood is used for commands and is formed by using the verb stem directly.

• Example with “dod” (to come):
  • “Dod!” (Come!), “Dewch!” (Come! [plural/formal])

Negative Form

Negation in Welsh can be formed in various ways, depending on the tense and whether the verb form is inflected or periphrastic.

• Inflected example with “mynd” in the preterite:
  • “Ni es i” (I did not go)
• Periphrastic example with “canu”:
  • “Dw i ddim yn canu” (I am not singing)

Questions

Questions are often formed by inverting the subject and the verb or by using question particles.

• Example with “bod” in the present tense:
  • “Ydw i’n canu?” (Am I singing?)

Verb-Noun

The verb-noun is the infinitive or gerund form of the verb and is crucial in forming periphrastic constructions.

• Example: “canu” (to sing), “bwyta” (to eat)

Conclusion

Understanding Welsh verbs involves mastering both the inflected and periphrastic forms, along with the use of verbal nouns and auxiliary verbs. Regular practice, familiarization with the most common irregular verbs, and understanding the nuances of mood and aspect are essential for effective communication in Welsh. The language’s verb system, with its mix of direct conjugation and auxiliary verb constructions, offers a window into the rich linguistic traditions of Wales.