Language/Welsh/Grammar/Plurals

Welsh Grammar - Plurals

Hi Welsh learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will explore the topic of plurals in Welsh grammar. Welsh can present some challenges to English speakers due to its unique grammar and pronunciation, but with practice, anyone can master it. Plurals are an essential part of any language, and Welsh is no exception. Being able to form and use plurals correctly will help you communicate more effectively in Welsh. So, let's dive in!

Introduction

In Welsh, plurals are formed by adding suffixes to the singular form of nouns. There are several plural suffixes, and the choice of suffix depends on the noun's gender and ending. It is also essential to keep in mind that Welsh has a system of mutated consonants that can affect the spelling and pronunciation of words.

For example, the word "cat" in Welsh is "cath" (pronounced /kaːθ/). To form the plural, you add the suffix "-od" to get "cathod" (pronounced /kaːθɔd/), which means "cats." However, the word "car" in Welsh is "car" (pronounced /kar/). To form the plural, you add the suffix "-au" to get "ceir" (pronounced /keir/), which means "cars."

It may seem overwhelming, but don't worry; we will go through it step by step and provide you with examples to help you understand.

Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Adjectives, Negation, Questions & Pronouns.

Forming plurals

There are several plural suffixes in Welsh, such as "-au," "-oedd," and "-od," but which suffix you use will depend on the noun's gender and ending.

Masculine singular nouns

Most masculine singular nouns take "-au" to form the plural. However, some masculine nouns take "-oedd."

Here are some examples:

Welsh	Pronunciation	English
cath	/kaːθ/	cat
cathau	/kaːθai̯/	cats
ci	/kiː/	dog
cŵn	/kuːn/	dogs
tad	/tad/	father
tadau	/tadai̯/	fathers
dyn	/dən/	man
dynion	/dənjɔn/	men

Feminine singular nouns

Most feminine singular nouns take "-au" to form the plural. However, some feminine nouns take "-od."

Here are some examples:

Welsh	Pronunciation	English
mam	/mam/	mother
mamau	/mamai̯/	mothers
merch	/mɛrχ/	girl
merched	/mɛrχɛd/	girls
seren	/ˈsɛrɛn/	star
sêr	/seːr/	stars
cadair	/ˈkadair/	chair
cadeiriau	/kadɛˈriai̯/	chairs

Neuter singular nouns

Neuter singular nouns take "-od" to form the plural.

Here are some examples:

Welsh	Pronunciation	English
plentyn	/plɛntɪn/	child
plant	/plɑnt/	children
gair	/ɡaɪr/	word
geiriau	/ɡɛrjai̯/	words
dwr	/duːr/	water
dyfr	/ˈdʌvr̩/	waters

Note that nouns ending in "-en" and "-in" in their singular form can have either of the masculine or feminine endings "-au" or "-od."

Exceptions

There are a few exceptions to the plural rules in Welsh. Some common examples include:

• "Gŵr" (man) becomes "gwŷr" (men)
• "Benyw" (woman) becomes "menyw" (women)
• "Botwm" (button) becomes "bytiau" (buttons)

Examples in context

Here is a dialogue that showcases how to use plurals in context:

• Person 1: Beth wyt ti eisiau ar ôl y swper? (What do you want after dinner?)
• Person 2: Y gostyngiad ar y meniù, os gwelwch yn dda. (The discount on the menu, please.)
• Person 1: Achos dŵr yw'r unig beth sydd ar gael yn y bar. (Water is the only thing available at the bar.)
• Person 2: Felly rwyf am ddewis dau ddwr, os gwelwch yn dda. (So I want to choose two waters, please.)

Practice

Now it's your turn to practice forming Welsh plurals. Take any Welsh noun, singular or plural, and try to form the opposite (singular if you have the plural, and vice versa) following the plural rules we have discussed. For example, if you have "carafanau" (caravans), try to form "carafan" (caravan).

Conclusion

In conclusion, plurals are essential in Welsh grammar as they help to communicate ideas correctly. It may seem overwhelming at first, but with practice, it will become easier. Remember to keep in mind the gender and ending of the noun when forming plurals. To improve your Welsh Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

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➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Sources

• Colloquial Welsh morphology - Wikipedia
• More than One: Welsh Plurals – Ymlaen
• Markedness Effects in Welsh Plural Forms

Well done on mastering this lesson! Don't miss these related pages to expand your knowledge: Future Tense, How to Use Have & How to Use Be.

Other Lessons

• Pronouns
• Give your Opinion
• Questions
• The article
• Adjectives
• How to Use Have
• How to Use Be
• Negation
• Future Tense