Language/Welsh/Grammar/Describing-Actions

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WelshGrammar0 to A1 Course → Adjectives and Adverbs → Describing Actions

Introduction[edit | edit source]

In this lesson, we will explore how to use Welsh adverbs to describe actions. Adverbs are an essential part of language as they provide more information about how an action is performed. By learning how to use adverbs effectively, you will be able to communicate more precisely and vividly in Welsh. We will cover the placement of adverbs in sentences, their formation, and provide plenty of examples to illustrate each point. Additionally, we will delve into any regional variations or historical reasons that may impact the usage and understanding of adverbs in Welsh. So let's dive in and enhance our descriptive skills!

Placement of Adverbs[edit | edit source]

Adverbs can be placed in different positions within a sentence, depending on the emphasis or effect you want to achieve. Let's explore the different placements of adverbs and their implications with some examples:

Beginning of the Sentence[edit | edit source]

When an adverb is placed at the beginning of a sentence, it immediately draws attention to the action being described. It adds emphasis and sets the tone for the rest of the sentence. Take a look at the following examples:

  • Heddiw, rwy'n mynd i'r sinema. (Today, I am going to the cinema.)
  • Yn gyflym, rhedodd y chwaraewr. (Quickly, the player ran.)

In both examples, the adverb is placed at the beginning of the sentence, highlighting the time or manner of the action. This placement creates a sense of immediacy and importance.

End of the Sentence[edit | edit source]

Placing an adverb at the end of a sentence is the most common position in Welsh. It provides a natural flow to the sentence and allows the adverb to modify the action without drawing too much attention. Here are some examples:

  • Rwy'n bwyta'n araf. (I am eating slowly.)
  • Mae'r plant yn chwarae'n hapus. (The children are playing happily.)

Notice how the adverbs araf (slowly) and hapus (happily) are placed at the end of the sentence, giving a subtle description of the action.

Before the Verb[edit | edit source]

Another common placement of adverbs is before the verb. This position emphasizes the manner or intensity of the action. Let's see some examples:

  • Dw i'n gyflym chwarae pêl-droed. (I play football quickly.)
  • Roedd hi'n ofnadwy berwi. (It was terribly boiling.)

By placing the adverbs gyflym (quickly) and ofnadwy (terribly) before the verb, we highlight the speed and intensity of the actions.

Between the Subject and Verb[edit | edit source]

Placing an adverb between the subject and the verb is less common but can be used for stylistic purposes. It adds emphasis and creates a pause in the sentence. Take a look at these examples:

  • Yn awr, mae hi'n fwy yn hoffi bwyta. (Now, she likes eating more.)
  • Yn gynnar, fe fyddaf i'n mynd i'r gwaith. (Early, I will go to work.)

In these examples, the adverbs awr (now) and gynnar (early) are placed between the subject and the verb, creating a pause and emphasizing the time of the action.

Formation of Adverbs[edit | edit source]

Adverbs in Welsh can be formed in several ways. Let's explore the different methods of forming adverbs and provide examples for each:

= Adding -I =[edit | edit source]

One common way to form adverbs in Welsh is by adding the suffix -i to the adjective stem. This formation is similar to the English "-ly" ending. Here are some examples:

Welsh Pronunciation English
gwneud (to do) gwin-eed gwneud-i (to do-ly)
braf (nice) brahv brafi (nicely)
clir (clear) kleer cliri (clearly)
cyflym (fast) kuh-vleem cyflymi (fast-ly)

In these examples, we can see that by adding -i to the adjective stem, we form the corresponding adverb.

= Changing -A to -O =[edit | edit source]

Another way to form adverbs is by changing the -a ending of the adjective to -o. This formation is common for adjectives ending in -lyd. Let's look at some examples:

Welsh Pronunciation English
hawdd (easy) howth hawdo (easily)
pell (far) pethl pello (far-ly)
teg (fair) tehg tego (fairly)
llawer (many) lhaw-air llawero (many-ly)

By changing -a to -o, we create the corresponding adverb form of the adjective.

Using Different Adverbs[edit | edit source]

Sometimes, the adverb form of an adjective is a completely different word. Here are some examples:

  • Iawn (good, well)
  • Yn barod (ready)
  • Yn ôl (back)
  • Yn gyntaf (first)

These adverbs have unique forms and do not follow the patterns of adjective-to-adverb conversion.

Cultural Insight: Regional Variations[edit | edit source]

Like any language, Welsh has regional variations that can affect the usage or understanding of adverbs. It's important to note that while the basic rules for adverbs apply throughout Wales, there may be slight differences in dialects and colloquial speech. Here are a few examples of regional variations in using adverbs:

  • In South Wales, the adverb fel (like) is commonly used to intensify adjectives or verbs. For example, Braf fel (Very nice) or Dawnsio fel (Dancing like crazy). This usage is less common in other parts of Wales.
  • In North Wales, the adverb eitha (quite) is often used to express a moderate degree of an action or quality. For example, Eitha hwyr (Quite late) or Eitha da (Quite good). In South Wales, brafi is more commonly used for this purpose.

These regional variations add depth and diversity to the Welsh language, showcasing the unique characteristics of different areas within Wales.

Exercise: Describing Actions[edit | edit source]

Now, let's put our knowledge of Welsh adverbs into practice! Complete the following exercises by adding the appropriate adverbs to describe the actions. The solutions will be provided after each exercise for you to check your answers.

Exercise 1[edit | edit source]

Add the correct adverb to complete the sentence.

1. Mae'r car yn __ (araf) redeg. (The car is running slowly.) 2. Dw i'n __ (gyflym) chwarae pêl-droed. (I play football quickly.) 3. Mae'r plant yn chwarae __ (hapus). (The children are playing happily.)

Solution: 1. Mae'r car yn araf redeg. 2. Dw i'n gyflym chwarae pêl-droed. 3. Mae'r plant yn chwarae hapus.

Exercise 2[edit | edit source]

Choose the correct adverb to complete the sentence.

1. Dw i'n __ (iawn / brafi) gweld y ffilm. (I am watching the film well.) 2. Mae hi'n __ (eitha / yn barod) gwybod y canlyniad. (She already knows the result.) 3. Roedd y gêm yn __ (cyflym / llawer). (The game was fast.) 4. Yn __ (awr / yn ôl), byddaf yn dod. (Now, I will come back.)

Solution: 1. Dw i'n iawn gweld y ffilm. 2. Mae hi'n yn barod gwybod y canlyniad. 3. Roedd y gêm yn cyflym. 4. Yn awr, byddaf yn dod.

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations on completing the lesson on describing actions with Welsh adverbs! You have learned about the placement of adverbs in sentences and their formation. Additionally, you explored regional variations in the usage of adverbs and practiced using adverbs to describe actions. Keep practicing and incorporating adverbs into your Welsh conversations to enhance your descriptive skills. Diolch am ddysgu! (Thank you for learning!)


Table of Contents - Welsh Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Greetings and Introductions


Pronouns and Verbs


Numbers and Time


Questions and Negation


Family and Relationships


Adjectives and Adverbs


Food and Drink


Prepositions and Conjunctions


Welsh Traditions and Celebrations


Hobbies and Leisure


Present Continuous and Future


Travel and Transportation


Welsh Literature and History


Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]




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