Language/Welsh/Vocabulary/Telling-Time

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Welsh → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Numbers and Time → Telling Time

Introduction

In this lesson, we will delve into the topic of telling time in Welsh. Being able to ask for and give the time is an essential skill in any language, and Welsh is no exception. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of how to tell time in Welsh and confidently engage in conversations about time-related matters.

We will begin by learning the basic vocabulary related to time, including the words for hours, minutes, and seconds. Then, we will explore the different ways to ask for and give the time in Welsh, considering both the 12-hour and 24-hour clock systems. We will provide numerous examples and practice scenarios throughout the lesson, allowing you to apply what you have learned in a practical context.

As we progress, we will also touch upon cultural aspects and interesting facts related to time in the Welsh-speaking world. This will not only enhance your understanding of Welsh language and culture but also make the learning experience more enjoyable and memorable. So, let's dive in and embark on our journey to master the art of telling time in Welsh!

Vocabulary

Before we dive into the intricacies of telling time, let's familiarize ourselves with some key vocabulary related to time in Welsh. This will provide a solid foundation for our learning journey. Here are some essential words and phrases:

Hours

In Welsh, the word for "hour" is "awr".

• Example: "Dau awr" (Two hours)

Minutes

The word for "minute" in Welsh is "munud".

• Example: "Pum munud" (Five minutes)

Seconds

The word for "second" in Welsh is "eiliad".

• Example: "Deg eiliad" (Ten seconds)

These basic vocabulary words will be the building blocks for constructing time expressions in Welsh. As we progress, you will see how these words are used in various contexts to tell time.

Telling Time

Now that we have a solid foundation of time-related vocabulary, let's dive into the different ways to tell time in Welsh. We will start by exploring the 12-hour clock system and then move on to the 24-hour clock system.

The 12-Hour Clock System

In the 12-hour clock system, the day is divided into two halves: AM (ante meridiem) and PM (post meridiem). In Welsh, we indicate the time of day by using the phrases "yn y bore" (in the morning), "yn y prynhawn" (in the afternoon), and "yn y nos" (in the evening/night).

To ask for the time in Welsh, you can use the following question:

• "Beth yw'r amser?" (What is the time?)

To respond, you would say:

• "Mae'n ..." (It is ...)

Let's look at some examples:

Welsh	Pronunciation	English
Beth yw'r amser?	beth uh-oor am-sair?	What is the time?
Mae'n un o'r gloch yn y bore.	myn een oh-oor gloch uhn uh bor-eh	It is one o'clock in the morning.
Mae'n hanner awr wedi pedwar yn y prynhawn.	myn han-er owr wed-ee ped-war uhn uh prun-haun	It is half past four in the afternoon.
Mae'n chwarter i naw yn y nos.	myn chwar-ter ee naw uhn uh nos	It is a quarter to nine in the evening.

Note: In spoken Welsh, you might come across some variations in the way people tell time. For example, instead of saying "Mae'n un o'r gloch," you might hear "Mae'n un o'r gloch y bore" or simply "Un o'r gloch" to mean "One o'clock." These variations are commonly used in informal settings.

The 24-Hour Clock System

The 24-hour clock system, also known as the military time system, is widely used in many countries, including Wales. In this system, the day is divided into 24 hours, starting from midnight (00:00) and ending at midnight (24:00).

To ask for the time in the 24-hour clock system, you can use the following question:

• "Beth yw'r amser?" (What is the time?)

To respond, you would state the time using the 24-hour format. For example, "2:30 PM" would be "14:30" in the 24-hour clock system.

Let's look at some examples:

Welsh	Pronunciation	English
Beth yw'r amser?	beth uh-oor am-sair?	What is the time?
Mae'n 8:15 yn y bore.	myn wyth-fed ung-kant pymtheg uhn uh bor-eh	It is 8:15 in the morning.
Mae'n 16:45 yn y prynhawn.	myn ped-war-ugaint uhn deg-pum uhn uh prun-haun	It is 16:45 in the afternoon.
Mae'n 21:30 yn y nos.	myn naw-ugaint uhn deg uhn uh nos	It is 21:30 in the evening.

Note: When using the 24-hour clock system, it is important to pronounce the numbers correctly. For example, "8:15" would be pronounced as "wyth-fed ung-kant pymtheg" to mean "eight hundred fifteen."

Cultural Insights

Telling time in Welsh is not only about the language itself but also reflects the cultural aspects of the Welsh-speaking world. Let's explore some interesting cultural insights related to time in Wales.

Regional Variations

While the general concepts and vocabulary related to telling time are consistent throughout Wales, there might be some regional variations in the usage of specific phrases or expressions. For example, in some areas, people may use slightly different phrases to ask for or give the time. This adds diversity and richness to the Welsh language and culture.

Historical Influences

The Welsh language has a rich history influenced by various cultural and historical factors. One of the historical influences on the Welsh language is the adoption of the 24-hour clock system. This system was introduced during the 20th century and became widely used, especially in official settings and the military. Understanding the historical context helps us appreciate the evolution of the Welsh language and its connection to broader cultural developments.

Timekeeping Traditions

Wales has a long-standing tradition of timekeeping, often associated with the agricultural calendar and rural lifestyle. In the past, Welsh communities relied on natural cues, such as the position of the sun or the crowing of roosters, to mark the passing of time. While these traditional timekeeping methods have largely been replaced by modern clocks and watches, they remain a part of Welsh cultural heritage.

Practice Exercises

Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Below are some exercises to help you reinforce what you have learned.

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct time in Welsh:

• "Mae'n ___ o'r gloch yn y bore." (It is two o'clock in the morning.)
• "Mae'n hanner ___ wedi chwech yn y prynhawn." (It is half past six in the afternoon.)
• "Mae'n chwarter i ___ yn y nos." (It is a quarter to nine in the evening.)

2. Convert the following times from the 12-hour clock system to the 24-hour clock system:

• 10:30 AM
• 3:45 PM
• 9:15 PM

3. Ask your partner for the time in Welsh and practice responding to their questions.

Solutions

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct time in Welsh:

• "Mae'n dau o'r gloch yn y bore." (It is two o'clock in the morning.)
• "Mae'n hanner chwech wedi chwech yn y prynhawn." (It is half past six in the afternoon.)
• "Mae'n chwarter i naw yn y nos." (It is a quarter to nine in the evening.)

2. Convert the following times from the 12-hour clock system to the 24-hour clock system:

• 10:30 AM -> 10:30
• 3:45 PM -> 15:45
• 9:15 PM -> 21:15

3. Practice asking and responding to questions about the time with your partner.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the lesson on telling time in Welsh. Throughout this lesson, you have learned essential vocabulary related to time, explored both the 12-hour and 24-hour clock systems, and discovered cultural insights related to timekeeping in Wales. By practicing the exercises, you have reinforced your understanding and ability to confidently ask for and give the time in Welsh.

Remember to continue practicing and applying what you have learned in real-life situations. The more you engage with the Welsh language, the more natural and effortless telling time will become. Keep up the great work, and soon you will be a master of telling time in Welsh!

Table of Contents - Welsh Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Pronouns and Verbs

• Personal Pronouns
• To Be and To Have

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

  ---

Questions and Negation

• Question Words
• Negation

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Describing People
• Describing Actions

  ---

Food and Drink

• Common Foods
• Eating and Drinking

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Using Prepositions
• Using Conjunctions

  ---

Welsh Traditions and Celebrations

• Holidays and Festivals
• Traditional Music and Dance

  ---

Hobbies and Leisure

• Common Hobbies
• Leisure Activities

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Present Continuous and Future

• Present Continuous Tense
• Talking About the Future

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Welsh Literature and History

• Famous Welsh Writers
• Welsh History

Sources

• Telling the time - GCSE Welsh Second Language (WJEC) Revision
• Learn Welsh | Time Word Mat | Twinkl Learning Resources
• Welsh Skill:Time | Duolingo Wiki | Fandom

Other Lessons

• Months of the year
• Count to 10
• Sizes
• Colors lliwiau
• Animals
• Common Foods
• Express Surprise
• Common Hobbies
• How to say Good Bye?

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