Language/Welsh/Grammar/Using-Conjunctions
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Welsh conjunctions are words used to connect words, phrases and sentences. They play a crucial role in creating coherent sentences and making connections between ideas. In this lesson, we will explore the different types of Welsh conjunctions and how to use them properly.
Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect two or more elements (words, phrases or clauses) that are of equal value in a sentence. In Welsh, the most common coordinating conjunctions are 'ac', 'a', 'ond', and 'neu'.
'Ac'
The Welsh word 'ac' means 'and' and is used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal value.
For example:
| Welsh | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Dai ac Alwena | /daɪ ak əluːɛna/ | Dai and Alwena |
'A'
The Welsh word 'a' also means 'and' and is used in the same way as 'ac'. 'A' is used more frequently than 'ac'.
For example:
| Welsh | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mae hi'n siarad Cymraeg a Sbaeneg | /maɪ hiːn ʃiːarad kʌmraɪɡ a sbai.nɛɡ/ | She speaks Welsh and Spanish. |
'Ond'
The Welsh word 'ond' means 'but' and is used to connect elements that express a contrast.
For example:
| Welsh | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Dw i'n hoffi coffi ond does dim amser | /dʊ ɪn hɔfɪ kɔfɪ ɔnd dɔɛs dɪm am.sɛr/ | I like coffee, but don't have time. |
'Neu'
The Welsh word 'neu' means 'or' and is used to express a choice between two or more options.
For example:
| Welsh | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Beth wyt ti'n moyn, te neu goffi? | /bɛθ wɪt tiːn mɔɪn, tɛ ɨ kɔ.fɪ/ | What do you want, tea or coffee? |
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions connect an independent clause (a complete sentence) with a dependent clause (a sentence fragment that cannot stand alone). Subordinating conjunctions are used to explain the relationship between the two clauses and show how they are connected.
'Am'
The Welsh word 'am' means 'about' or 'because' and is used to introduce a cause or reason.
For example:
| Welsh | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mynd i Gymru am eu hiaith | /mɪnd ɪ kʌmri: əm ɛɪ hjaɪθ/ | Go to Wales because of their language. |
'Pan'
The Welsh word 'pan' means 'when' and is used to introduce a dependent clause that describes an event happening at the same time as another.
For example:
| Welsh | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Pan mae hi'n bwrw glaw, dw i'n aros adref | /pan maɪ hiːn bʊru ɡlaʊ, du ɪn arɔs adrɛv/ | When it's raining, I stay at home. |
'Yn Nhys'
The Welsh phrase 'yn Nhys' means 'in order to' or 'so that' and is used to introduce a dependent clause that explains the reason for an action.
For example:
| Welsh | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Dw i'n astudio Cymraeg yn Nhys cymryd rhan yn yr Eisteddfod | /du ɪn astdɪo kʌmraɪɡ ɨn thɪs kəmrɨd r̥a:n ɪn ər aɪ.stɛð.vɔd/ | I study Welsh in order to take part in the Eisteddfod. |
'Os'
The Welsh word 'os' means 'if' and is used to introduce a dependent clause that describes a condition.
For example:
| Welsh | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Os oes angen help, gadewch i mi wybod | /ɔs oɛs ˈaŋ.ɡɛn hɛlp ɡaˈdɛwχ i mɪ ˈwɪbɔd/ | If you need help, let me know. |
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together. In Welsh, the most common correlative conjunctions are 'na... na', 'naill ai... naill ai', and 'neither...nor'.
'Na...Na'
The correlative conjunction 'na...na' means 'neither...nor' and is used to express negation.
For example:
| Welsh | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Nid wyf na'n darllen na'n ysgrifennu Cymraeg yn dda | /nɪd wɪv na: n̥an ˈdarlɛn na nɑ:n əs'ɡrɪfɛnu ˈkʌmraɪɡ ən ða/ | I am neither good at reading nor writing Welsh. |
'Naill ai...Naill ai'
The correlative conjunction 'naill ai...naill ai' means 'either...or' and is used to express a choice or an alternative.
For example:
| Welsh | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mae'n rhaid i mi brynu naill ai'r asyn naill ai'r ceffyl | /maɪn rhajd i mɪ ˈbru.nɪ nəjl ai ri asɨn nəjl ai ri kɛvɪl/ | I must buy either the donkey or the horse. |
'Neither...Nor'
'Neither...nor' is a correlative conjunction used to express negation.
For example:
| Welsh | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Nid yw'r amser ar eich ochr, na'r arian | /nɪd ɪu.ɾ ˈamsɛr ar ɛɪç ˈɔχr, na'r ˈaː.ɾi.an/ | Neither is the time on your side, nor the money. |
Conclusion
In this lesson, we have explored the different types of Welsh conjunctions and how to use them properly. Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect two elements that are of equal value, while subordinating conjunctions and correlative conjunctions show the relationship between an independent and a dependent clause. Understanding conjunctions is essential to create fluent and coherent Welsh sentences.
Other Lessons
- Using Prepositions
- Question Words
- 0 to A1 Course
- Present Continuous Tense
- Negation
- Give your Opinion
- Personal Pronouns
- Plurals
- To Be and To Have
Sources
| ◀️ Using Prepositions — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Holidays and Festivals ▶️ |