Cynefin Meaning

Cynefin, pronounced kuh-nev-in, has a complex meaning with no direct equivalent in English. Whilst it can be translated as meaning "habitat" in English, it is more than that. Cynfein brings together;

• the area or place where we live and where we belong;
• the place where things around us are familiar, including the people, customs, landscape and even the weather;
• the place where we feel naturally "at home".
  

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Examples of the Use of the Word Cynefin

• John left home to live abroad many years ago but he is now back in his "cynefin" (meaning back home, back where he belongs, where he feels comfortable...)
• The hills and the sea where I grew up are part of my "cynefin" (meaning the landmarks, environment and weather that I know so well...)
• The famous Welsh artist Kyffin Williams described "cynefin" as the relationship between a person, the place of their birth and upbringing, and the environment they inhabit, emphasising the deep, instinctive connection and belonging to a specific place.

Welsh Words, Welsh Sayings, Welsh Phrases

This Page forms part of the Welsh Words section of this website which gives an English language translation for useful Welsh words, phrases and sayings.