Welsh for Wales: What Is the Welsh Word for Wales?

Welsh for Wales (the country of Wales) is "Cymru".

In the Welsh language (known as Cymraeg), the country of Wales is called Cymru, and the people of Wales are referred to as Cymry. This name is widely used across Wales today, appearing on road signs, government documents, and official communications alongside the English name “Wales.”

What Does “Cymru” Mean?

The word Cymru comes from an old Brythonic word meaning “fellow countrymen” or “people of the same land.” It reflects a shared cultural and linguistic identity among the Welsh people.

Linguistically, Cymru is closely related to:

• Cymry – the Welsh people
• Cymraeg – the Welsh language

These words all share the same root and emphasise unity and heritage.

Why Is Wales Called “Cymru” in Welsh?

The English name “Wales” comes from an Old English word meaning “foreigners” or “outsiders.” In contrast, Cymru is the name the Welsh have always used for themselves and their country.

Because of this difference in origin, many people in Wales prefer the Welsh name Cymru, especially in cultural, political, and national contexts.

Is “Cymru” Official?

Yes. Cymru is an official name for Wales and is commonly used alongside English. You will often see:

• Cymru / Wales on road signs
• Croeso i Gymru (“Welcome to Wales”)
• Llywodraeth Cymru (Welsh Government)

The Welsh language has legal status in Wales, and its use is actively promoted.

How Do You Pronounce “Cymru”?

Cymru is pronounced roughly as:

• KUM-ree

The “u” sound in Welsh is different from English but is usually approximated as a short “uh” sound for learners.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Welsh word for Wales?
  The Welsh word for Wales is Cymru.
• Why are Wales and Cymru so different?
  “Wales” comes from an English term meaning “foreigners,” while Cymru comes from a native word meaning “fellow countrymen.”
• Do Welsh people call Wales Cymru?
  Yes. In Welsh-language conversation and writing, Wales is always called Cymru.

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.

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Related Welsh Words

• The Welsh for Welsh people is, "Cymry" - a Welshman is "Cymro" and a Welsh woman is "Cymraes".
• The Welsh for the Welsh language is, "Cymraeg", and 
• The Welsh for Welsh culture or Welsh things (but not the Welsh language) is "Cymreig" as in Welsh Culture, "Diwylliant Cymreig".
  
  
• Da iawn Cymru - Well done Wales
• Pob lwc Cymru - Good luck Wales.
• Cymry Cymraeg - Welsh speaking people.
• Cymry di-gymraeg - Non Welsh speaking people.
• Pobl Cymreig - Welsh people (people from Wales).

Summary

If you’re looking for the Welsh for Wales, the answer is simple:

Wales in Welsh is called Cymru.

Understanding this name gives insight into Welsh history, language, and identity and highlights the importance of the Welsh language in modern Wales.