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

Looking for what is Welsh for Welsh (the Welsh language), it is "Cymraeg". But there are other words for Welsh depending on the context, (a Welsh man or woman, Welsh people or Welsh things).

If you’re searching for “Welsh for Welsh”, you’re likely asking a simple but common question:

What is the Welsh word for Welsh?

The answer depends on how the word “Welsh” is being used in English. In Welsh, there are different words for the language, the people, and descriptive uses.

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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The Welsh Word for “Welsh” (Language)

The Welsh word for the Welsh language is:

• Cymraeg

Example:

• I speak Welsh → Dw i’n siarad Cymraeg

This is the most common answer people are looking for when they search “Welsh for Welsh.”

The Welsh Word for “Welsh” (Adjective)

When “Welsh” is used as an adjective (for example, Welsh culture or Welsh food), the correct word is:

• Cymreig

Examples:

• Welsh culture → diwylliant Cymreig
• Welsh traditions → traddodiadau Cymreig

The Welsh Word for a Welsh Person

If you mean a Welsh person, the word changes depending on gender:

• Cymro - a Welsh man
• Cymraes - a Welsh woman
• Cymry - Welsh people (plural)

Examples:

• He is Welsh → Mae e’n Gymro
• She is Welsh → Mae hi’n Gymraes

Why Are There Different Welsh Words for “Welsh”?

Unlike English, Welsh changes words depending on context and grammar. That’s why “Welsh” doesn’t have just one direct translation. The most important distinctions are:

Other Related Welsh Words

• The Welsh for Welsh culture or Welsh things (but not the Welsh language) is Cymreig as in Welsh Culture, Diwylliant Cymreig.
  
• Cymry Cymraeg - Welsh speaking people.
• Cymry di-gymraeg - Non Welsh speaking people.
• Pobl Cymreig - Welsh people (people from Wales).
• Cymreictod - Welshness
• Cymreigio - Make something more Welsh