Dydd Gŵyl Dewi: Welsh Phrases You Can Actually Use on St David's Day
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi (St David's Day) is on 1 March, Wales's national day. Whether you're Welsh, learning Welsh, or just want to mark the occasion, here are practical phrases you can actually use.
The Essentials
| Cymraeg | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus! | deethe goo-il deh-wee hap-iss | Happy St David's Day! |
| Bore da | bor-eh dah | Good morning |
| Prynhawn da | prin-hown dah | Good afternoon |
| Nos da | nohs dah | Good night |
| Shwmae / Sut mae? | shoo-my / sit my | How are you? (South / North) |
| Iawn, diolch | yown, dee-olch | Fine, thanks |
| Diolch yn fawr | dee-olch un vowr | Thank you very much |
Note: Welsh has North/South dialect differences. Shwmae is Southern, Sut mae (or S'mae) is Northern. Both are correct and universally understood.
For Social Media
| Cymraeg | English |
|---|---|
| Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus i bawb! | Happy St David's Day to everyone! |
| Cymru am byth! | Wales forever! |
| Balch o fod yn Gymro/Gymraes | Proud to be Welsh (male/female) |
| Dw i'n caru Cymru | I love Wales |
| Dw i'n dysgu Cymraeg | I'm learning Welsh |
| Gwnewch y pethau bychain | Do the little things (St David's last words) |
Hashtags: #DyddGŵylDewi, #StDavidsDay, #Cymraeg, #Cymru, #CymruAmByth
St David's most famous saying, Gwnewch y pethau bychain ("Do the little things"), is the perfect caption. It's widely known, culturally significant, and genuinely good advice for language learners too.
At Events and Gatherings
| Cymraeg | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ga i beint, os gwelwch yn dda? | gah ee baynt, oss gwel-ooch un thah | Can I have a pint, please? |
| Ga i baned, os gwelwch yn dda? | gah ee ban-ed, oss gwel-ooch un thah | Can I have a cuppa, please? |
| Blasus iawn! | blas-iss yown | Very tasty! |
| Hwyl fawr! | hooil vowr | Goodbye! / Great fun! |
| Iechyd da! | yech-id dah | Cheers! (Good health!) |
About Dewi Sant (St David)
- Dewi Sant (c. 500-589 AD) was a Welsh bishop who became the patron saint of Wales. He founded a monastery at what is now St Davids (Tyddewi) in Pembrokeshire.
- His last sermon included the words: Arglwyddi, frodyr a chwiorydd, byddwch lawen a chedwch eich ffydd a'ch cred, a gwnewch y pethau bychain: "Lords, brothers and sisters, be joyful and keep your faith, and do the little things."
- The leek (
cenhinen) and daffodil (cenhinen Bedr) are both symbols of Dydd Gŵyl Dewi. The similar Welsh names suggest why both became associated with the day. - 1 March has been celebrated since the 12th century, making it one of the oldest continuously observed national days in Europe.
When Your Welsh Runs Out
| Cymraeg | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Dw i'n dysgu | doo een dusk-ee | I'm learning |
| Beth ydy hynna yn Saesneg? | bayth uh-dee hun-a un sice-neg | What's that in English? |
| Yn araf, os gwelwch yn dda | un ar-av, oss gwel-ooch un thah | Slowly, please |
| Sori, dw i ddim yn deall | sorry, doo ee theem un dee-all | Sorry, I don't understand |
Nobody expects perfect Welsh on Dydd Gŵyl Dewi. A Bore da to the person next to you, a Diolch in a shop, a Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus! on social media: that's participation. And if you want to keep going beyond 1 March, that's what daily practice is for.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say Happy St David's Day in Welsh?
"Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus!" (deethe goo-il deh-wee hap-iss). You can add "i bawb!" (to everyone!) for social media posts.
Who was St David (Dewi Sant)?
Dewi Sant (c. 500-589 AD) was a Welsh bishop who became the patron saint of Wales. He founded a monastery at St Davids (Tyddewi) in Pembrokeshire. His most famous words are "Gwnewch y pethau bychain": "Do the little things."
When is Dydd Gŵyl Dewi?
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi (St David's Day) is on 1 March every year. It has been celebrated since the 12th century, making it one of the oldest continuously observed national days in Europe.
What are the symbols of St David's Day?
The leek (cenhinen) and daffodil (cenhinen Bedr) are both symbols of Dydd Gŵyl Dewi. Their similar Welsh names may explain why both became associated with the day. Many people wear one or both on 1 March.
Editorial notes
- Review methodology
- This guide is checked against the linked language authorities and first-party resources. The editorial review checks terminology, links, and whether statements are clearly distinguished from blas. product information.
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