Slang

1. Shwmae

   Hiya, how's it going?

   Usage

   The southern casual greeting; the north says "S'mae" or "Sut mae". Safe with anyone — Wales even keeps 15 October as "Diwrnod Shwmae"

2. Iawn?

   All right?

   Usage

   A greeting in passing — the answer is also "Iawn", and no one is really asking after your health. Fine for friends and shop staff

3. Hwyl fawr!

   Bye! / take care

   Usage

   "Hwyl" means fun or spirit, so this is "great fun to you". "Hwyl!" alone works too. Safe with anyone

4. Bendigedig!

   Wonderful!

   Usage

   Originally "blessed", now the everyday superlative — for praising a view or a meal. Safe with anyone

5. Ardderchog!

   Excellent!

   Usage

   A touch more formal than "bendigedig" — fine in a work setting too

6. Da iawn!

   Well done!

   Usage

   Literally "very good" — a short word of praise for children and adults alike

7. Chwarae teg

   Fair play / to be fair

   Usage

   Literally "fair play" — used to concede a point or acknowledge someone's effort. It has passed straight into Welsh English. Safe with anyone

8. cwtsh

   A cwtch (a warm hug)

   Usage

   One of Wales's signature words — not just a hug but a place of safety (it originally meant a cubbyhole). For family and close friends; never something to ask a stranger for

9. cariad

   Love (as a term of address)

   Usage

   It means "love", but shopkeepers and older people use it to address anyone, exactly like English "love". Being called it means nothing romantic — as a visitor, better to receive it than to use it

10. Ych a fi!

    Yuck!

    Usage

    An interjection of disgust, used by children and adults alike and not at all crude — but don't aim it at food someone has served you

11. Bobol bach!

    Goodness me!

    Usage

    Literally "little people!" — a gentle exclamation of surprise, a favourite of the older generation. Safe with anyone

12. Nefi wen!

    Good heavens!

    Usage

    Common in the north; it means "white heaven" and is not an oath. Safe with anyone

13. paned

    A cuppa

    Usage

    Short for "cwpaned" (a cupful). "Paned?" on its own is a whole invitation. Safe with anyone, and possibly the most useful word here

14. mynd am dro

    To go for a wander

    Usage

    "Tro" (a turn) soft-mutates to "dro". Walking with no particular destination — fine as an invitation to anyone

15. Ffwrdd â ni!

    Off we go!

    Usage

    Keep the circumflex on the â. The cue to set off — cheerful, and fine with friends or colleagues

16. Dim problem

    No problem

    Usage

    A relaxed reply to a request or an apology; "Popeth yn iawn" (everything's fine) does the same job. Safe with anyone

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