North Vs South Welsh: Key Dialect Differences Explained
Author
Welsh has two main dialects that learners encounter.
These are broadly categorized as North Welsh and South Welsh.
Many new learners overthink their choice of dialect.
The truth is that speakers from the North and South understand each other perfectly well.
The differences are mostly found in pronunciation, everyday vocabulary, and a few minor grammar habits.
This guide breaks down exactly what sets these two regional variations apart.
Table of Contents:
Pronunciation differences
The most noticeable difference between North and South Welsh is pronunciation.
The letter “u” is a perfect example of this.
In the South, the letter “u” is pronounced exactly like the Welsh letter “i” (an English “ee” sound).
In the North, the letter “u” is pronounced deeper in the throat.
Another big difference is how speakers pronounce plural words ending in “-au”.
Southern speakers usually pronounce “-au” as an “e” sound.
Northern speakers usually pronounce “-au” as an “a” sound.
afalau
In the South, this sounds like “afale”.
In the North, it sounds like “afala”.
Vocabulary differences
Several everyday words change depending on where you are in Wales.
Some of the most common differences relate to family members, food, and basic actions.
Here’s a table showing some of the most frequent vocabulary differences.
| English | North Welsh | South Welsh |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | llefrith | llaeth |
| Grandmother | nain | mam-gu |
| Grandfather | taid | tad-cu |
| Boy | hogyn / bachgen | bachgen |
| Girl | hogen / geneth | merch |
| Out | allan | mas |
| Money | pres | arian |
| Key | allwedd | goriad |
Grammar and phrasing
The way you express possession and desire changes slightly between the North and South.
To say you want something in the North, you use the word eisiau.
In the South, people use the word moyn to express want.
Dw i eisiau coffi.
Dw i’n moyn coffi.
Notice that the Southern phrase uses the connecting word ‘n before moyn.
The Northern phrase doesn’t use this connecting word before eisiau.
Another difference is how you say you have something.
Northern speakers typically use the word gan to show possession.
Southern speakers prefer to use the word gyda.
Mae ci gen i.
Mae ci gyda fi.
Which dialect should you learn?
You should base your dialect choice on your location or personal goals.
If you live in or frequently visit Cardiff, Swansea, or Pembrokeshire, South Welsh makes the most sense.
If you spend your time in places like Gwynedd or Anglesey, it’s best to focus on North Welsh.
Both dialects are equally correct and perfectly valid.
No matter which one you choose, you’ll be understood by all fluent Welsh speakers.
Television programs and national news frequently feature speakers from both regions.
You’ll naturally adapt to hearing both variations over time.
