12 Easy Welsh Phrases for Teachers
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Using a small amount of Welsh every day can make the language feel normal, useful and welcoming in the classroom.
You do not need to introduce all 12 phrases at once. Start with a greeting, one instruction and one piece of praise, then add more as pupils become familiar with them.
English sound comparisons are only approximate. Listen to fluent Welsh speakers where possible and remember that natural pronunciation varies across Wales.
1. Welcome and everyday routines
1. Bore da
Meaning: Good morning
Use it at the door and encourage pupils to reply with the same phrase.
2. Dewch i mewn
Meaning: Come in
A warm phrase for welcoming a class into the room.
3. Eisteddwch
Meaning: Sit down
Use it consistently at the start of lessons and after activities.
4. Sefwch
Meaning: Stand up
Pair it with Eisteddwch during games, movement breaks and assemblies.
2. Listening and movement
5. Gwrandewch
Meaning: Listen
You can introduce it with the familiar classroom expression clustiau gwrando-listening ears.
6. Tawelwch, os gwelwch yn dda
Meaning: Quiet, please
A calm, polite cue for reducing noise before instructions.
7. Ewch allan / Dewch yn ôl
Meaning: Go outside / Come back
Useful for break time and outdoor lessons.
3. Daily transitions
8. Mae’n amser carped
Meaning: It is carpet time
A clear signal for younger pupils to gather for a shared activity.
9. Mae’n amser cinio
Meaning: It is lunchtime
Repeated daily, this phrase becomes familiar very quickly.
10. Mae’n amser chwarae
Meaning: It is playtime
Use an enthusiastic tone to make the meaning obvious from context.
4. Positive behaviour and praise
11. Dwylo caredig
Meaning: Kind hands
A positive reminder for gentle, respectful behaviour during play and group work.
12. Da iawn!
Meaning: Very good! / Well done!
Praise is one of the easiest and most valuable ways to make Welsh part of the school day.
For a direct stop instruction to a group, use Peidiwch, os gwelwch yn dda-Please don’t / Please stop-and follow it with the specific behaviour where appropriate.
5. How to introduce the phrases
- Display three phrases with a simple picture or gesture.
- Use each phrase at the same point every day.
- Pause so pupils can show that they understand.
- Invite the class to repeat the phrase, but do not turn every use into a test.
- Add one new phrase only when the first group feels familiar.
Bore da + Gwrandewch + Da iawn
Schools may follow local or institutional Welsh-language guidance. Regional forms can differ, so treat this list as a practical starting point rather than the only possible wording.
Try a three-moment classroom routine
- Use one greeting at the door.
- Choose one instruction for transitions.
- End with one phrase of thanks or praise.
Repeat the same small set for a week before adding more. Consistent, confident use is more useful than displaying a long list once.
Sources and image credits
- Hwb: Cymraeg i Bawb classroom language pack
- Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru: GPC Online
