Start here: simple Welsh basics
Begin with sounds and short phrases you’ll use daily. Welsh spelling is consistent, so once you learn letter sounds, reading gets easier. Focus on greetings, thanks, and introducing yourself, and say them out loud. Audio will help you build muscle memory from day one.
A few grammar notes for beginners: verbs often come first, and soft mutations change some consonants after certain words. Don’t worry—treat them as patterns you’ll pick up gradually. Keep it fun and short: five minutes of clear pronunciation beats twenty minutes of guessing.
- Bore da (Good morning)
- Prynhawn da (Good afternoon)
- Nos da (Good night)
- Diolch (Thank you)
- Dw i’n dysgu Cymraeg (I’m learning Welsh)
Free online tools to learn
There are excellent online resources for beginners. Duolingo and Memrise offer short daily lessons. SaySomethingInWelsh has starter lessons with strong speaking practice. For news clips and simple articles, bbc has Welsh content that pairs text with audio or video.
Use a dictionary that shows mutations and audio where possible. Balance one structured course with bite-sized extras: YouTube pronunciation videos, simple reading, and flashcards. Keep your toolkit light so you actually use it every day.
- Duolingo: Welsh course (free)
- Memrise: beginner Welsh decks
- SaySomethingInWelsh: intro lessons
- bbc Cymru Fyw: clips and articles
- Ap Geiriaduron: Welsh dictionary app
Pronunciation: use audio early
Welsh has a few standout sounds: ll, ch, dd, and rh. The key is exposure. Listen to slow, clear audio, then shadow (speak along) at a whisper before saying it aloud. Record yourself to compare and adjust.
Aim for rhythm, not perfection. Welsh stress is usually on the penultimate syllable, so keep a gentle fall before the last syllable. Short, daily listening—60 to 120 seconds—adds up fast and makes every new word easier.
- Shadow 30–60 seconds daily
- Use slow playback and loop
- Record and compare once a week
- Bookmark words with ll, ch, rh
- Focus on stress patterns
A beginner-friendly routine
Consistency beats intensity. A simple 15–20 minute routine keeps your brain fresh and motivated. Start with a tiny review, add one new phrase, finish with audio. Track wins, not minutes.
Use spaced repetition for vocabulary and recycle phrases in mini sentences. Celebrate tiny goals: ordering a coffee, greeting a neighbor, or understanding a bbc headline. The language will stick as you use it.
- 3 min: review yesterday’s words
- 5 min: learn 1–2 phrases
- 3 min: listen and shadow audio
- 3 min: speak aloud full sentences
- 3 min: quick flashcards
- Weekly: one short conversation
Find practice near you or online
Look for conversation groups and classes near your town or online meetups. Many libraries, community centers, and universities host free or low-cost sessions for beginners. If travel is hard, Zoom groups are a great alternative.
Mix media for passive exposure: Welsh radio, podcasts, and TV with subtitles. bbc clips, S4C, and simple podcasts give real-life pace with replayable audio. Even five minutes a day makes your ear sharper.
- Local community classes (beginner)
- University or adult-ed sessions
- Online language exchanges
- Zoom conversation circles
- Welsh radio, S4C, bbc clips
FAQ
- How long does it take to reach A1–A2 in Welsh?
- With a steady 20 minutes daily, many learners reach A1 in 8–12 weeks and A2 in 4–6 months. Combine a course, daily audio, and weekly conversation for faster progress.
- Is Welsh hard for English speakers?
- It’s different, not impossible. Consistent spelling helps, and grammar patterns repeat. The sounds feel new at first, but audio and shadowing make pronunciation much easier.
- Can I learn Welsh free?
- Yes. Use free online courses, apps, bbc clips, S4C shows, podcasts, and community meetups. Focus on one primary course plus daily listening so you don’t get overwhelmed.
- What does the Welsh “ll” sound like?
- It’s a voiceless lateral sound—put your tongue as for “l,” blow air along the sides, and keep the vocal cords off. Hear it in words like “Llan.” Practice with slow audio.
- Should I learn North or South Welsh?
- Both are valid. Pick one variety to start (course or teacher choice) and stick to it for consistency. You’ll understand the other more easily once your basics are solid.