Proverbs for Life - Part 1


Every culture has its own distinct hallmarks. Customs, crafts and music are a few of these. But language has always been one of the most prolific avenues for a people to express themselves.

In Wales, language is a very integral part of the culture and heritage. The Welsh culture is dotted with proverbs that are wise and whimsical and a great insight into the Welsh mindset. I decided to give you a taste of Welsh wisdom in the next few articles. The proverbs are in both English and Welsh. Go ahead and try and pronounce some of the Welsh! I hope you enjoy!

Proverbs for Life

Y cyntaf I'r felin gaiff falu. The first to the mill will be the first to grind

Taro'r post I'r pared gael clywed. To strike the post so that the partition hears

Gwell swllt da na sofren ddrwg. Better a good shilling than a dud sovereign.

Gwr diethr yw yfory. Tomorrow is a stranger

Allwedd arian a egyr pob clo. Money is the key that opens all locks.

Pan fo llawer yn llywio fe sudda'r llong. When the steersman are many the ship will sink

Gorau cam, cam cyntaf. The best step, the first step

Gelyn I ddyn yw ei dda. A man's wealth is his enemy.

Segurdod yw clod y cledd. A sword's honor is its idleness.

Gwin yn y bol, twrw yn y pen. Wine in the belly, tumult in the head

Hir y byddir yn cnoi tamaid chwerw. A bitter morsel will be chewed a long time

Hawdd cynnau tan ar hen aelwyd. It is easy to kindle a fire on a familiar hearth

Digon yw ychydig yn fwy nag sydd gennyt. Enough is a little more than you already have

Hir y bydd y mud wrth borth y byddar. The mute will tarry long at the gate of the deaf

Addo teg a una ynfyd yn llawen. Fair promises will make a fool happy

Pe gwisgid coron am ben pob ffol, ni a fyddem bawb yn frenhinoedd. If a crown were to be placed on every fool's head, we would all be kings

A fynno glod bid farw. He who desires to be praised, let him die

Amynedd yw mam pob doethineb Patience is the mother of all wisdom

Cam dros y trothwy, hammer y daith. A step over the threshold is half the journey

A heuo ddrain, na fid droednoeth. He who sows thorns, let him not go barefooted

Call gwr a ddyco ei elyn yn gar iddo. Wise is the man who makes a friend of his enemy

The copyright of the article Proverbs for Life - Part 1 in Welsh History is owned by Sandra Jones. Permission to republish Proverbs for Life - Part 1 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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