How to pronounce CH in Welsh

CH is one of the first sounds that tells you Welsh is not simply English with different spelling. It is a single letter in Welsh, and it has one consistent sound — which is good news, because once you have it, you have it everywhere.

What the sound actually is

Make a K sound, then stop just short of closing the airflow completely. The air keeps moving at the back of your mouth and produces a soft rasp. It is the same sound as the ch in the Scottish word loch, or the German Bach.

Common mistakes

English speakers usually replace CH with a K (bak instead of bach) or with the English ch in church. Both are understandable, but the rasp is what makes it sound Welsh. Keep the air flowing and keep it relaxed — it should not be forced or throaty.

Words to practise

bach (small), chwaer (sister), chi (you), coch (red), bore da a diolch yn fawr iawn used together will give you plenty of chances to hear it in context.