Welsh Language Hub
All resources
Culture & Language

North vs South Welsh

Key differences in language, pronunciation and everyday vocabulary.

6 min
GuideAudio
North vs South Welsh

Welsh is one language, but people speak it differently depending on where they are. The differences are friendly, not confusing, once you know what to listen for.

Everyday vocabulary

Nain and taid in the north, mam-gu and tad-cu in the south. Rŵan and nawr for now. Allan and mas for out.

Which should you learn?

Learn the one you will hear most. You will understand both quickly, because the patterns underneath are identical.

Audio examples

  • Sut mae? / Shwmae?

    How are you? (north / south)

  • Rŵan / Nawr

    Now

Native-speaker recordings coming soon.

Hear real Welsh voices from across Wales.

Start Quick Cymraeg free

Related resources

How to pronounce CH in Welsh
Pronunciation

How to pronounce CH in Welsh

Everything you need to know about one of the most recognisable sounds in Welsh, with clear audio examples and practical tips.

How to use S4C to learn Welsh
Learning Welsh

How to use S4C to learn Welsh

Practical ways to use Welsh-language television as a beginner.