Five tips for learning Welsh, from Chloe Paine
1. Start with a few simple phrases every day
For someone just starting, I’d recommend focusing on using a few simple phrases every day rather than trying to memorise large amounts of vocabulary. Building a habit of speaking Welsh, even for a few minutes a day, can make a huge difference over time.
2. Listen, practise and build confidence
The most effective way to improve speaking and listening skills is through regular exposure and practice. Listening to Welsh radio, podcasts and television helps learners become familiar with different accents and natural speech patterns, while speaking regularly builds confidence.
Some resources I would recommend include:
- Duolingo for daily vocabulary practice
- S4C and S4C Clic for Welsh-language television
- BBC Radio Cymru for listening practice
- Learn Welsh (Dysgu Cymraeg) courses
- Follow Welsh-language content creators on social media who share everyday vocabulary, pronunciation tips and cultural insights
Another excellent way to learn Welsh is through music. Listening to Welsh-language songs helps learners become familiar with pronunciation, sentence patterns and everyday vocabulary in a fun and memorable way. Singing along can also help build confidence with speaking and improve listening skills without feeling like formal study.
My advice is not to wait until you feel “ready” to speak. Using the language from the beginning, even if you make mistakes, is one of the quickest ways to progress.
3. Don’t worry about making mistakes
One of the biggest challenges beginners face is confidence rather than the language itself. Many learners worry about making mistakes or not understanding everything they hear.
I always encourage people to remember that making mistakes is a natural part of learning. Welsh speakers are generally very supportive of learners and appreciate any effort to use the language.
4. Find a local Welsh conversation group
I’d highly recommend looking for local Welsh conversation groups, often known as “sgwrs” groups, which provide a relaxed environment to practise speaking. Learn Welsh centres regularly organise informal conversation sessions and community events, and many local libraries and community organisations also host Welsh-speaking groups. These offer valuable opportunities to use Welsh in real-life situations and meet other learners.
5. Get to grips with Welsh-specific quirks
Many learners are surprised by the concept of mutations, where the first letter of a word changes depending on the grammatical context. While this can seem intimidating at first, it becomes much more natural with regular exposure.
People are also often interested in regional variations. Just as English accents and expressions differ across the UK, Welsh has regional differences in vocabulary and pronunciation, particularly between North and South Wales.
One expression I love is “Dal ati!” which means “Keep going!” and is a great reminder for anyone learning Welsh
Chloe Paine is a qualified primary school teacher and tutor at FindTutors based in Mountain Ash, South Wales. Chloe is passionate about supporting language learning and encouraging people of all ages to engage with the Welsh language. Chloe’s FindTutors profile is here.
About FindTutors
FindTutors is an online tutoring marketplace that connects students with qualified private tutors. Students and tutors can choose from both in-person and online lessons across more than 350 subjects. FindTutors is now present in over 15 countries across the globe and has helped more than 4,700,000 students find their ideal tutor. FindTutors, founded in 2007 in Spain by CEO Albert Clemente, is also part of the GoStudent group, one of the world’s leading tutoring providers and education platforms. Together, FindTutors and GoStudent hope to unite the best of digital and in-person learning to unlock every child’s potential. Learn more here: www.findtutors.co.uk
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