Help and emergencies in Welsh
The words you hope to never need. Play the ten Welsh words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Welsh phrases in this lesson
- Help!help
- Help!
- Ffoniwch y meddyg!FON-yookh uh METH-ig
- Call a doctor
- HeddluHETH-lee
- Police
- Fferyllfafer-ULTH-va
- Pharmacy
- Ysbytyus-BUH-tee
- Hospital
- Dw i ar golldoo ee ar goth
- I'm lost
- Dw i ddim yn teimlo'n ddadoo ee thim un TAYM-lon tha
- I don't feel well
- Cafodd e ei ddwynKAV-oth eh ay THWIN
- It was stolen
- Mae'n argyfwngmine ar-GUH-voong
- It's an emergency
- Gadewch lonydd i miGAD-ewkh LON-ith ee mee
- Leave me alone
Identical to English and universally understood. In a genuine emergency, shout loudly and clearly. Welsh emergency services respond to English and Welsh equally.
"Meddyg" means doctor and comes from the same root as "medicine." If someone collapses, shout this alongside "Help!" Medical staff across Wales operate in English and Welsh.
Look for green cross signs. Pharmacies in Wales are called "fferyllfa" on bilingual signage. They can advise on minor ailments without an appointment and are widely available in towns.
Wales has major hospitals in Cardiff (UHW), Swansea (Morriston), and Bangor (Ysbyty Gwynedd). The NHS operates across Wales. Signs to hospitals are bilingual and use the international blue H symbol.
"Ar goll" literally means "at a loss" or "missing." Saying this with a helpless expression and a map in hand is universally understood. Welsh people are famously hospitable to lost tourists.
"Teimlo" means to feel. If you are unwell in a pub or restaurant, staff will help you find a seat and water immediately. Welsh hospitality in emergencies is genuine and reliable.
"Dwyn" means to steal. If your bag or wallet is taken, report it to the police by calling 101 (non-emergency) or 999. Welsh police stations are found in all major towns.