Common rules and patterns – WJECNumbers

So how do numbers work in Welsh? Read what Dai has written about his family:

Mae gen i dri brawd, dau gi, dwy gath, tri mochyn cwta a dau ddeg dau o bysgod mewn acwariwm yn fy ystafell wely. Hefyd, mae pedwar lama yn y cae wrth y tŷ.

Look carefully at the number expressions. What do you notice?

• Numbers are followed by a singular noun, eg:tri mochyn cwta, pedwar lama
• Numbers are followed by o(+ soft mutation) and a plural noun, eg:dau ddeg dau o bysgod

Another important point to remember is that there is always a soft mutation after the word for two – dau and the feminine form dwy, eg:

• 2 + ci > dau gi – two dogs
• 2 + cath > dwy gath – two cats

So how would you talk about your family and your pets?