Expressing Opinions in Welsh

Overview

At the A2 level, being able to express your opinions, agree, and disagree is crucial for meaningful conversation. Welsh has several useful constructions for sharing views, including "dw i'n meddwl bod..." (I think that...), "yn fy marn i" (in my opinion), and "mae'n well gen i" (I prefer).

These expressions introduce you to the important "bod" clause construction — where "bod" functions as "that" to introduce a dependent clause. This is a key grammatical pattern that becomes increasingly important at higher levels.

How It Works

Expressing Opinions

Welsh	English
Dw i'n meddwl bod...	I think that...
Dw i'n credu bod...	I believe that...
Yn fy marn i...	In my opinion...
Mae'n well gen i...	I prefer...

Agreeing and Disagreeing

Welsh	English
Dw i'n cytuno.	I agree.
Dw i ddim yn cytuno.	I don't agree.
Wrth gwrs!	Of course!
Dw i ddim yn siŵr.	I'm not sure.
Ti'n iawn.	You're right.
Falle / Efallai.	Maybe / Perhaps.

"Bod" Clauses After Opinion Verbs

Welsh	English
Dw i'n meddwl bod hynny'n dda.	I think that's good.
Dw i'n credu bod e'n rhy ddrud.	I believe it's too expensive.
Dw i'n gobeithio bod hi'n dod.	I hope she's coming.

Examples in Context

Welsh	English	Note
Dw i'n meddwl bod hynny'n dda.	I think that's good.	Opinion + bod clause
Yn fy marn i, mae e'n rhy ddrud.	In my opinion, it's too expensive.	Formal opinion
Dw i'n cytuno.	I agree.	Agreement
Dw i ddim yn siŵr am hynny.	I'm not sure about that.	Uncertainty
Mae'n well gen i de na choffi.	I prefer tea to coffee.	Preference
Dw i'n credu bod ti'n iawn.	I think you're right.	Supporting someone
Dw i ddim yn cytuno o gwbl.	I don't agree at all.	Strong disagreement
Falle bod hi'n iawn.	Maybe she's right.	Tentative
Beth wyt ti'n feddwl?	What do you think?	Asking opinion
Dw i'n gobeithio bod hynny'n wir.	I hope that's true.	Hope + bod

Common Mistakes

Forgetting "bod" after opinion verbs

• Wrong: Dw i'n meddwl mae e'n dda.
• Right: Dw i'n meddwl bod e'n dda.
• Why: After verbs of thinking and believing, Welsh uses "bod" (that) to introduce the clause, replacing "mae."

Using "na" incorrectly in preferences

• Wrong: Mae'n well gen i te a choffi.
• Right: Mae'n well gen i de na choffi.
• Why: "Na" (than) is needed for comparison, not "a" (and).

Wrong register for opinions

• Wrong: Using "yn fy marn i" in very casual conversation
• Right: Reserve "yn fy marn i" for more considered opinions; use "dw i'n meddwl" for casual chat
• Why: "Yn fy marn i" is somewhat formal. "Dw i'n meddwl" is natural in all registers.

Usage Notes

The "bod" clause construction (dw i'n meddwl bod...) is foundational for more complex Welsh at B1 and above. At A2, focus on using it with common opinion verbs. Note that "bod" can be conjugated for person: "fy mod i" (that I), "dy fod di" (that you), "ei fod e" (that he), "ei bod hi" (that she).

Practice Tips

1. Share opinions daily: After reading news or watching something, express your opinion in Welsh.

2. Debate with a partner: Practise agreeing and disagreeing on simple topics.

3. Use "bod" clauses: Practice the pattern "Dw i'n meddwl bod..." with different completions.

Related Concepts

• Bod - Present Tense