Technology and Computer Terms in Welsh

In our ever-evolving digital age, understanding technology and computer terms has become crucial. For Welsh speakers or those learning Welsh, being proficient in the language’s tech jargon is equally important. This article will guide you through some essential technology and computer terms in Welsh, making you more comfortable with using these terms in everyday conversations and professional settings.

Basic Computer Terms

Let’s start with some basic computer terms that are foundational in any language:

– **Computer**: In Welsh, a computer is called a cyfrifiadur. This term is derived from the word “cyfrif” meaning “to count” and “adur” which is a suffix used to form nouns.
– **Keyboard**: The Welsh term for keyboard is bysellfwrdd. “Bysell” means “key” and “fwrdd” means “board”.
– **Mouse**: The word for mouse in Welsh is llygoden, which interestingly is also the word for the small rodent.
– **Screen**: A screen is referred to as a sgrin in Welsh, which is quite similar to the English term.
– **Printer**: The Welsh word for printer is argraffydd, coming from the word “argraffu” which means “to print”.

Software and Applications

Understanding software and applications is essential for navigating any computer system:

– **Software**: The term for software in Welsh is meddalwedd. “Meddal” means “soft” and “wedd” is a suffix used in forming nouns.
– **Application**: In Welsh, an application is called an ap. This is an abbreviation similar to the English term.
– **Operating System**: The operating system is known as system weithredu. “System” is self-explanatory, and “weithredu” means “to operate”.
– **Browser**: The Welsh term for browser is porwr, derived from the verb “pori” which means “to browse”.
– **File**: A file in Welsh is called a ffeil, which is a direct loanword from English.
– **Folder**: The term for folder is ffolder, again a loanword from English.

Internet and Networking Terms

Given the importance of the internet, knowing the Welsh equivalents of common internet and networking terms can be very useful:

– **Internet**: The Welsh word for internet is rhyngrwyd. “Rhyng” means “inter-” and “rhwyd” means “net”.
– **Website**: A website is known as a gwefan. “Gwe” means “web” and “fan” is short for “faner” meaning “banner”.
– **Email**: The term for email is ebost, where “e” stands for electronic and “bost” means “mail”.
– **Wi-Fi**: The Welsh term for Wi-Fi is Wi-Fi, pronounced the same as in English.
– **Router**: A router is called a llwybrydd. “Llwybr” means “path” or “route” and “ydd” is a suffix used for devices.

Security and Privacy

Security and privacy are paramount in today’s digital world. Here are some relevant terms in Welsh:

– **Password**: The Welsh word for password is cyfrinair. “Cyfrin” means “secret” and “air” means “word”.
– **Antivirus**: An antivirus is called gwrthfeirws. “Gwrth” means “against” and “feirws” means “virus”.
– **Firewall**: The term for firewall is tânwal, with “tân” meaning “fire” and “wal” meaning “wall”.
– **Encryption**: Encryption is referred to as amgryptio. This is a direct adaptation of the English term.
– **Privacy**: The Welsh word for privacy is preifatrwydd.

Hardware and Devices

Knowing the terms for various hardware and devices can help you better understand and discuss technology:

– **Monitor**: The Welsh term for monitor is monitro.
– **Hard Drive**: A hard drive is called a gyriant caled, where “gyriant” means “drive” and “caled” means “hard”.
– **Laptop**: The Welsh word for laptop is gliniadur. “Glin” means “knee” and “iadur” is a suffix used for devices, implying a device that can be used on the knee.
– **Tablet**: A tablet is referred to as a dabled, a direct loanword from English.
– **Smartphone**: The term for smartphone is ffôn clyfar. “Ffôn” means “phone” and “clyfar” means “smart”.

Common Actions and Commands

Lastly, let’s cover some common actions and commands you might use frequently:

– **To download**: The Welsh verb for downloading is l lawrlwytho.
– **To upload**: The term for uploading is uwchlwytho.
– **To save**: The verb for saving is arbed.
– **To delete**: The Welsh term for deleting is dileu.
– **To search**: The word for searching is chwilio.

Conclusion

Learning technology and computer terms in Welsh can be a rewarding endeavor, especially as technology continues to integrate into our daily lives. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll not only improve your Welsh language skills but also become more adept at navigating the digital world in Welsh. Whether you’re a native speaker or a learner, mastering these terms will undoubtedly enhance your tech-savvy in the Welsh language.