Welsh language terms and terminology resources

Terms are simply words or phrases that have specific meanings in particular contexts or fields (in healthcare, education or the environment, for example). These meanings may be different from their everyday meanings.

A terminology is a collection of specialist terms. It tells you what terms should be used in a particular field, for instance when you’re writing for a specific sector or audience. 

Unlike dictionaries, which focus on words and their meanings, terminology work involves studying concepts and their labels. For instance, a mouse if included in IT terminology, is a tool rather than a furry animal.

There are several terminology websites to help you use Welsh.

Translation tools like Bing and Google Translate can be useful for quick answers. But it’s important to remember that these don’t always use the standardised terms and may not always be completely accurate.

The following terminology sites will help you to find the correct standardised Welsh language term or phrase to use.

Y Termiadur Addysg provides standardised terminology for the field of education in Wales.

It is available online or as an app. Search for Ap Geiriaduron for iOS or Android. 

What it is used for

You can use it to find the terms used:

• in schools
• in Welsh-medium exams and assessments
• in resources for teachers and learners

Suggested audience

• Parents and carers.
• Children.
• Students.
• Teachers and tutors.
• Welsh learners or new speakers.
• Translators.

The Welsh National Terminology Portal helps you find standardised Welsh and English terms from a range of different terminology databases.

It is available online or as an app. Search for Ap Geiriaduron for iOS or Android.

What it is used for

It is used to find terms related to specific fields, including:

• education
• archaeology
• nursing
• mental health
• finance
• nature
• justice

Suggested audience

• Parents and carers.
• Students.
• Teachers and tutors.
• Welsh learners or new speakers.
• Businesses.
• People drafting materials in Welsh.
• People using Welsh at work.
• Academics.
• Translators.

BydTermCymru is an innovative collection of materials which aids the Welsh Government’s internal and external translators in their work. It is available for anyone to use. 

It includes:

• TermCymru: a searchable database of terms
• Yr Arddulliadur: advice and guidance for translating in the Welsh Government’s house style
• Glossaries for specific fields, for instance COVID-19, LGBTQ+, race and ethnicity
• Place-names in Wales
• International place-names
• Translation memories
• Legislative reference materials
• Standard bilingual traffic signs

Suggested audience

• People drafting materials in Welsh.
• People using Welsh at work.
• Translators.

Contact us: If you have any enquiries about terminology, or if you’re unable to find a specific term, e-mail the details to Cymraeg2050@gov.cymru.