Disgwl neu edrych a

Welsh General / Questions
#1

came across verb noun disgwl for the first time in level 2 challenge 1. I have always been taught edrych for to look. I cannot find in ap geiriaduron and disgwl is translated as to expect in Modern welsh Dictionary. where does disgwl come from??

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#2

If you trace the roots back through Valleys English, the words “expect” and “look” are not that far apart.

example:

“I’m looking to be in town at about 1pm”
“I’m expecting to be in town at about 1pm”

in Valleys English both of the above mean the same thing.

You will hear “disgwl” for “look” a fair bit in South Wales.

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#3

Yes, as you suggest, an expectant sort of looking. It was explained to me as being similar to the English: Looking, looking to do something, expecting, etc. My friend: 1st language Swansea Valley taught me “disgwyl ymlaen I gweld ti” for “looking forward to see you”, rather than “edrych” in these parts. It sort of makes sense in English also.

Edit Snap :slight_smile:

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#4

Yes, what Nicky and John said! :star2:

Disgwyl can be used for: to expect, to look, to watch, to wait, and to await - and it will be the rest of the sentence/context which let you know which.

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#5

diolch pawb.

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#6

PS. Edrych is fine also.

#8

So having asked around a bit in my locality, I could use edrych for looking at/for/like something, but disgwyl for looking forward to something?

#9

yes, you could - although for “looking forward to” you will also hear “edrych ymlaen at” (so don’t worry if you come across that too!) :slight_smile:

#10

oh my word - am I ever going to get the hang of this?! And I thought I was doing so well! :laughing:

#11

yes, you will - and yes, you are!
There are ‘alternatives’ about in English too, we just don’t think about them because they’re second nature, and remember, although we tend to have our preferred way of expressing something, we are not thrown by someone using an alternative because we’ve just ‘absorbed’ them over time when they’re in our first language. When learning another language, they all seem to appear at once and that’s where the confusion comes in, but it’s just a matter of time and practise (listening, speaking and reading) - the same as in our first language - which makes them less confusing. :slight_smile:

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