How to Say "Hi" in Welsh: Helo vs. Shwmae

Welsh (Cymraeg) offers two common greetings, each with its own social nuance:

Helo [HEH-lo]

The all-purpose, informal "hello." Use it with friends, family, coworkers, shopkeepers—virtually any casual encounter. It's borrowed from English but fully naturalized in Welsh speech.

Shwmae [SHOO-my]

A distinctly Welsh greeting, short for "Sut mae?" ("How are you?"). It's warmer, slightly more formal, and proudly traditional. Ideal for:

• Meeting someone new
• Addressing elders or officials
• Starting a conversation in a Welsh-language setting
• Shwmae Su'mae Day (October 15) — a national celebration encouraging everyone to open with "Shwmae!"

Bonus: Time-Specific Greetings

• Bore da — Good morning
• Prynhawn da — Good afternoon
• Noswaith dda — Good evening
• Nos da — Good night

Whether you choose the breezy Helo or the hearty Shwmae, a Welsh greeting is always appreciated in Cymru.