-hau
Welsh edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
Originally causative/denominative; from Proto-Brythonic *-haɣjed, from Proto-Celtic *-sagyetor (causative/denominative suffix). Cognate with Old Irish -igidir (Irish -igh, Manx -ee, Scottish Gaelic -ich).
Pronunciation edit
- (North Wales) IPA(key): /ˈhaɨ̯/
- (South Wales) IPA(key): /ˈhai̯/
- Rhymes: -aɨ̯
Suffix edit
-hau (first-person singular present -haf)
- creates a verbal noun from an adjectival root
Usage notes edit
- After roots ending in unvoiced obstruents, this suffix is found in the form -áu, although -hau is more usual after ll.
- -áu is also used after phonemically voiced plosives, which lose their voicing if also phonetically voiced.
- Devoicing also occurs occasionally elsewhere.
- -hau is used after vowels and other consonants.
Derived terms edit
References edit
- R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “-hau”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies