cyntaf

Welsh

Welsh numbers ^(edit)

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Cardinal: un     Ordinal: cyntaf     Ordinal abbreviation: 1af     Adverbial: unwaith
Welsh Wikipedia article on 1

Alternative forms

• 1af (abbreviation)

Etymology

From Middle Welsh kyntaf, from Proto-Brythonic *kɨnthaβ̃, from Proto-Celtic *kentusamos. Equivalent to cynt (“sooner, faster, earlier”) +‎ -af.

Pronunciation

• (North Wales, standard) IPA^(key): /ˈkəntav/
  • (North Wales, colloquial) IPA^(key): /ˈkənta/
• (South Wales, standard) IPA^(key): /ˈkəntav/
  • (South Wales, colloquial) IPA^(key): /ˈkənta/, /ˈkɪnta/

Adjective

cyntaf

1. (ordinal number) first
   1. foremost, chief, principal
   2. pristine

   Synonym: unfed

2. superlative degree of cyflym: swiftest, quickest, fastest, fleetest
3. superlative degree of cynnar: earliest

Usage notes

• Unlike other ordinals but like most adjectives, cyntaf follows the noun, for instance, y llawr cyntaf (the first floor).
• The synonymous word unfed (“first”) is used in compound numbers, whereas cyntaf is used elsewhere, for instance, y llawr cyntaf (the first floor), yr unfed llawr ar hugain (the twenty-first floor).

Mutation

Welsh mutation
radical	soft	nasal	aspirate
cyntaf	gyntaf	nghyntaf	chyntaf
Note: Some of these forms may be hypothetical. Not every possible mutated form of every word actually occurs.

References

• R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “cyntaf”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies