gofal

Welsh

Etymology

Inherited from Middle Welsh goval. Formed from go- with the same second element as dyfal (“diligent”), possibly from malu (“to grind”) in a figurative sense.

Pronunciation

• (North Wales) IPA^(key): /ˈɡɔval/
• (South Wales) IPA^(key): /ˈɡoːval/, /ˈɡɔval/
• Rhymes: -ɔval

Noun

gofal m (plural gofalon)

1. care

   Cymer di'r ofal!

   You take care!

2. charge

   Pwy sydd mewn gofal?

   Who's in charge?

3. anxiety
4. precaution

Derived terms

• diofal (“carefree”)
• gofalu (“to care”)
• gofalus (“careful”)
• hunanofal (“self-care”)

Mutation

Mutated forms of gofal

radical	soft	nasal	aspirate
gofal	ofal	ngofal	unchanged

Note: Certain mutated forms of some words can never occur in standard Welsh.
All possible mutated forms are displayed for convenience.

Further reading

• D. G. Lewis, N. Lewis, editors (2005–present), “gofal”, in Gweiadur: the Welsh–English Dictionary, Gwerin
• R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke, et al., editors (1950–present), “gofal”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies