Everyday Cornish Phrases
Whether you are just starting out or brushing up on your Cornish, these phrases offer a practical introduction to the language. The phrasebook is part of our wider Information section, alongside FAQs about Cornish and Cornish place names.
Greetings & Courtesies
- Dydh da — Good day / Hello
- Myttin da — Good morning
- Gorthugher da — Good evening
- Nos da — Good night
- Duw genes — Goodbye (to one person)
- Duw genowgh — Goodbye (to more than one)
- Mar pleg — Please
- Meur ras — Thank you
Useful Expressions
- Fatla genes? — How are you? (to one person)
- Yn poynt da, meur ras — Fine, thank you
- Piw os ta? — Who are you?
- Ow hanow yw… — My name is…
- A wodhes ta kewsel Kernewek? — Do you speak Cornish?
- Nebes — A little
- Ny wonn — I don't know
- Yma'n howl ow splanna — The sun is shining
Vocabulary
The phrasebook also includes themed vocabulary lists covering numbers, colours, days of the week, family terms, food and drink, and common adjectives — all building blocks for everyday conversation.
For deeper study, browse the Cornish Resources Directory where you will find dictionaries, study books, online courses, and more. If you are curious about the language's background, visit our About Cornish section.
The Cornish phrasebook is designed to be your first friendly step into the language, whether you have never heard a word of Cornish before or you are returning to refresh what you once knew. Each phrase has been chosen with everyday life in mind, so you can start using what you learn almost immediately. From greeting neighbours in the morning to thanking a shopkeeper, these expressions help you connect with the living language in a natural way. The phrases are presented simply and clearly, with the Cornish followed by its English meaning, so you can practise at your own pace and build confidence as you go.
Learning a few phrases is about much more than memorising words. It is a way of showing respect for the culture and heritage of Cornwall, and it opens doors to conversations you might otherwise miss. Many people find that even a simple greeting in Cornish brings a warm response from those who speak it, and it can be a wonderful icebreaker when meeting new people. The phrasebook is part of a wider information section on this site, which also explores questions about the history of the language and the meanings behind Cornish place names, giving you plenty of context to deepen your understanding.
As you work through the phrases, you will notice patterns that make Cornish feel more approachable than you might expect. Some expressions will feel familiar, while others will introduce you to sounds and structures that are unique to the language. The best way to make progress is to practise a little and often, perhaps saying a phrase out loud when you are alone or trying one out with a friend. Over time, these small moments of use turn new words into habits. Whether your goal is simply to say hello with confidence or to begin a longer journey into the language, this phrasebook is a welcoming place to start.