Top 10 Essential Cornish Phrases

Why Learning a Few Words Matters

Of course everyone in Cornwall speaks English, but that’s not really the point; picking up a bit of Cornish isn’t about survival, it’s about joining in. Walk into a café in Penzance and say “Dydh da” – they’ll answer in English, probably, but they’ll know you made the effort. Try “Fatla genes?” in a pub and you’ll probably get a laugh before someone tells you how they’re doing. It’s those little exchanges that make a trip feel different, less like you’re just passing through, more like you’ve stepped into the place fully, and whether you’re in Truro or at the Tamar border, the phrases open doors.

Dydh Da – Good Day

How to say it: “Deeth da”

This is the one to start with. It’s short, friendly, easy, and you can use it pretty much anywhere. Picture walking into a shop in St Ives and saying “Dydh da” to the person behind the counter – they’ll probably answer in English, but the mood changes a little, and you get a warmer look, maybe even a grin. It works in guesthouses, at market stalls, anywhere really… And because it’s so simple, you’ll find yourself using it again and again without even thinking about it. It’s the kind of phrase a Cornishman would say with pride, maybe followed by “proper job!” if they’re pleased with you.

Fatla Genes? – How Are You?

How to say it: “Fat-la gen-es?”

A step up from “hello,” this phrase opens the door to conversation. It literally means “How are you?” and it’s a nice follow-up if you’ve already said “Dydh da.” You probably won’t understand the reply if someone answers in full Cornish, but don’t worry – most people will respond in English. What matters is the gesture. And it’s a great gesture to make, especially when you hear locals throw in words like “ansum” (handsome/beautiful) or “splann” (brilliant) in the chat.

Meur Ras – Thank You

How to say it: “Moyr rass”

Thank you is one of those phrases you can never overuse, and in Cornish it feels particularly warm. Say “Meur ras” when your plate is cleared at a restaurant, when someone holds the door open, or after buying a Cornish pasty on the seafront, and you’ll be doing the right thing. Plus, it’s easy to remember and slips so naturally into daily life. So even if you only take two Cornish words away from this list, “Dydh da” and “Meur ras” will serve you well.

Onen Hag Oll – One and All

How to say it: “On-en hag oll”

This one’s not just a phrase, it’s the county motto. “Onen hag oll” – “One and all.” You’ll spot it on coats of arms, carved into plaques, sometimes tucked into bits of public art. It carries weight because it sums up what Cornwall is proud of: community, and sticking together, no matter what. Say it when you’re raising a glass in a pub and you’re not just joining in the toast – you’re echoing a tradition that’s as central to Cornwall’s story as Poldark or mining.¹

Nos Da – Good Night

How to say it: “Noss da”

At the end of the night, heading out of a pub in Falmouth or saying goodbye to your hosts, “Nos da” is the phrase to use. It’s easy on the tongue, probably one of the simplest to remember, and it gives your farewell a softer feel. You’ll hear it used among locals too – quick, warm, and familiar – the kind of word that slips in without fuss. Sometimes it even gets paired with a term of endearment like “my lover” or “my bird.”

Gans Geryow Teg – With Kind Words

How to say it: “Gans ger-yo teg”

You won’t hear this one every day, but it’s a good one to have. “Gans geryow teg” means “with kind words,” and it says a lot about Cornish culture – the importance put on respect, friendliness, and community. You might spot it written down somewhere, or slipped into a speech, or maybe you’ll use it in writing yourself. In Cornish politics and local campaigns, like those supported by Cornwall Council,² this phrase often shows up as a reminder of values.

Kerensa – Love

How to say it: “Ker-en-sa”

“Kerensa” is a small word with a lot packed into it. It just means love, though you’ll often hear it as a name in Cornwall too, so don’t be surprised if you meet someone who’s named it. It’s the sort of word you might scribble on a postcard, or just hold onto while you’re learning bits of Cornish tradition. It’s handy because it’s everyday enough, but there’s plenty of feeling in it as well, and as a bonus, it links Cornwall to the wider Breton³ and Welsh languages, where similar words appear, reminding you that Cornish is part of a much bigger Celtic language family.

Kernow Bys Vyken! – Cornwall Forever!

How to say it: “Ker-noh bis vee-ken”

This one’s full of fire. “Kernow bys vyken” means “Cornwall forever!” and you’ll hear it shouted at rugby matches, in parades, at festivals. It’s not quiet or polite – it’s a cry of pride. Join in at the right moment and you’ll feel swept up in it, and part of the crowd straight away. Add a “Geddon!” (come on!) and you’ll sound even more local.

Pint Pleasya – A Pint, Please

How to say it: “Pynt play-sha”

Not all phrases need to be serious; this one’s for the pub, and it’s as practical as it is fun. If you step up to the bar and order with “Pint pleasya,” you’ll probably get a laugh along with your drink. It’s a good way to remember that language isn’t just about formality – it’s about joining in with everyday life. And there’s no better setting than a Cornish pub to give it a try. Don’t be surprised if someone shouts back “Oggy, oggy, oggy!” (the famous pasty cheer)⁴ while you’re waiting for your drink.

Dhe Waryow – Goodbye

How to say it: “Theh war-yo”

Every trip has to end somewhere, and “Dhe waryow” is the Cornish way to say goodbye. It works in most situations, from leaving a shop to checking out of a B&B, and like “Nos da,” it’s short and easy to remember, making it a good phrase to round off your Cornish vocabulary. Ending a conversation with “Dhe waryow” feels like closing a circle – you began with “Dydh da,” and now you’ve got a proper farewell.

Quick Tips for Learning Cornish

1. The first thing to remember about learning Cornish is that you definitely don’t have to be perfect. In fact, most people will just be pleased you tried. Start with short phrases like “Nos da” and “Meur ras,” then build up to the longer ones.
2. Make sure you listen whenever you can – Cornish has its own rhythm that’s easier to pick up by ear than on the page. Apps such as Memrise,⁵ the Go Cornish project,⁶
3. YouTube recordings, and even TikTok and social media make learning easier. Good places to start.
4. Music is another way in, especially when you know Cornish singer Gwenno Saunders⁷ has released entire albums in the language, and they’re an easy, enjoyable way to hear how it sounds in practice.

Conclusion

Cornish isn’t just a set of old words dug up from history. It’s part of the place, tied up with how people remember things and how they show pride. You don’t need to know much – a few phrases are enough to step in. Say “Dydh da” to start the day, shout “Kernow bys vyken!” when the moment calls for it, and you’ll carry those with you; they turn small encounters into something you’ll think back on later, and when you think about it that way, Cornwall isn’t only cliffs and scenery – it’s lived culture, and if you want to, you can dip into it, even if it’s just one word at a time.

Article Sources

1. Boag-Wyllie, A. (2023) A Brief History of Mining in Cornwall, Wilderness England. Available at: https://wildernessengland.com/blog/mining-cornwall/ Wilderness England[↩]
2. Cornwall Council. (2022) Home Page – Cornwall Council, www.cornwall.gov.uk. Available at: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk Cornwall Council[↩]
3. Cornwall DMC (2023) Exploring the Connections Between Brittany and Cornwall | Cornwall DMC, Cornwall DMC. Available at: https://cornwall-dmc.co.uk/news/exploring-the-connections-between-brittany-and-cornwall/ (Accessed: 9 September 2025) Cornwall DMC[↩]
4. Cornish Times. (2020) Earliest pasty reference explains ‘Oggy Oggy Oggy’ phrase, The Cornish Times. cornish-times.co.uk. Available at: https://www.cornish-times.co.uk/news/earliest-pasty-reference-explains-oggy-oggy-oggy-phrase-135108 (Accessed: 9 September 2025) Cornish Times[↩]
5. Memrise (2017) Memrise – Learn a language. Meet the world., Memrise. Available at: https://www.memrise.com/ Memrise[↩]
6. Go Cornish – get into the Cornish language revival (no date) Go Cornish. Available at: https://gocornish.org Go Cornish[↩]
7. Morris, S. (2025) ‘The language is part of my life’: Gwenno shares songs in Cornish to inspire new generation, the Guardian. The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/08/the-language-is-part-of-my-life-gwenno-shares-songs-in-cornish-to-inspire-new-generation The Guardian[↩]