rhag ofn

Welsh

Etymology

rhag (“for”) +‎ ofn (“fear”). See also Cornish rag own.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /r̥aˈɡɔvn/
  • (North Wales, colloquial also) IPA^(key): /r̥aˈkɔvn/
  • (South Wales, colloquial also) IPA^(key): /r̥aˈɡoːvɔn/, /r̥aˈɡɔvɔn/, /r̥aˈɡoːvan/, /r̥aˈɡɔvan/

Conjunction

rhag ofn

1. in case

   Af i ag ymbarél rhag ofn y bydd hi'n bwrw.

   I'll take an umbrella in case it rains.

References

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