A plain reported clause uses bod ("Dywedodd fod y broblem yn ddifrifol"). But when the original sentence emphasised one element - "Y rheolwr sy'n gyfrifol" - the reported version needs mai (north) or taw (south): "Dywedodd mai'r rheolwr sydd yn gyfrifol." Using bod there flattens the emphasis and changes the claim.
Examples
- Dywedodd mai'r rheolwr sydd yn gyfrifol am y penderfyniad.
- He said that it is the manager who is responsible for the decision.
- Eglurodd taw yfory y bydd y cyfarfod yn cael ei gynnal.
- She explained that it is tomorrow that the meeting will be held.
- Gofynnodd a oeddwn wedi darllen yr adroddiad.
- She asked whether I had read the report.
The mistake to avoid
Mai and taw are regional twins, not different words: use one consistently rather than mixing them in the same piece of writing.
Where this fits in
Adrodd a thrafod, Welsh C1: Adrodd geiriau pobl eraill gyda'r pellter priodol, ymdopi â chywair proffesiynol cyfarfodydd a chynigion, a darllen y newyddion: ffigurau, tueddiadau a ffynonellau.