Cymdeithas

Cymdeithas is a Welsh noun that commonly translates to “society” or “association.” It refers to the organized life of a community, including the network of relationships, norms, institutions, and practices that bind people together. The term can denote the abstract concept of a society as a whole or refer to specific groups formed for shared interests, activities, or purposes. The plural form is cymdeithasau, used when talking about multiple groups or organizations.

In Welsh language and culture, cymdeithas is widely used to name and describe clubs, societies, and voluntary associations at local, regional, and national levels. It can appear in combinations such as cymdeithas leol (local society), cymdeithas ddiwylliannol (cultural society), or cymdeithas gymunedol (community society). The word also features in discussions of civil society and social life, where it denotes the voluntary, non-governmental sector of society and the interactions among citizens, organizations, and institutions.

Cymdeithas thus serves as a general term bridging everyday usage and scholarly discourse. It enables discussion of social structure, communal life, and collective action within Wales, reflecting the importance placed on community networks and voluntary organizations in Welsh society.