A Native’s Guide to the Latvian Language

Any smartphone can help you translate or look up a few useful Latvian words. But only a local can give you the context to use them naturally and with confidence. In this guide, we’ll share an insider’s perspective on the Latvian language – essential beginner phrases and cultural tips that will help you connect with locals, whether you’re just visiting Latvia or starting to settle in.

Greeting and Farewell Phrases in Latvian

When talking to Latvians, one of the first things you might notice is the varying degrees of formality and personal boundaries. So, you’ll want to adjust your speech accordingly. Here’s a list of ways to say hello or goodbye in the Latvian language, from the most casual to more formal expressions:

• Čau (hi, hello) – Used in casual settings among people who know each other well for greetings and goodbyes.
• Sveiki (hello) – A polite and neutral greeting for people you don’t know or when addressing a group.
• Visu labu (all the best) – As universal and polite way as “sveiki” to say goodbye.
• Labrīt, labdien, labvakar (good morning, good afternoon, good evening) – More formal greetings typically used in professional or official settings, like entering a doctor’s office, speaking to someone older, or starting a formal email.
• Uz redzēšanos (goodbye) – a more formal way to say goodbye. Typically, if you started with “labdien”, you’d exit with “uz redzēšanos”.

Starting Conversations and Getting to Know Each Other

These conversation starters will help you make a good first impression and connect with locals. Since Latvian language is a precious part of the Latvian identity and we’re aware it’s not the easiest language to learn, most Latvians will genuinely appreciate your effort to start even a short conversation in Latvian.

• Kā tevi sauc? Mani sauc Jānis. (What’s your name? My name is Jānis.) – You can start by saying your name and either wait for the other person to do the same or ask, “Kā tevi sauc?”
• Prieks iepazīties! (Nice to meet you!) – A polite phrase you’d typically say after exchanging names or shaking hands. In more casual situations, Latvians sometimes just say “Prieks!”
• No kurienes tu esi? Es esmu no Rīgas. (Where are you from? I’m from Riga.) – This can be a great way to start a meaningful conversation, as we like learning where others are from and talking about our hometowns.
• Ar ko tu nodarbojies? (What do you do?) – Another natural way to start a conversation or keep it going.
• Kā tev iet?/Kā tev klājas? (How are you?) – You might make a Latvian smile by responding to this with a classic “normāli” (Things are normal). Other appropriate responses include “labi” (“Good”), “ne pārāk” (not too well).

Polite Phrases and Well Wishes in Latvian Language

• Lūdzu (Please or You’re welcome) – In beginner-level conversations, you’ll mostly use this as a response to paldies (thank you). At a slightly more advanced level, it’s also used to make requests more polite.
• Paldies, liels paldies (Thank you, thank you very much)
• Atvaino, atvainojiet (Sorry, excuse me) – You’d say “atvaino” to someone you know and “atvainojiet” if you accidentally step on someone’s foot in the street or when approaching a stranger for help or directions.
• Labu apetīti! (Bon appétit or Enjoy your meal) – A common, polite phrase to wish someone a pleasant meal.
• Priekā! (Cheers) – Some people insist that you say this while clinking glasses and making eye contact.
• Uz veselību! (Bless you) – The phrase used when someone sneezes.
• Veseļojies! (Get well soon)
• Sveiciens svētkos! (Holiday greetings) – A universal greeting, suitable for everything from a colleague’s birthday to the holiday season.

Want to delve deeper? Explore the history and culture of the Latvian language – you’ll find fascinating stories, even more meaningful words, and insights into what makes our language so unique.