Latvian (latviešu valoda) is spoken by around one and a half million people, mainly in Latvia where it is the official language. It is one of the two surviving Baltic languages, a cousin of Lithuanian and one of the oldest in Europe: with this kit, you have the bare minimum to get by in Riga, Liepaja or Daugavpils.
Latvian (latviešu valoda) has about one and a half million native speakers and ranks among the most archaic Indo-European languages still spoken. Together with Lithuanian, it is one of the last two living Baltic languages: both have preserved a considerable portion of Proto-Indo-European nominal morphology, although Latvian has innovated more than its cousin. It is the official language of Latvia since independence and one of the twenty-four official languages of the European Union. The alphabet is Latin, enriched with eleven diacritic signs and a total of thirty-three letters. Pronunciation follows a simple rule that reassures: stress almost always falls on the first syllable, long vowels are marked with a macron, every letter is pronounced. Culturally, Latvians cultivate an initial reserve that may surprise, but once trust is established, a lasting warmth opens up. The country has a significant Russian-speaking community, especially in Riga and Daugavpils, and the language question remains politically sensitive. You remove your shoes when entering a home, bring flowers in odd numbers, respect punctuality. This kit gathers the bare essentials to handle an arrival in Riga, a taxi ride, a restaurant order, a medical emergency and a smooth departure. You will find indispensable greetings, survival phrases for orientation, key words for eating and sleeping, as well as cultural tips to avoid faux pas.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You land in Riga in the early evening. The hall is calm, signs are in Latvian and English. An agent meets your gaze, you greet him and ask for directions.
The taxi driver loads your suitcase and asks for your destination. You give the hotel address, you want to check the price before leaving, then you will ask him to stop right in front of the entrance.
You enter a restaurant in the centre in the early evening. The waiter seats you and hands you the menu. You hesitate over the daily special and ask for advice before ordering water and the bill.
You feel sick after a meal and you need help quickly. You ask where the nearest hospital is and mention that you are allergic to certain foods.
On the morning of departure, you want to confirm check-out time at the reception, then catch a taxi to the airport. Before leaving, you warmly say goodbye to the hotel staff.
What you need to know before travelling to a latvian-speaking country.
Latvians are proud of their language and its antiquity. Mentioning its kinship with Lithuanian and its archaic Indo-European character is appreciated.
The formal "jūs" is the absolute rule with strangers, shopkeepers and elders. The informal "tu" is reserved for close friends and children.
Avoid confusing Latvia with Lithuania or Estonia. The three Baltic states share history but each has its own language, flag and distinct identity.
You remove your shoes when entering a home. Bringing flowers in odd numbers (even numbers are for funerals) or a dessert is much appreciated.
Latvians have a reserved approach at first, but very warm once trust is established. Patience and consistency are the keys.
Tipping in restaurants hovers around ten percent. It is not mandatory and some venues already include it in the bill.
Latvia has a significant Russian-speaking minority, especially in Riga and Daugavpils. The language topic remains sensitive: starting in Latvian or English is the wisest.
English is very well spoken by younger urban generations. In rural areas, a few words of Latvian make a real difference.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Jā
yah
Yes
Nē
neh
No
Paldies
PAL-dyes
Thank you
Lūdzu
LOOD-zu
You're welcome
Atvainojiet
at-VAI-no-yyet
Sorry
Ūdens
OO-dens
Water
Ēdiens
EH-dyens
Food
Viesnīca
VYES-nee-tsa
Hotel
Lidosta
LI-dos-ta
Airport
Slimnīca
slim-NEE-tsa
Hospital
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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