If you plan to visit a new place like Latvia and opt to meet new people, you will find it difficult to talk in their language. So, you must know some basic phrases, which you can use to start a conversation or answer them. In this article, learn how to say yes and no in Latvian.
Latvian is part of the Eastern Baltic languages. More than 2 million people use it. Latvian and Lithuanian are closely related. However, the two languages are not similar to each other. Therefore, Latvians and Lithuanians may speak Russian. Building a vocabulary of the Latvian language is exciting. It has many words from other languages. These languages include German, Swedish, Russian, or English. In Latvian, there are very few phrases and terms created because they were not missing until now. So, if you are going to visit Latvia, learn these essential Latvian words and phrases.
In addition, Latvian has three dialects: Riga/Vidzem (standard), Kurzym (different pronunciation), and Latgalian (sometimes considered a separate language). The difference between the Riga dialect and the Kurzim dialect is mainly pronunciation and vocabulary. For example, the Kurzeme dialect usually omits the last letter and speaks faster than the Riga dialect: Septiņi/Septiņ; the first is Kurzeme, the second is Riga.
Say Yes And No In Latvian In Many Ways Like A Local
Yes In Latvian
The word “yes” can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on the choice of words, tone, and context. Let’s explore its synonyms and the many nuances of this word. These are self-explanatory in that you express positive approval.
| English | Latvian |
| Yes | Jā |
| Of course | Protams |
| Done | Pabeigts |
| Yes, please | Jā, lūdzu |
| Yeah! | Jā! |
| For sure | Noteikti |
| Alright | Labi |
| Sure | Protams |
| Ok. Fine | Labi. Labi |
| Correct | Pareizi |
| Definitely | Noteikti |
| absolutely | absolūti |
| Sounds good | Izklausās labi |
| Undoubtedly | Neapšaubāmi |
| Obviously | Acīmredzot |
No In Latvian
Here is the list of synonyms and many different ways to say “no” in Latvian. Learn these valuable equivalents for NO to improve your communication skill and increase your Latvian vocabulary.
| English | Latvian |
| No | Nē |
| Nope | Nē |
| I am Sorry | Es atvainojos |
| Not today | Ne šodien |
| Nah | Nē |
| Not at all | Nepavisam |
| Incorrect | Nepareizi |
| Under no circumstances | Nekādā gadījumā |
| No way | Nevar būt |
| Not likely | Maz ticams |
| Not this time | Ne šoreiz |
| Not possible | Nav iespējams |
List Of Expressing Uncertainty
While we touch on ways to assert or deny in conversation, it’s also a good idea to touch on ways to express uncertainty. In the English language, the most common word for this is ‘may,’ which is derived from ‘maybe.’ Similarly, like yes and no in Latvian, there are endless ways to express the uncertainty that comes with “maybe” in the Latvian language. Let’s start with our most frequently used expressions:
| English | Latvian Translation |
| maybe | var būt |
| perhaps | varbūt |
| possibly | iespējams |
| not sure | neesmu pārliecināts |
| who knows | kas zina |
| no clue | ne jausmas |
| I don’t know | Es nezinu |
| God knows | Dievs zina |
Respond As Yes And No In Latvian To These Questions
| Yes and no question in English. | Yes and No questions in Latvian. |
| Do you speak Latvian? | Vai tu runā latviski? |
| Do you speak English? | Vai tu runā angliski? |
| Is that a country? | Vai tā ir valsts? |
| Isn’t she old? | Vai viņa nav veca? |
| He’s smart, right? | Viņš ir gudrs, vai ne? |
| Are you ok? | Tev viss kārtībā? |
| Are you married? | Vai esi precējies? |
| Do you want to visit Latvia? | Vai vēlaties apmeklēt Latviju? |
| Are you free today? | Vai šodien esi brīvs? |
| Where are the cheap public hotels? | Kur ir lētas sabiedriskās viesnīcas? |
| Can you teach me the Latvian language? | Vai vari man iemācīt latviešu valodu? |
| Can I contact you later? | Vai es varu ar jums sazināties vēlāk? |
How To Use Yes And No In Latvian Phrases
In all languages, there are positive and negative words or sentences. Affirmative sentences express the will for something or something. For example, when asked in a restaurant or elsewhere if we want to order a meal, the answer is “Yes, please” (Jā, lūdzu). Speaking in Latvian or visiting the country, you will have the moment to express your opinion with a negative expression. Here, you should know how to say “no” in their language.
There are many examples where you may find yourself, or someone may ask you questions in the Latvian language that you want to get an answer to. Below is the list where we will teach you how to use yes and no in Latvian phrases.
| English | Latvian Translation |
| Yes! I need this | Jā! Man vajag šo |
| Yeah! I am learning the Latvian language | Jā! Mācos latviešu valodu |
| It’s a good deal | Tas ir labs darījums |
| You have gotten it correct | tu esi sapratis pareizi |
| Say yes, please | Sakiet jā, lūdzu |
| No way! I don’t want it | Nevar būt! Es to negribu |
| I will never smoke | Es nekad nesmēķēšu |
| Never say no to food | Nekad nesaki nē ēdienam |
| No! I will pay this time | Nē! Šoreiz maksāšu |
| I don’t know | Es nezinu |
Common Phrases Of The Baltic Language Latvian
| English | Latvian Translation |
| How much does it cost? | Cik tas maksā? |
| My name is | mani sauc |
| Alone | vienatnē |
| Are you talking to me? | vai jūs runājat ar mani? |
| I am sorry | man žēl |
| I am | ES esmu |
| I travel alone | ES ceļoju viena pati |
| How much does it cost? | Cik tas maksā? |
| I do not understand | es nesaprotu |
| Goodbye | uz redzēšanos |
| Good day | laba diena |
| We have to go | Mums ir jāiet |
| I have a phone | Man ir telefons |
| How are you? | Kā jums klājas? |
| Good night | ar labu nakti |
| Do you speak English? | vai jūs runājat angliski? |
| Where is the restroom? | Kur ir tualete? |
| Bye | čau |
| Thursday | ceturtdiena |
| Do you… | vai jūs… |
| I am married | ES esmu precējies |
Master Yourself In Latvian And Speak Latvian Like Native
You may know that some people enroll themselves in Latvian language courses and take lessons to improve their pronunciation and skills. The question is, what is the need to attend courses when you have a Ling app? The app and website page provided by Simya Solutions provide the best language courses for free. There are very few chances that you can’t get the primary language terms when you have all the audio and video recordings with your click.
Don’t think twice and follow or download the Ling app. Read more articles introducing yourself in Latvian and love words and phrases to build your relation and communication with Latvian citizens.
