Latvian, the official language of Latvia, is a Baltic language closely related to Lithuanian, though they are not mutually intelligible. It’s spoken by about 1.5 million people as a first language and by 500,000 people as a second language. Here’s a comprehensive guide to essential Latvian phrases for various social situations, designed to help you navigate conversations smoothly.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi (General greeting) – “Sveiki” (formal/plural) / “Sveiks” (informal, to a man) / “Sveika” (informal, to a woman)
• Good morning – “Labrīt”
• Good afternoon – “Labdien”
• Good evening – “Labvakar”
• Goodbye (Formal) – “Uz redzēšanos”; (Informal) – “Atā”

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Mani sauc [vārds].”
• This is [name]. – “Šis ir [vārds]” (for male) / “Šī ir [vārds]” (for female).
• I am from [country]. – “Es esmu no [valsts].”
• I live in [city/place]. – “Es dzīvoju [pilsētā/vietā].”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Kur ir [vieta]?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Kā es varu tikt līdz [vietai]?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Vai jūs varat man parādīt uz kartes?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Piedodiet, es nesaprotu.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Vai jūs varētu to atkārtot, lūdzu?”
• I mean… – “Es domāju…”
• What does [word] mean? – “Ko nozīmē [vārds]?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Uz redzēšanos vēlāk”
• Take care – “Esiet uzmanīgi” / “Rūpējies par sevi” (informal)
• Have a good day – “Lai jums laba diena”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Es gribētu rezervēt istabu.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Vai es varētu redzēt ēdienkarti, lūdzu?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Es esmu vegetārietis.”
• The bill, please. – “Rēķinu, lūdzu.”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Cik tas maksā?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Vai jums ir šis citā izmērā?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Es tikai aplūkoju, paldies.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Vai es varu maksāt ar karti?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Tu izskaties skaista.” / “Tu izskaties skaists.”
• I miss you. – “Tu man trūksti.”
• I love you. – “Es tevi mīlu.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Vai tu gribētu iziet ar mani?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Palīgā!”
• Call the police! – “Izsaukt policiju!”
• I need a doctor. – “Man vajag ārstu.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Kur ir tuvākā slimnīca?”

Mastering these phrases will not only help you communicate basic ideas in Latvian but also demonstrate respect and appreciation for Latvian culture. Remember, language learning is a continuous process, so keep practicing and exploring the nuances of the Latvian language.