Basic Words

1. Jā

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Nē

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Lūdzu

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

4. Paldies

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

5. Atvainojiet

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

6. Piedodiet

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Viss kārtībā

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. Es nesaprotu

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Es saprotu

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Esmu pabeidzis

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

    Grammar Note

    "pabeidzis" is the masculine form; a female speaker says "Esmu pabeigusi".

11. Lūdzu, uzgaidiet

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

12. Vienu mirkli

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Viens pieaugušais, lūdzu

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. Man nav rezervācijas

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

15. Man ir rezervācija

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Lūdzu, palīdziet man

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

17. Vēlreiz, lūdzu

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Lūdzu, runājiet lēnāk

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Es runāju mazliet

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

20. Vai jūs runājat angliski?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    "jūs" is the polite second person; do not use "tu" with strangers.

21. Šis

    This

    Usage

    For something near you; masculine — use "šī" with feminine nouns

22. Tas

    That

    Usage

    Latvian has only a two-way this/that split, so it covers both "that" and "that over there"; feminine "tā"

23. Šeit

    Here

    Usage

    Show where to stop or where to meet

24. Tur

    There

    Usage

    Place words are also two-way, so this covers both "there" and "over there"

25. Es

    I / me

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at yourself

26. Jūs

    You (polite)

    Usage

    The polite second person for strangers; "tu" only with people you know

27. Kopā

    KO-pā

    Together

    Usage

    Signals travelling together or paying as one

28. Puse

    Half

    Usage

    Ask for half a portion

29. Viss

    All / everything

    Usage

    Works for both "all of it, please" and "that's everything"

30. Pietiek

    That's enough

    Usage

    Show it to stop someone pouring or serving more

31. Tūlīt

    TŪ-līt

    Right now

    Usage

    Signals urgency; also the reply "right away"

32. Viena persona

    One person

    Usage

    States the party size for a table or room

33. Divas personas

    Two people

    Usage

    "Persona" is feminine, so the numeral takes the feminine form "divas"

34. Trīs personas

    trīs PER-so-nas

    Three people

    Usage

    "Trīs" has one form for both genders

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