Question Words

1. Ko?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

   Grammar Note

   "Kas?" is the nominative for both what and who. Use the accusative "Ko?" for asking back "What?", leaving "Kas?" for "Who?".

2. Kur?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. Kad?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Kas?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Kāpēc?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. Kā?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Cik daudz?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

8. Cik tas maksā?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Kurš?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

10. Kas tas ir?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

11. Kur ir tualete?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

12. Cik ir pulkstenis?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Vai jums ir?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

14. Vai jūs varat?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

15. Vai tas ir par maksu?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. Vai tas ir bez maksas?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. Vai tā ir kārtībā?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asks for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Vai to nedrīkst?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being turned down

19. Vai jums viss kārtībā?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing — a different role from "Vai tā ir kārtībā?" (asking permission)

    Grammar Note

    Uses the dative of polite "jūs" ("jums"); with friends say "Vai tev viss kārtībā?"

20. Vai tiešām?

    Really?

    Usage

    A short reaction confirming something surprising

21. Vai esat pārliecināts?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Presses for confirmation of a fact — more formal than "Vai tiešām?"

    Grammar Note

    Masculine form; for a woman say "Vai esat pārliecināta?"

22. No kurienes jūs esat?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

23. Kā jūs sauc?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

    Grammar Note

    Uses the polite "jūs"; with friends say "Kā tevi sauc?"

24. Cik jums gadu?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age at a first meeting can come across as intrusive; better saved until you know them a little

25. Vai varam kopā nofotografēties?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Asks for permission to take a photo together

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