Shopping

1. Cik tas maksā?

   cik tas MAK-sā?

   How much does this cost?

   Usage

   Used to ask the price of an item

   Grammar Note

   The simplest way to ask for a price. Use "tā" for feminine nouns. Point at the item when asking

2. Vai varat samazināt cenu?

   vai VA-rat SA-ma-zi-nāt CE-nu?

   Can you lower the price?

   Usage

   Used when negotiating a price at a market or small shop

   Grammar Note

   "cena" is the nominative of "price". Accusative "cenu" marks it as the direct object

3. Es to ņemšu

   es to ŅEM-šu

   I'll take this

   Usage

   Used to indicate you want to purchase an item

   Grammar Note

   "ņemšu" is the first person singular future of "ņemt" (to take). Commonly used to say "I'll buy this"

4. Vai var samaksāt ar karti?

   vai var SA-mak-sāt ar KAR-ti?

   Can I pay by card?

   Usage

   Used to ask if card payment is accepted

   Grammar Note

   "ar" + instrumental expresses the means. Compare with "ar skaidru naudu" (in cash)

5. Vai ir cits izmērs?

   vai ir cits IZ-mērs?

   Is there another size?

   Usage

   Used when looking for a different clothing or shoe size

   Grammar Note

   "cits" means "another/different". Replace with "krāsa" (color) to ask about different colors

6. Kur ir pārtikas veikals?

   kur ir PĀR-ti-kas VEI-kals?

   Where is the grocery store?

   Usage

   Used to find a grocery store or supermarket

   Grammar Note

   "pārtikas" is the genitive of "pārtika" (food), used as a modifier. "veikals" means "store"

7. Vai šeit ir bezmaksas Wi-Fi?

   vai šeit ir BEZ-mak-sas Wi-Fi?

   Is there free WiFi here?

   Usage

   Used to ask about free WiFi in a cafe or shop

   Grammar Note

   "bezmaksas" is a compound meaning "without payment"

8. Man vajag suvenīrus

   man VA-jag SU-ve-nī-rus

   I need some souvenirs

   Usage

   Used to tell a shopkeeper you are looking for souvenirs

   Grammar Note

   "Man vajag" is a dative construction meaning "I need". Third person impersonal of "vajadzēt"

9. Lūdzu iesaiņojiet to dāvanai

   LŪ-dzu IE-sai-ņo-jiet to DĀ-va-nai

   Please wrap it as a gift

   Usage

   Used to ask for gift wrapping

   Grammar Note

   "dāvanai" is the dative expressing purpose. "dāvana" (gift) in its dative form

10. Vai var apmainīt preci?

    vai var AP-mai-nīt PRE-ci?

    Can I exchange this item?

    Usage

    Used when wanting to exchange a purchased item

    Grammar Note

    "prece" is the nominative of "item". To request a refund: "atgūt naudu" (get money back)

11. Man nevajag čeku

    man NE-va-jag ČE-ku

    I don't need a receipt

    Usage

    Declining a receipt, the answer to "Vai jums vajag čeku?" (Do you need a receipt?)

    Grammar Note

    "vajadzēt" is impersonal: the present is "vajag", the past "vajadzēja". The person who needs is dative and the thing needed is accusative. The negation prefixes ne-. Sense 2 of "čeks" is a till slip for the sum a buyer has paid

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