Slang

1. Čau

   Hi / Bye

   Usage

   From the Italian ciao, for both hello and goodbye. Friends, peers and young staff — with an elder, a stranger or an official, use Labdien

2. Atā

   Bye-bye

   Usage

   A soft goodbye, used with children and people you are close to. At work, Uz redzēšanos is the one to use

3. Baigi

   Really / super

   Usage

   Literally frightfully, but colloquially just an intensifier: baigi labi, really good. Nothing crude about it, but it is spoken register — write ļoti instead

4. Kruts

   Cool

   Usage

   A Russian borrowing favoured by younger speakers. Aimed at peers — an older listener will understand it but may find it out of place

5. Malacis

   Well done!

   Usage

   A one-word well done, fine for children and adults alike and never offensive. Avoid it towards a superior, though — it frames you as the one judging

6. Vecīt

   Mate / dude

   Usage

   A diminutive of vecis, old man, with nothing to do with actual age. Used between men who are already friendly — never with a stranger, an elder or staff

7. Čalis

   Guy

   Usage

   A casual word for a young man, with no sneer in it. Normally about a third person rather than as an address; the polite word is vīrietis

8. Ballīte

   Party

   Usage

   A diminutive of balle, ball, for any informal gathering. Safe with anyone

9. Ej nu!

   No way!

   Usage

   Literally go on, used as a reaction of disbelief. For conversation among friends — it comes out forceful, so not for an elder or a stranger

10. Sīkums

    No big deal

    Usage

    Literally a trifle — the reply to a thank-you or an apology. Safe with anyone

11. Skaidrs

    Got it

    Usage

    Literally clear, used on its own to acknowledge an explanation. It stays polite, so it works with staff and officials too

12. Nekas

    Never mind

    Usage

    Literally nothing, used to wave off an apology. Fine with anyone

13. Nu labi

    Well, all right

    Usage

    nu is the colloquial well. For grudging agreement or wrapping up a topic; spoken register only

14. Paga

    Hang on

    Usage

    A clipping of pagaidi, wait. For friends — with staff or officials say Lūdzu uzgaidiet

15. Tiešām?

    Really?

    Usage

    The reaction to something surprising. It sits comfortably in casual and polite conversation alike

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