Latvian isn’t the easiest language to pick up, but if you’re doing business in Riga or beyond, a few well-placed phrases can go a long way. This guide covers the essential terms you’ll need in meetings, emails, and negotiations - no fluff, just what works.
Basic Professional Greetings
Labdien
/ˈlabdiɛn/“Good day”
Ar labu vakaru
/ar ˈlabu ˈvakaru/“Good evening”
Latvians value politeness, so starting with a proper greeting sets the right tone. If you’re meeting someone for the first time, a handshake and direct eye contact are expected. For more casual settings, you might hear Sveiki (a versatile “hello”), but stick to formal options in business.
Essential Meeting Vocabulary
- Sapulce – Meeting. Pronounced /ˈsapultsɛ/, this is your go-to word for any formal gathering.
- Līgums – Contract. If you’re negotiating, you’ll hear this often. IPA: /ˈliːɡums/.
- Piedāvājums – Offer or proposal. Key for sales and partnerships. IPA: /ˈpiɛdaːvaːjums/.
Email and Written Communication
Godātajais
/ˈɡodaːtajais/“Dear”
Ar cieņu
/ar ˈtsiɛɲu/“With respect”
Latvian emails are concise but polite. Avoid overly casual language unless you’ve established a rapport. For more on regional etiquette, check out our guide on Danish Business Etiquette - some principles overlap.
Negotiation and Sales Terms
| Latvian | English | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| Cena | Price | /ˈtsɛna/ |
| Atlaide | Discount | /ˈatlaidɛ/ |
| Nosacījumi | Terms | /ˈnɔsatsiːjumi/ |
Latvians appreciate directness in business, but don’t confuse it with rudeness. Frame requests clearly and avoid hard-selling tactics. If you’re discussing numbers, note that decimals are separated by commas (e.g., 1,5 for 1.5).
Useful Phrases for Networking
- “Vai jūs runājat angliski?” – “Do you speak English?” (/vai juːs ˈrunaːjat ˈaŋɡliski/)
- “Es saprotu nedaudz latviešu valodā.” – “I understand a little Latvian.” (/ɛs ˈsaprɔtu ˈnɛdaudz ˈlatviɛʃu ˈvalɔdaː/)
- “Prieks iepazīties.” – “Pleased to meet you.” (/ˈpriɛks ˈiɛpaziːtiɛs/)
Even if your Latvian is limited, showing effort earns respect. For more casual phrases, our Latvian travel guide covers basics like ordering food or asking for directions.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Overusing informal language. Stick to “jūs” (you, formal) unless invited to use “tu” (informal).
- Mispronouncing names. Latvian is phonetic - stress usually falls on the first syllable.
- Assuming English is universally spoken. While many professionals know it, older colleagues may not.
Latvian business culture values punctuality, preparation, and clarity. Master these terms, and you’ll navigate professional settings with confidence.
