Pronouns are the shortcuts of language - small words that save us from repeating names or pointing awkwardly. In Latvian, they’re just as essential, but with a few quirks that can trip up learners. This guide breaks them down simply, so you can use them confidently in everyday chats.
Personal Pronouns: The Basics
Latvian personal pronouns change based on who you’re talking about (I, you, they) and their role in the sentence (subject, object, etc.). Here’s the core set:
| English | Latvian (Nominative) | Latvian (Accusative) |
|---|---|---|
| I | es | mani |
| you (singular) | tu | tevi |
| he | viņš | viņu |
| she | viņa | viņu |
| we | mēs | mūs |
| you (plural) | jūs | jūs |
| they (masc.) | viņi | viņus |
| they (fem.) | viņas | viņas |
Possessive Pronouns: Claiming What’s Yours
To say “my,” “your,” or “their” in Latvian, possessive pronouns agree with the gender and number of the noun they describe. Here’s the pattern:
- mans (my, masculine)
- mana (my, feminine)
- tavs (your, masculine singular)
- tava (your, feminine singular)
- viņa (his/her/its)
- mūsu (our)
- jūsu (your, plural or formal)
- viņu (their)
Example: “Mans suns” (my dog, masculine) vs. “Mana kaķe” (my cat, feminine).
Demonstrative Pronouns: This, That, and Those
Latvian has two main demonstrative pronouns, which also change based on gender and number:
šis
[ʃis̪]“this”
tas
[tas]“that”
Plural forms include šie (these, masc.), šīs (these, fem.), and tie/tās for “those.”
Reflexive Pronouns: When the Action Comes Back
Latvian uses the reflexive pronoun sevi (oneself) and its possessive form savu (one’s own) for actions that loop back to the subject. Example: “Viņš redz sevi spogulī” (He sees himself in the mirror).
Putting It All Together
Pronouns streamline conversations, but using them naturally takes practice. Try substituting nouns with pronouns in simple sentences, like “Viņa iedeva man savu grāmatu” (She gave me her book). For more everyday phrases, check out our guide on Latvian phrases for outdoor activities.
Remember: Latvian pronouns aren’t just about grammar - they’re about fitting into the rhythm of the language. Listen to native speakers, mimic their patterns, and soon, you’ll be using them without a second thought.
