Latvian isn’t the easiest language to pick up, but a few well-placed phrases can turn a tourist experience into something far more interesting. This guide focuses on practical, everyday Latvian for getting around Riga and beyond - minus the fluff.
Basic Greetings and Courtesies
Latvians appreciate effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. Start with these:
Labdien
/ˈlabdiɛn/“Hello (formal)”
Sveiki
/sveiki/“Hello (informal)/Hi”
Paldies
/pɑldies/“Thank you”
Navigating the City
Riga’s public transport is efficient, but directions aren’t always English-friendly. Memorise these:
- Kur atrodas... (Where is...) – Follow with place names like 'autobusa pietura' (bus stop) or 'tualete' (toilet).
- Cik tālu ir līdz Vecrīgai? (How far is it to Old Town?) – Useful when wandering beyond the tourist centre.
- Vai šis vilciens brauc uz... (Does this train go to...) – Substitute with 'Jūrmalu' (seaside resort) or 'Siguldu' (castle town).
Ordering Food Like a Local
Latvian cuisine is heavy on rye, dairy, and smoked fish. Key phrases to avoid pointing at menus:
| Phrase | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Vai jums ir... | Do you have... | Asking for specifics like 'bezālija maize' (rye bread) or 'skābs krējums' (sour cream) |
| Gribētu pasūtīt... | I’d like to order... | Polite way to request dishes like 'grūdeni' (barley porridge) or 'pelēkie zirņi' (grey peas with bacon) |
| Vai varu maksāt ar kartes? | Can I pay by card? | Many places accept cards, but smaller markets might not |
Handling Emergencies
Hopefully unnecessary, but critical if things go wrong:
- Palīdziet! (Help!) – Shoutable in emergencies.
- Vai jūs runājat angliski? (Do you speak English?) – Switch to English if the situation is urgent.
- Kur ir tuvākā slimnīca? (Where is the nearest hospital?) – Memorise this one.
Beyond Riga
Venturing to places like Gauja National Park? These phrases help:
Cik maksā ieeja?
/tsik ˈmaksa ˈiɛːja/“How much is entry?”
Vai šeit ir brīva vieta?
/vai ʃɛit ir ˈbriːva ˈviɛta/“Is there a free spot here?”
Latvian’s a tricky language, but even a handful of these phrases will make your trip smoother. And if all else fails, a smile and a 'Paldies' will usually do the trick.
