By analyzing a vast collection of Latvian-language texts, including news articles and other written materials from the internet, we compiled this list of the 1000 most frequently-used Latvian words.
A technique called lemmatization was applied to convert the vocabulary words to their canonical form. This process involves grouping together the inflected forms of a word so that they can be analyzed as a single item.
The purpose of this list is to aid language learners who aim to master the most commonly used words in Latvian, as well as to assist researchers who are interested in studying the patterns of Latvian language usage.
Latvian is a Baltic language which belongs to the Indo-European family of languages. Many of the 1000 most common Latvian words are similar to the corresponding Lithuanian vocabulary words, as these two languages are closely related.
With the buttons below, you can filter the words in this vocabulary list based on their word type, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and so on. This feature lets you focus on specific word types and tailor your learning to your needs.
-
būt
[verb]
(to be)
-
un
[conjunction]
(and)
In Latvian, “un” is a conjunction used to connect two words, clauses. It can be translated to “and” in English. For example, the phrase “Māja ir liela un skaista” means “The house is big and beautiful.”
-
tas
[pronoun]
(that)
-
par
[preposition]
(about)
-
ar
[preposition]
(with)
-
ka
[conjunction]
(that)
-
kas
[pronoun]
(what)
-
arī
[particle]
(also)
-
no
[preposition]
(from)
-
varēt
[verb]
(to be able to)
-
kā
[conjunction]
(as)
-
uz
[preposition]
(to)
-
bet
[conjunction]
(but)
-
vai
[conjunction]
(or)
-
tā
[pronoun]
(that)
-
es
[pronoun]
(I)
-
gads
[noun]
(year)
-
mēs
[pronoun]
(we)
-
viņš
[pronoun]
(he)
-
šis
[pronoun]
(this one)
-
Latvija
[proper noun]
(Latvia)
-
lai
[conjunction]
(so that)
-
tikt
[verb]
-
ja
[conjunction]
(if)
-
viss
[pronoun]
(everything)
-
jau
[adverb]
(already)
-
laiks
[noun]
(time)
The Latvian word “laiks” and the Lithuanian word “laikas” are cognates.
-
gan
[conjunction]
(both)
-
sava
[pronoun]
-
darbs
[noun]
(work)
-
jo
[conjunction]
(because)
-
daudz
[adverb]
-
valsts
[noun]
(country)
-
tikai
[particle]
(only)
-
tad
[adverb]
(then)
-
kurš
[pronoun]
(who)
-
cilvēks
[noun]
(human being)
-
liels
[adjective]
(big)
-
pēc
[preposition]
(after)
-
jauns
[adjective]
(new)
-
viens
[numeral]
(one)
-
līdz
[preposition]
(till)
-
pie
[preposition]
(at)
-
kura
[pronoun]
-
vēl
[adverb]
(yet)
-
kāds
[pronoun]
(what)
-
ne
[conjunction]
(not)
-
kad
[adverb]
(when)
-
bērns
[noun]
(child)
-
pats
[pronoun]
(himself)
-
diena
[noun]
(day)
-
jūs
[pronoun]
(you)
-
viņa
[pronoun]
(she)
-
notikt
[verb]
(to happen)
-
šī
[pronoun]
(this)
-
labs
[adjective]
(good)
-
taču
[conjunction]
(but)
-
ļoti
[adverb]
(very)
-
vieta
[noun]
(place)
-
cits
[adjective]
(other)
-
tu
[pronoun]
(you)
-
iespēja
[noun]
(possibility)
-
kur
[adverb]
(where)
-
kaut
[particle]
-
projekts
[noun]
(project)
-
zināt
[verb]
(to know)
-
tik
[adverb]
-
savs
[pronoun]
-
Rīga
[proper noun]
Rīga is a beautiful and historic city located in the central part of Latvia, near the mouth of the Daugava River and the coast of the Baltic Sea. As the capital and largest city of Latvia, it is an important economic, cultural, and educational center. Rīga is known for its stunning architecture, including the medieval Old Town, Art Nouveau buildings, and Soviet-era structures.
-
pat
[particle]
(even)
-
pirmais
[adjective]
(first)
-
māja
[noun]
(house)
-
pa
[preposition]
-
skola
[noun]
(school)
-
saņemt
[verb]
(to receive)
-
cita
[pronoun]
-
pilsēta
[noun]
(city)
Pilsēta (meaning “city”) is an important Latvian word because over two-thirds of Latvia’s population lives in urban areas, and the largest cities like Riga, Daugavpils, and Liepāja have a rich history and cultural heritage.
-
iespēt
[verb]
(to be able to)
-
jautājums
[noun]
(question)
-
tomēr
[conjunction]
-
tāds
[pronoun]
(such)
-
tāpēc
[adverb]
(therefore)
-
labi
[adverb]
(well)
-
nu
[particle]
(well)
-
nauda
[noun]
(money)
-
sacīt
[verb]
(to say)
-
visa
[adjective]
-
Liepāja
[proper noun]
-
tagad
[adverb]
(now)
-
sevis
[pronoun]
-
strādāt
[verb]
(to work)
-
darīt
[verb]
(to do)
-
redzēt
[verb]
(to see)
-
domāt
[verb]
(to think)
-
tur
[adverb]
(there)
-
kāda
[pronoun]
-
divi
[numeral]
(two)
-
bez
[preposition]
(without)
-
dzīve
[noun]
(life)
-
sākt
[verb]
(to start)
-
teikt
[verb]
(to say)
-
vajadzēt
[verb]
-
centrs
[noun]
(center)
-
cena
[noun]
(price)
-
lieta
[noun]
(thing)
-
Eiropa
[proper noun]
-
pasaule
[noun]
(world)
-
pret
[preposition]
(against)
-
iela
[noun]
(street)
-
cik
[adverb]
(how much)
-
informācija
[noun]
(information)
-
ceļš
[noun]
(road)
-
vien
[adverb]
(only)
-
gribēt
[verb]
(to want)
-
veikt
[verb]
(to perform)
-
mazs
[adjective]
(small)
-
gadījums
[noun]
(occasion)
-
saprast
[verb]
(to understand)
-
nekā
[conjunction]
(than)
-
pirms
[preposition]
(before)
-
eiro
[noun]
(euro)
-
daļa
[noun]
(part)
-
kļūt
[verb]
(to become)
-
reize
[noun]
(time)
-
vārds
[noun]
(word)
In Latvian, the term “vārds” can mean “word” as in the phrase “mēs mācāmies jaunus vārdus” (we learn new words), but it can also mean “name” as in “kāds ir tavs vārds?” (what is your name?).
-
piemērs
[noun]
(example)
-
iet
[verb]
(go)
-
vēlēties
[verb]
(to wish)
-
tieši
[adverb]
(directly)
-
paredzēt
[verb]
-
ģimene
[noun]
(family)
-
tirgus
[noun]
(market)
-
izglītība
[noun]
(education)
-
katrs
[pronoun]
(every)
-
daudzi
[adjective]
-
problēma
[noun]
(problem)
-
aicināt
[verb]
(to invite)
-
veids
[noun]
(mode)
-
policija
[noun]
(police)
-
nekas
[pronoun]
(nothing)
-
katra
[pronoun]
-
dzīvot
[verb]
(to live)
-
situācija
[noun]
(situation)
-
atrast
[verb]
(to find)
-
dot
[verb]
(to give)
-
lats
[noun]
(lats)
-
puse
[noun]
(half)
-
palikt
[verb]
(to stay)
-
kopā
[adverb]
(together)
-
tāpat
[adverb]
-
kultūra
[noun]
(culture)
-
protams
[participle]
(of course)
-
attīstība
[noun]
(development)
-
runāt
[verb]
(to speak)
-
darbinieks
[noun]
(employee)
-
jaunietis
[noun]
-
neviens
[pronoun]
(no one)
-
mēnesis
[noun]
(month)
-
vecs
[adjective]
(old)
-
nodoklis
[noun]
(tax)
-
trīs
[numeral]
(three)
-
dome
[noun]
(council)
-
gaidīt
[verb]
(to wait)
-
palīdzēt
[verb]
(to help)
-
likums
[noun]
(law)
-
šogad
[adverb]
(this year)
-
persona
[noun]
(person)
-
tāda
[pronoun]
-
spēt
[verb]
(to be able)
-
rezultāts
[noun]
(result)
-
banka
[noun]
(bank)
-
noteikt
[verb]
(to determine)
-
sieviete
[noun]
(woman)
-
nākt
[verb]
(to come)
-
grupa
[noun]
(group)
-
ņemt
[verb]
(to take)
-
atzīt
[verb]
-
nedēļa
[noun]
(week)
-
doties
[verb]
(to go)
-
vairs
[adverb]
(anymore)
-
mana
[pronoun]
(my)
-
patikt
[verb]
(to like)
-
nevis
[conjunction]
(not)
-
atbalsts
[noun]
(support)
-
ziņa
[noun]
(message)
-
brīdis
[noun]
(moment)
-
tiesa
[noun]
(court)
-
sports
[noun]
(sports)
-
tauta
[noun]
(nation)
-
klients
[noun]
(customer)
-
ministrs
[noun]
(minister)
-
Krievija
[proper noun]
-
sociāls
[adjective]
(social)
-
vide
[noun]
(environment)
-
mērķis
[noun]
(aim)
-
latvietis
[noun]
(a latvian)
-
dalībnieks
[noun]
(participant)
-
ministrija
[noun]
(ministry)
-
pieredze
[noun]
(experience)
-
veselība
[noun]
(health)
-
otrs
[adjective]
(the other)
-
noteikums
[noun]
(condition)
-
darbība
[noun]
(action)
-
iestāde
[noun]
(institution)
-
spēks
[noun]
(strength)
-
likt
[verb]
(to put)
-
braukt
[verb]
-
stāstīt
[verb]
(to tell)
-
mācība
[noun]
(lesson)
-
pati
[pronoun]
(herself)
-
turpināt
[verb]
(to continue)
-
valoda
[noun]
(language)
-
miljons
[numeral]
(million)
-
šobrīd
[adverb]
(currently)
-
varbūt
[particle]
(maybe)
-
bieži
[adverb]
(often)
-
maksāt
[verb]
(to pay)
-
skolēns
[noun]
(student)
-
nams
[noun]
(house)
-
zeme
[noun]
(land)
-
māksla
[noun]
(art)
-
augsts
[adjective]
(high)
-
vecāks
[adjective]
(older)
-
process
[noun]
(process)
-
pagasts
[noun]
(parish)
Pagasts is a common Latvian word because it refers to a territorial administrative unit in the country. In Latvia, a pagasts is a small rural district or civil parish.
-
vienmēr
[adverb]
(always)
-
rakstīt
[verb]
(to write)
-
te
[adverb]
(here)
-
izstāde
[noun]
(exhibition)
-
veikals
[noun]
(store)
-
īpaši
[adverb]
(especially)
-
maz
[adverb]
(few)
-
valdība
[noun]
(government)
-
kāpēc
[adverb]
(why)
-
attiecība
[noun]
(relation)
-
vismaz
[adverb]
(at least)
-
sistēma
[noun]
(system)
-
produkts
[noun]
(product)
-
dēļ
[preposition]
(because of)
-
atkal
[adverb]
(again)
-
meklēt
[verb]
(to look for)
-
pārstāvis
[noun]
(representative)
-
vīrietis
[noun]
(man)
-
ideja
[noun]
(idea)
-
roka
[noun]
(hand)
-
minēt
[verb]
-
teātris
[noun]
(theater)
-
starp
[preposition]
(between)
-
šeit
[adverb]
(here)
-
prece
[noun]
(goods)
-
pārvalde
[noun]
(administration)
-
dzīvoklis
[noun]
(apartment)
Dzīvoklis is a common Latvian word because a significant proportion of the population in Latvia lives in urban areas, where apartments are one of the predominant forms of housing. According to the latest statistics, approximately two-thirds of the Latvian population lives in cities or towns. Therefore, the demand for housing in urban areas, particularly apartments, is high, which explains the frequent use of the word dzīvoklis in daily conversation and real estate advertisements.
-
raksts
[noun]
(article)
-
vienkārši
[adverb]
(simply)
-
ļaut
[verb]
(to allow)
-
dienests
[noun]
(service)
-
gals
[noun]
(end)
-
lasīt
[verb]
(to read)
-
sākums
[noun]
(beginning)
-
šodien
[adverb]
(today)
-
lauks
[noun]
(field)
-
skatīties
[verb]
-
īpašums
[noun]
(ownership)
-
grāmata
[noun]
(book)
-
kārtība
[noun]
(order)
-
ap
[preposition]
(around)
-
vakars
[noun]
(evening)
-
stunda
[noun]
(hour)
-
draugs
[noun]
(friend)
-
noteikti
[adverb]
(definitely)
-
viedoklis
[noun]
(viewpoint)
-
partija
[noun]
(party)
Partija is a frequently-used Latvian word because it refers to a political party, and those play an essential role in the country’s democratic system.
-
tādēļ
[adverb]
(therefore)
-
nozīmēt
[verb]
(to mean)
-
ūdens
[noun]
(water)
-
Jānis
[proper noun]
-
mūzika
[noun]
(music)
-
spēle
[noun]
(game)
-
svarīgs
[adjective]
(important)
-
šķist
[verb]
-
deputāts
[noun]
(deputy)
-
vadīt
[verb]
-
septembris
[noun]
(September)
-
atcerēties
[verb]
(to remember)
-
akcija
[noun]
(action)
-
ēka
[noun]
(building)
-
ekonomika
[noun]
(economy)
-
vērtība
[noun]
(value)
-
prieks
[noun]
(pleasure)
-
izdarīt
[verb]
(to do)
-
klase
[noun]
(classroom)
-
vasara
[noun]
(summer)
-
īpašs
[adjective]
(special)
-
savienība
[noun]
(union)
-
oktobris
[noun]
(October)
-
notikums
[noun]
(event)
-
lietot
[verb]
(to use)
-
muzejs
[noun]
(museum)
The Latvian word Muzejs (meaning “museum”) is frequently used because Latvia has many famous museums, including the Latvian National Museum of Art, the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, and the Riga Motor Museum.
-
daba
[noun]
(nature)
-
gatavs
[adjective]
(ready)
-
doma
[noun]
(thought)
-
uzņēmējs
[noun]
(entrepreneur)
-
auto
[noun]
(car)
-
zāle
[noun]
(grass)
-
komanda
[noun]
(team)
-
vajadzīgs
[adjective]
-
vecums
[noun]
(age)
-
drošība
[noun]
(safety)
-
starptautisks
[adjective]
(international)
-
saruna
[noun]
(conversation)
-
beigas
[noun]
(end)
-
lapa
[noun]
(leaf, page)
The Latvian word “lapa” can mean either a leaf from a plant or a page from a book because of their shared physical characteristics - they are both flat and thin. The word “lapa” originally meant “leaf” and is still used in this sense in botany and when talking about plants. However, over time, the word also began to refer to a page of a book or document because paper pages are similarly flat and thin, like leaves of plants.
-
maksa
[noun]
(fee)
-
alga
[noun]
(salary)
-
materiāls
[noun]
(material)
-
atbildēt
[verb]
(reply)
-
nākotne
[noun]
(future)
-
tiešām
[adverb]
(really)
-
meitene
[noun]
(girl)
-
skaidrs
[adjective]
(clear)
-
grūti
[adverb]
(difficult)
-
īpašnieks
[noun]
(owner)
-
kopums
[noun]
-
skaidrot
[verb]
(to explain)
-
plāns
[noun]
(plan)
-
iemesls
[noun]
(reason)
-
automašīna
[noun]
(car)
-
dokuments
[noun]
(document)
-
kvalitāte
[noun]
(quality)
-
dievs
[noun]
(god)
-
sirds
[noun]
(heart)
-
Saeima
[proper noun]
-
suns
[noun]
-
decembris
[noun]
(December)
-
prezidents
[noun]
(president)
-
Daugavpils
[proper noun]
-
filma
[noun]
(movie)
-
izrāde
[noun]
(show)
-
cerēt
[verb]
(to hope)
-
censties
[verb]
-
joprojām
[adverb]
(still)
-
pilns
[adjective]
(full)
-
skolotājs
[noun]
(teacher)
-
apstāklis
[noun]
(circumstance)
-
valde
[noun]
-
pamats
[noun]
(basis)
-
konkrēts
[adjective]
(concrete)
-
nakts
[noun]
(night)
-
amats
[noun]
(position)
-
vidusskola
[noun]
(secondary school)
-
prasīt
[verb]
(to request)
The Latvian verb “prasīt” is similar to the Lithuanian verb “prašýti”.
-
nekad
[adverb]
(never)
-
četri
[numeral]
(four)
-
mācīties
[verb]
(to learn)
-
ārsts
[noun]
(doctor)
-
pulksten
[adverb]
-
nacionāls
[adjective]
(national)
-
mans
[pronoun]
(mine)
-
ikdiena
[noun]
-
students
[noun]
-
it
[particle]
-
jeb
[conjunction]
(or)
-
novembris
[noun]
(November)
-
vēlēšanas
[noun]
(election)
-
maijs
[noun]
(May)
-
mainīt
[verb]
(to change)
-
likties
[verb]
(to seem)
-
lūgt
[verb]
(to ask)
-
pieci
[numeral]
(five)
-
politika
[noun]
(politics)
-
ātri
[adverb]
(quickly)
-
brīvs
[adjective]
(free)
The Latvian words “brīvs” and “bezmaksas” both translate to the English word “free,” but they don’t carry the same meaning. The word “brīvs” usually refers to something that is free in terms of availability or absence of restrictions, such as free time or a free road. On the other hand, “bezmaksas” specifically refers to something that is free of charge or cost, such as a free sample or a free concert.
-
kopš
[preposition]
(since)
-
marts
[noun]
(March)
-
viegli
[adverb]
(easy)
-
augusts
[noun]
(August)
-
atstāt
[verb]
(to leave)
-
atvērt
[verb]
(to open)
-
dziesma
[noun]
(song)
-
deja
[noun]
(dance)
-
gandrīz
[adverb]
(almost)
-
krievs
[noun]
(Russian)
Krievs is a common Latvian word because it refers to a person of Russian nationality or ethnicity, and Latvia has a significant Russian-speaking population.
-
interesants
[adjective]
(interesting)
-
autors
[noun]
(author)
-
punkts
[noun]
(period)
-
jā
[particle]
(yes)
-
skaists
[adjective]
(beautiful)
-
nemaz
[adverb]
(not at all)
-
aprīlis
[noun]
(April)
-
atbilde
[noun]
(answer)
-
izmaksa
[noun]
-
apmērs
[noun]
-
acs
[noun]
(eye)
-
teritorija
[noun]
(territory)
-
jūnijs
[noun]
(June)
-
tūkstotis
[noun]
(thousand)
-
tapt
[verb]
-
saukt
[verb]
(to call)
-
uzdevums
[noun]
(task)
-
ierasties
[verb]
(to arrive)
-
vienīgs
[adjective]
(the only one)
-
aizsardzība
[noun]
(protection)
-
Ventspils
[proper noun]
-
aģentūra
[noun]
(agency)
-
tālu
[adverb]
(far)
-
stāsts
[noun]
(story)
-
dzirdēt
[verb]
(to hear)
-
organizēt
[verb]
(to organize)
-
ziema
[noun]
(winter)
Winter in Latvia is a prolonged season characterized by freezing temperatures and extended periods of snowfall that can last for several months. Consequently, the term “ziema” (meaning “winter”) is an essential word in the Latvian language.
-
tuvs
[adjective]
(close)
-
zināšana
[noun]
(knowledge)
-
sajūta
[noun]
(sensation)
-
vadība
[noun]
(leadership)
-
kurss
[noun]
(course)
-
ievērot
[verb]
(to observe)
-
plašs
[adjective]
(wide)
-
kamēr
[conjunction]
(while)
-
pāris
[noun]
(couple)
-
viesis
[noun]
(guest)
-
janvāris
[noun]
(January)
-
ilgi
[adverb]
(long)
-
rīts
[noun]
(morning)
-
abi
[adjective]
(both)
-
slimnīca
[noun]
(hospital)
-
aktivitāte
[noun]
(activity)
-
tirdzniecība
[noun]
(trade)
-
vēlu
[adverb]
(late)
-
pašlaik
[adverb]
(now)
-
sezona
[noun]
(season)
-
mežs
[noun]
(forest)
Mežs is a common Latvian word because forests cover a significant portion of Latvia's landscape. In fact, Latvia is one of the most forested countries in Europe, with over 50% of its land area covered in forests.
-
pilnīgi
[adverb]
(completely)
-
nedaudz
[adverb]
(a little)
-
augt
[verb]
(to grow)
-
parasti
[adverb]
(usually)
-
jūlijs
[noun]
(July)
-
pateikt
[verb]
(to tell)
-
birojs
[noun]
(office)
-
trešais
[adjective]
(third)
-
nekāds
[pronoun]
(none)
-
vēsture
[noun]
(history)
-
ražošana
[noun]
(production)
-
ražotājs
[noun]
(producer)
-
aiziet
[verb]
(to leave)
-
pērn
[adverb]
(last year)
-
līdzi
[adverb]
-
izvēle
[noun]
(option)
-
Lietuva
[proper noun]
(Lithuania)
“Lietuva” is a common Latvian word because it is the Latvian name for the neighboring country of Lithuania. Latvia and Lithuania are geographically and historically close. They share a long border and have similar languages.
-
drīkstēt
[verb]
(may)
-
paldies
[interjection]
(thank you)
-
reģistrēt
[verb]
(to register)
-
līdzīgs
[adjective]
(similar)
-
svarīgi
[adverb]
(important)
-
vidus
[noun]
(middle)
-
izskatīties
[verb]
-
diskusija
[noun]
(discussion)
-
īsti
[adverb]
(really)
-
koks
[noun]
(tree)
“Koks” (meaning “tree”) is a common Latvian word because forests are a defining feature of Latvia’s landscape, covering about half of the country’s total land area.
-
droši
[adjective]
(safely)
-
just
[verb]
(to feel)
-
lietotājs
[noun]
(user)
-
īsts
[adjective]
(real)
-
vēlēt
[verb]
-
zems
[adjective]
(low)
-
politisks
[adjective]
(political)
-
aktīvs
[adjective]
(active)
-
galva
[noun]
(head)
-
pārtika
[noun]
(food)
-
vīrs
[noun]
(man)
-
mīlestība
[noun]
(love)
-
solis
[noun]
(step)
-
vajadzība
[noun]
(need)
-
izteikt
[verb]
(to express)
-
slikts
[adjective]
(bad)
-
februāris
[noun]
(February)
-
tehnoloģija
[noun]
(technology)
-
būtisks
[adjective]
(essential)
-
patiesība
[noun]
(truth)
-
diezgan
[adverb]
-
desmit
[numeral]
(ten)
-
karte
[noun]
(map)
-
prāts
[noun]
(mind)
-
arvien
[adverb]
(always)
-
baznīca
[noun]
(church)
-
balva
[noun]
(award)
-
pirkt
[verb]
(to buy)
-
tīkls
[noun]
(net)
-
stāvoklis
[noun]
(condition)
-
kungs
[noun]
(gentleman)
The word “kungs” is frequently-used in Latvian, and it can translate to “mister” or “sir” in English. It is a common honorific term used to address or refer to a man, particularly in formal or polite situations.
-
piens
[noun]
(milk)
Piens (milk) is a common Latvian word because dairy farming has a long tradition in Latvia, and milk has been a staple food for centuries. Milk production is one of the largest sectors in Latvia’s agriculture.
-
klubs
[noun]
(club)
-
atbildība
[noun]
(responsibility)
-
dāvana
[noun]
(gift)
-
īstenot
[verb]
(to realize)
-
biedrs
[noun]
(companion)
-
kārta
[noun]
(layer)
-
ticēt
[verb]
(to believe)
-
piederēt
[verb]
-
visai
[adverb]
-
lietošana
[noun]
(use)
-
Igaunija
[proper noun]
-
pārdot
[verb]
(to sell)
-
robeža
[noun]
(border)
-
zemnieks
[noun]
(peasant)
Zemnieks is a common Latvian word that refers to a farmer. It is a significant word in Latvian history and culture, as agriculture has played an essential role in the country's economy and identity for centuries.
-
pārāk
[adverb]
(too)
-
apdrošināšana
[noun]
(insurance)
-
rādīt
[verb]
(to show)
-
laikam
[adverb]
(probably)
-
ieteikt
[verb]
(to advise)
-
loma
[noun]
(role)
-
pazīt
[verb]
(to know)
-
laikraksts
[noun]
(newspaper)
-
saimnieks
[noun]
-
mamma
[noun]
(mother)
-
ekonomisks
[adjective]
(economical)
-
Ziemassvētki
[proper noun]
(Christmas)
“Ziemassvētki” is a useful Latvian word because it is the Latvian name for the Christmas holiday season, which is widely celebrated in Latvia. The word itself is a combination of “ziema” (winter) and “svētki” (holiday, celebration).
-
sods
[noun]
(punishment)
-
direktors
[noun]
(director)
-
saraksts
[noun]
(list)
-
Talsi
[proper noun]
-
tātad
[particle]
-
ilgs
[adjective]
(long)
-
lielisks
[adjective]
(excellent)
-
pareizi
[adverb]
(right)
-
ik
[adverb]
(every)
-
pacients
[noun]
(patient)
-
rudens
[noun]
(autumn)
-
nekustēt
[verb]
-
zaudēt
[verb]
(to lose)
-
nopietns
[adjective]
(serious)
-
Vācija
[proper noun]
-
nozīme
[noun]
(meaning)
-
telefons
[noun]
(telephone)
-
slimība
[noun]
(disease)
-
konstatēt
[verb]
(to establish)
The Latvian verb “konstatēt” has its roots in the French language, as it is a loanword from the French verb “constater”. (a loanword is a word that is adopted from another language and integrated into the borrowing language).
-
jūra
[noun]
(sea)
The Latvian word “jūra” is frequently used due to Latvia’s geographical location on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. This sea has significant historical and economic importance for Latvia. As a trade route, the Baltic Sea has connected Latvia with other countries for centuries. In addition, Latvia’s coastline and beaches attract many tourists, especially during summer.
-
atpakaļ
[adverb]
(back)
-
klāt
[verb]
-
runa
[noun]
(speech)
-
maksājums
[noun]
(payment)
-
zaļš
[adjective]
(green)
-
solīt
[verb]
(to bid)
-
smags
[adjective]
(heavy)
-
tēvs
[noun]
(father)
-
durvis
[noun]
(door, entrance)
-
vērot
[verb]
(to observe)
-
dārzs
[noun]
(garden)
-
dzīvnieks
[noun]
(animal)
The Latvian word “dzīvnieks” is formed by combining the root “dzīv-” from the verb “dzīvot” meaning “to live” and the suffix “-nieks”, which creates a noun related to the root word. When combined, these parts create the noun “dzīvnieks”, which refers to an “animal”. Essentially, the term “dzīvnieks” can be understood as “a living thing” or “a being that lives”.
-
aiz
[preposition]
(behind)
-
krīze
[noun]
(crisis)
-
Ukraina
[proper noun]
-
ēdiens
[noun]
(dish)
-
mašīna
[noun]
(car)
-
loceklis
[noun]
(member)
-
ātrs
[adjective]
(fast)
-
vara
[noun]
(power)
-
zinātne
[noun]
(science)
-
mobils
[adjective]
(mobile)
-
pilnība
[noun]
(completeness)
-
ēst
[verb]
(to eat)
-
bilde
[noun]
(picture)
-
fakts
[noun]
(fact)
-
audzēknis
[noun]
(student)
-
vienkāršs
[adjective]
(simple)
-
vienīgi
[adjective]
(only)
-
tava
[pronoun]
-
ietekme
[noun]
(influence)
-
pavasaris
[noun]
(spring)
“Pavasaris” is an essential Latvian word because it refers to the season of spring, which is a pleasant time of year in Latvia. After the long, dark, and cold winter, the arrival of spring brings warmer weather, longer days, and the renewal of life in nature.
-
dators
[noun]
(computer)
-
brauciens
[noun]
(trip)
-
gāze
[noun]
(gas)
-
aizmirst
[verb]
-
parks
[noun]
(park)
-
mazliet
[adverb]
-
dizains
[noun]
(design)
-
gatavot
[verb]
(to cook)
-
sakars
[noun]
(relation)
-
gaita
[noun]
(course)
-
tavs
[pronoun]
(your)
-
turpmāk
[adverb]
-
tradīcija
[noun]
(tradition)
-
gods
[noun]
(honor)
-
parāds
[noun]
(debt)
-
risks
[noun]
(risk)
-
cīņa
[noun]
(fight)
-
enerģija
[noun]
(energy)
-
alkohols
[noun]
(alcohol)
-
garš
[adjective]
(long)
-
zīme
[noun]
(sign)
-
prast
[verb]
-
ārzemes
[noun]
(foreign countries)
-
nē
[particle]
(no)
-
fizisks
[adjective]
(physical)
-
sēdēt
[verb]
(to sit)
-
bibliotēka
[noun]
(library)
-
mērs
[noun]
(measure)
-
būtiski
[adverb]
(significantly)
-
kāja
[noun]
(leg)
-
priekša
[noun]
-
ļaudis
[noun]
(people)
-
video
[noun]
(video)
-
agrāk
[adverb]
(earlier)
-
vienlaikus
[adverb]
(at the same time)
-
galds
[noun]
(table)
-
aktīvi
[adverb]
(active)
-
patlaban
[adverb]
(currently)
-
būtība
[noun]
(essence)
-
atmiņa
[noun]
(memory)
-
spēja
[noun]
(ability)
-
pircējs
[noun]
(buyer)
-
gaiss
[noun]
(air)
-
aprūpe
[noun]
(care)
-
brīvība
[noun]
(freedom)
-
produkcija
[noun]
(production)
-
sen
[adverb]
(long ago)
-
sieva
[noun]
(wife)
-
dabūt
[verb]
(to get)
-
miers
[noun]
(peace)
-
gluži
[adverb]
(quite)
-
atkarīgs
[adjective]
-
caur
[preposition]
(through)
-
skatīt
[verb]
(to see)
-
tehnika
[noun]
(technique)
-
variants
[noun]
(option)
-
lauksaimniecība
[noun]
(agriculture)
-
iekārta
[noun]
(equipment)
-
fotogrāfija
[noun]
(photography)
-
zem
[preposition]
(under)
-
stāvēt
[verb]
(to stand)
-
vēstule
[noun]
(letter)
-
interesanti
[adverb]
(interesting)
-
koris
[noun]
(choir)
-
mīlēt
[verb]
(to love)
-
gaisma
[noun]
(light)
-
reāls
[adjective]
(real)
-
sniegs
[noun]
(snow)
The Latvian word “sniegs” is commonly used due to the significant presence of snow in Latvia’s climate and landscape. Located in northern Europe, Latvia experiences prolonged, cold winters, characterized by frequent snowfall.
-
aizliegt
[verb]
(to prohibit)
-
puisis
[noun]
(boy)
-
reiz
[adverb]
(once)
-
politiķis
[noun]
(politician)
-
viesnīca
[noun]
(hotel)
-
pants
[noun]
(article)
-
tālrunis
[noun]
(phone)
-
skolotāja
[noun]
(teacher)
-
balts
[adjective]
(white)
-
patiešām
[adverb]
(really)
-
septiņi
[numeral]
(seven)
-
dziedāt
[verb]
(to sing)
-
dārgs
[adjective]
(expensive)
-
realizēt
[verb]
(to realize)
-
dzīvība
[noun]
(life)
-
seši
[numeral]
(six)
-
spriest
[verb]
(to judge)
-
lēts
[adjective]
(cheap)
-
skats
[noun]
(sight)
-
autobuss
[noun]
(bus)
-
dolārs
[noun]
(dollar)
-
pārstāvēt
[verb]
(to represent)
-
milzīgs
[adjective]
(huge)
-
māte
[noun]
(mother)
-
vēstīt
[verb]
-
kaimiņš
[noun]
(neighbour)
-
pāri
[adverb]
(over)
-
iziet
[verb]
(to exit)
-
nepieciešamība
[noun]
(necessity)
-
atpūta
[noun]
(rest)
-
tāls
[adjective]
(distant)
-
zelts
[noun]
(gold)
-
ražot
[verb]
(to produce)
-
minūte
[noun]
(minute)
-
Māris
[proper noun]
-
virziens
[noun]
(direction)
-
osta
[noun]
(port)
-
dēls
[noun]
(son)
-
universitāte
[noun]
(university)
-
cīnīties
[verb]
(to fight)
-
manta
[noun]
(property)
-
krāsa
[noun]
(color)
-
uzdot
[verb]
-
rinda
[noun]
(row)
-
Andris
[proper noun]
-
abas
[pronoun]
-
karš
[noun]
(war)
-
televīzija
[noun]
(television)
-
cerība
[noun]
(hope)
-
ārā
[adverb]
(outside)
-
direktore
[noun]
(director)
-
centrāls
[adjective]
(central)
-
nometne
[noun]
(camp)
-
siltums
[noun]
(heat)
-
pareizs
[adjective]
(correct)
-
jautāt
[verb]
-
vienot
[verb]
(to unite)
-
vesels
[adjective]
(healthy)
-
proti
[verb]
(namely)
-
īstenošana
[noun]
(implementation)
-
valdīt
[verb]
(to rule)
-
pašreizējs
[adjective]
(current)
-
rādītājs
[noun]
(indicator)
-
īss
[adjective]
(short)
-
garums
[noun]
(length)
-
norma
[noun]
(norm)
-
kļūda
[noun]
(error)
-
tuvu
[adverb]
(close)
-
turēt
[verb]
(to hold)
-
patiess
[adjective]
(true)
-
zivs
[noun]
(fish)
Zivs is a common Latvian word because fishing has been an important economic and cultural activity in Latvia for many centuries. The country is situated along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea and has a vast network of rivers and lakes, providing ample opportunities for fishing.
-
stiprs
[adjective]
(strong)
-
viegls
[adjective]
(light)
-
sens
[adjective]
(ancient)
-
dzimt
[verb]
(to be born)
-
alus
[noun]
(beer)
-
vakar
[adverb]
(yesterday)
-
tiešs
[adjective]
(direct)
-
logs
[noun]
(window)
-
sapnis
[noun]
(dream)
-
kādreiz
[adverb]
(once)
-
bagāts
[adjective]
(rich)
-
Dievs
[proper noun]
-
kampaņa
[noun]
(campaign)
-
apģērbs
[noun]
(clothing)
-
akts
[noun]
(act)
-
Valmiera
[proper noun]
-
balss
[noun]
(voice)
-
pils
[noun]
(castle)
“Pils” meaning “castle,” is a frequently-used Latvian word because Latvia has a rich history of castle-building. Some of the most famous castles in Latvia include Riga Castle, which is the official residence of the Latvian president, and Cesis Castle, which is a well-preserved medieval fortress that has become a popular tourist destination.
-
celt
[verb]
(to raise)
-
izpratne
[noun]
-
vest
[verb]
(carry)
-
meita
[noun]
(daughter)
-
mats
[noun]
(hair)
-
nest
[verb]
(to carry)
-
profesija
[noun]
(profession)
-
baidīties
[verb]
(to be afraid)
-
sportists
[noun]
(athlete)
-
dzeja
[noun]
(poetry)
-
jaunums
[noun]
(novelty)
-
beigt
[verb]
(to finish)
-
izmantošana
[noun]
-
emocijas
[noun]
-
trūkt
[verb]
-
mala
[noun]
(edge)
-
nāve
[noun]
(death)
-
Mārtiņš
[proper noun]
-
saule
[noun]
(sun)
-
astoņi
[numeral]
(eight)
-
spēcīgs
[adjective]
(strong)
-
statuss
[noun]
(status)
-
tilts
[noun]
(bridge)
-
laime
[noun]
(happiness)
-
seja
[noun]
(face)
-
strauji
[adverb]
(rapidly)
-
mācīt
[verb]
(to teach)
-
drīz
[adverb]
(soon)
-
baudīt
[verb]
(to enjoy)
-
daudzums
[noun]
(amount)
-
pildīt
[verb]
(to fill)
-
pasts
[noun]
(mail)
-
auglis
[noun]
(fruit)
-
ciems
[noun]
(village)
-
kustība
[noun]
(movement)
-
apvienot
[verb]
(to combine)
-
liepājnieks
[noun]
-
parlaments
[noun]
(parliament)
-
vējš
[noun]
(wind)
-
gaļa
[noun]
(meat)
-
medicīna
[noun]
(medicine)
-
mirt
[verb]
(to die)
-
āda
[noun]
(skin)
-
mīļš
[adjective]
(dear)
-
vaina
[noun]
(fault)
-
krava
[noun]
(cargo)
-
jaunatne
[noun]
(youth)
-
silts
[adjective]
(warm)
-
instruments
[noun]
(instrument)
-
zieds
[noun]
(flower)
-
laimīgs
[adjective]
(happy)
The Latvian word “laimīgs” and the Lithuanian word “laimingas” have the same origin and meaning. See here for a comparison of Latvian and Lithuanian.
-
Ķīna
[proper noun]
-
tūrists
[noun]
(tourist)
-
ticami
[adverb]
-
līderis
[noun]
(leader)
-
balsot
[verb]
(to vote)
-
priekšnieks
[noun]
(boss)
-
slikti
[adverb]
(bad)
-
tikko
[adverb]
-
traucēt
[verb]
(to disrupt)
-
jēga
[noun]
(meaning)
-
uzvara
[noun]
(victory)
-
režīms
[noun]
(regime)
-
dzert
[verb]
(to drink)
-
skart
[verb]
(to touch)
-
draudzīgs
[adjective]
(friendly)
-
izskatīt
[verb]
(to consider)
-
turpmāks
[adjective]
(further)
-
pelnīt
[verb]
(to earn)
-
kalns
[noun]
(hill)
-
pilsonis
[noun]
(citizen)
-
nelaime
[noun]
(misfortune)
-
kādēļ
[adverb]
(why)
-
funkcija
[noun]
(function)
-
skaidri
[adverb]
(clearly)
-
bāze
[noun]
(base)
-
ērti
[adverb]
(conveniently)
-
Ieva
[proper noun]
-
akadēmija
[noun]
(academy)
-
ātrums
[noun]
(speed)
-
metode
[noun]
(method)
-
maize
[noun]
(bread)
Both English and Latvian have the word “maize,” but these have different meanings and origins. In English, “maize” refers specifically to corn and comes from the Spanish word “maíz”. In Latvian, “maize” means bread and is a general term that can refer to any type of bread made from different grains, including rye, wheat, and barley. The Latvian word for corn, “kukurūza”, is unrelated to “maize”.
-
atlaide
[noun]
(discount)
-
karsts
[adjective]
(hot)
-
labklājība
[noun]
(welfare)
-
pozīcija
[noun]
(position)
-
iekšējs
[adjective]
(internal)
-
garīgs
[adjective]
(mental)
-
uzvarēt
[verb]
-
kāzas
[noun]
(wedding)
-
vērtīgs
[adjective]
(valuable)
-
bīstams
[adjective]
(dangerous)
-
klausīties
[verb]
-
rast
[verb]
(to find)
-
republika
[noun]
(republic)
-
virtuve
[noun]
(kitchen)
The Latvian word “virtuve” and the Lithuanian word “virtùvė” are cognates.
-
svētdiena
[noun]
(sunday)
-
nozagt
[verb]
(to steal)
-
papīrs
[noun]
(paper)
-
datums
[noun]
(date)
-
normāls
[adjective]
(normal)
-
zēns
[noun]
(boy)
-
nopietni
[adverb]
(seriously)
-
skanēt
[verb]
(to sound)
-
nākamgad
[adverb]
(next year)
-
Zviedrija
[proper noun]
-
siena
[noun]
(wall)
-
mūziķis
[noun]
(musician)
-
parasts
[adjective]
(ordinary)
-
pēkšņi
[adverb]
(suddenly)
-
Jūrmala
[proper noun]
-
simts
[numeral]
(hundred)
-
dzīvs
[adjective]
(alive)
-
istaba
[noun]
(room)
-
gabals
[noun]
(piece)
-
putns
[noun]
(bird)
-
cauri
[adverb]
(through)
-
gadsimts
[noun]
(century)
-
avīze
[noun]
(newspaper)
This Latvian vocabulary word comes from the French word “avis”.
-
dzimšana
[noun]
(birth)
-
dvēsele
[noun]
(soul)
-
labums
[noun]
(benefit)
-
viela
[noun]
(substance)
-
kaķis
[noun]
-
priekšā
[adverb]
(in front of)
-
ledus
[noun]
(ice)
-
avots
[noun]
(source)
-
prom
[adverb]
(away)
-
patiesi
[adverb]
(truly)
-
Juris
[proper noun]
-
dzēriens
[noun]
(drink)
-
upe
[noun]
(river)
"Upe" is a Latvian word that means "river". Rivers are an essential part of Latvia's natural environment and geography, with many major rivers flowing through the country, including the Daugava, Gauja, and Lielupe rivers.
-
moderns
[adjective]
(modern)
-
vainīgs
[adjective]
(guilty)
-
izcils
[adjective]
(excellent)
-
raksturs
[noun]
(character)
-
glābšana
[noun]
(saving)
-
saņemšana
[noun]
(receiving)
-
stacija
[noun]
(station)
-
gudrs
[adjective]
(intelligent)
-
likumprojekts
[noun]
(bill)
-
Vidzeme
[noun]
(vidzeme)
-
gulēt
[verb]
(to sleep)
-
ezers
[noun]
(lake)
-
skriet
[verb]
(to run)
-
lūk
[interjection]
(here)
-
būve
[noun]
(building)
-
augs
[noun]
(plant)
-
vienība
[noun]
(unit)
-
uztvert
[verb]
(to perceive)
-
statistika
[noun]
(statistics)
-
ieteikums
[noun]
(recommendation)
-
svešs
[adjective]
(foreign)
-
medicīnisks
[adjective]
(medical)
-
jauks
[adjective]
(nice)
-
brālis
[noun]
(brother)
-
kuģis
[noun]
(ship)
"Kuģis" is a Latvian word that means "ship". Its frequent use reflects the importance of water transportation in Latvia, which has a long coastline along the Baltic Sea and several large rivers.
-
māsa
[noun]
(sister)
-
ērts
[adjective]
(convenient)
-
ugunsgrēks
[noun]
(fire)
The word "ugunsgrēks" is derived from the words "uguns", which means "fire", and "grēks", which means "fault" or "sin". It reflects the fact that fires are often caused by human error or negligence, and can be prevented through proper safety measures and responsible behavior. This word is used to describe any fire that causes significant property damage or poses a threat to human life.
-
sūdzība
[noun]
(complaint)
-
gars
[noun]
(spirit)
-
cietums
[noun]
(prison)
-
taisīt
[verb]
(to make)
-
šonedēļ
[adverb]
(this week)
-
velosipēds
[noun]
(bicycle)
The Latvian word "velosipēds" is derived from the French word "vélocipède", which was the term used to describe early bicycles in the early 19th century. Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation in Latvia, particularly in urban areas where they are often used for commuting, exercise, and leisure activities.
-
versija
[noun]
(version)
-
rīt
[adverb]
(tomorrow)
-
virs
[preposition]
(above)
-
braukšana
[noun]
-
Ilze
[proper noun]
-
Rēzekne
[proper noun]
-
ķermenis
[noun]
(body)
-
pilnīgs
[adjective]
(complete)
-
slēpt
[verb]
(to hide)
-
apspriest
[verb]
(to discuss)
-
vietnieks
[noun]
(assistant)
-
vēsturisks
[adjective]
(historical)
-
raksturot
[verb]
(to characterize)
-
pagalms
[noun]
(yard)
-
režisors
[noun]
(director)
-
jumts
[noun]
(roof)
-
gājējs
[noun]
(pedestrian)
-
paskatīties
[verb]
-
adrese
[noun]
(address)
-
tukšs
[adjective]
(empty)
-
iekšā
[adverb]
(inside)
-
vilciens
[noun]
(train)
"Vilciens" is a Latvian word that means "train". It is derived from the verb "vilkt", which means "to pull" or "to haul". This etymology reflects the fact that trains are powered by locomotives that pull a series of connected railcars along tracks.
-
piektdiena
[noun]
(friday)
-
laiva
[noun]
(boat)
-
kundze
[noun]
(lady)
-
tīrs
[adjective]
(clean)
-
anglis
[noun]
(an Englishman)
-
laist
[verb]
(to let)
-
melns
[adjective]
(black)
-
veselīgs
[adjective]
(healthy)
-
Edgars
[proper noun]
-
zvans
[noun]
(bell)
-
diez
[particle]
-
atkarība
[noun]
-
vienalga
[adverb]
(no matter)
-
nekur
[verb]
(nowhere)
-
rūpīgi
[adverb]
(carefully)
-
stikls
[noun]
(glass)
-
svaigs
[adjective]
(fresh)
-
izslēgt
[verb]
-
precīzi
[adverb]
(precisely)
-
spriedums
[noun]
(judgment)
-
vilkt
[verb]
(to pull)
-
izaicinājums
[noun]
(challenge)
-
pludmale
[noun]
(beach)
-
piemineklis
[noun]
(monument)
"Piemineklis" is a Latvian word that means "monument" or "memorial". It is derived from the verb "pieminēt", which means "to remember". One of the most famous monuments in Latvia is the Freedom Monument in Riga, which commemorates Latvia's independence.
-
akmens
[noun]
(rock)
-
iedot
[verb]
(to give)
-
sastāvs
[noun]
(composition)
-
iekļūt
[verb]
-
Francija
[proper noun]
-
faktiski
[adverb]
(actually)
-
lielākoties
[adverb]
(mostly)
-
reģistrācija
[noun]
(registration)
-
valūta
[noun]
(currency)
-
studija
[noun]
(studio)
-
pār
[preposition]
-
taisnība
[noun]
-
galvaspilsēta
[noun]
(capital city)
The Latvian word "galvaspilsēta" is derived from the words "galva", which means "head", and "pilsēta", which means "city". This etymology reflects the fact that the capital city is often considered to be the "head" or "brain" of a country, serving as the center of decision-making and governance. In the case of Latvia, the capital city is Riga.
-
arhīvs
[noun]
(archive)
-
debess
[noun]
(sky)
-
apmaiņa
[noun]
(exchange)
-
Cēsis
[proper noun]
-
loks
[noun]
(circle)
-
svars
[noun]
(weight)
-
tirgotājs
[noun]
(merchant)
-
cukurs
[noun]
(sugar)
-
attēls
[noun]
(image)
-
vaļā
[adverb]
(open)
-
sekss
[noun]
(sex)
-
svēts
[adjective]
(holy)
-
zirgs
[noun]
(horse)
-
noziegums
[noun]
(crime)
-
piedzīvojums
[noun]
(adventure)
-
pāreja
[noun]
(transition)
-
kafejnīca
[noun]
(coffee bar)
-
sestdiena
[noun]
(saturday)
-
bailes
[noun]
(fear)
-
lidosta
[noun]
(airport)
-
vēlreiz
[adverb]
(again)
-
operācija
[noun]
(operation)
-
kafija
[noun]
(coffee)
-
varonis
[noun]
(hero)
-
lieliski
[adverb]
(great)
-
Uldis
[proper noun]
-
asins
[noun]
-
slavens
[adjective]
(famous)
-
brīvprātīgs
[adjective]
(voluntary)
-
spējīgs
[adjective]
(able)
-
kartupelis
[noun]
(potato)
-
recepte
[noun]
(recipe)
-
straujš
[adjective]
(fast)
-
māksliniece
[noun]
-
noslēpums
[noun]
(secret)
-
Ivars
[proper noun]
-
sīks
[adjective]
(tiny)
-
aizstāvēt
[verb]
(to defend)
-
dziļš
[adjective]
(deep)
-
drošs
[adjective]
(safe)
-
meklēšana
[noun]
(searching)
-
zinātnisks
[adjective]
(scientific)
-
diskutēt
[verb]
(to discuss)
-
kritērijs
[noun]
(criterion)
-
vēlētājs
[noun]
(voter)
-
auksts
[adjective]
(cold)
Auksts is a frequently-used Latvian word because cold weather is a significant part of Latvia's climate. Located in northern Europe, Latvia experiences long, cold winters with temperatures often dropping well below freezing.
-
Lielbritānija
[proper noun]
-
studēt
[verb]
-
ziedot
[verb]
(to donate)
-
deviņi
[numeral]
(nine)
-
arodbiedrība
[noun]
(trade union)
-
grēks
[noun]
(sin)
-
zvaigzne
[noun]
(star)
-
tūlīt
[adverb]
(immediately)
-
garām
[adverb]
(past)
-
ieeja
[noun]
(entrance)
-
diennakts
[noun]
(day)
-
neatkarīgs
[adjective]
(independent)
-
rūpniecība
[noun]
(industry)
-
reti
[adverb]
(rarely)
-
talants
[noun]
(talent)
-
upuris
[noun]
(victim)
-
ideāls
[adjective]
(perfect)
-
grūts
[adjective]
(difficult)
-
sarkans
[adjective]
(red)
-
divdesmit
[numeral]
(twenty)