Greetings
Sveiki
SVAY-ki
Hello (to a group or generally). 'Labdien' is the formal daytime greeting.
Uz redzēšanos
uz RE-dzeh-sha-nos
Goodbye. 'Atā' is the everyday casual version.
Social
Paldies
PAL-dyess
Thank you. The one word to have ready before you learn anything else.
Lūdzu
LOO-dzu
Please, here you are, and you're welcome — all three.
Atvainojiet
at-VAI-no-yet
Excuse me / sorry. Useful on a crowded tram and at a service counter.
Priekā
PRYEH-kah
Cheers. Said with eye contact, which locals notice if you skip.
Daily life
Personas kods
PER-so-nas kods
Your personal code — the 11-digit identifier behind banking, health, tax and every e-service. Nothing works until you have it.
Deklarēt dzīvesvietu
de-kla-RAYT DZEE-ves-vye-tu
To declare your place of residence — required within a month of moving, and it needs your landlord's consent.
Ģimenes ārsts
GYI-me-nes AHRSTS
Family doctor. You register onto one specific doctor's list; the whole health system runs through them.
E-talons
eh-TA-lons
The Rīgas satiksme travel card for trams, trolleybuses and buses. Buy one rather than paying the driver's fare.
Food
Rupjmaize
RUP-y-mai-ze
Dark rye sourdough. Latvians are serious about it; the sweet-and-sour version is worth seeking out at the Central Market.
Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.