In this lesson, you will learn how to introduce yourself in Latvian, ask someone's name politely or informally, and respond when you meet someone. You will practice with the phrases and dialogue provided, and listen to the recording to match the speaker's rhythm and sounds.
Objectives
- Say who you are using 'Es esmu …' and give your name using 'Mani sauc …'.
- Ask someone's name politely with 'Kā jūs sauc?' or informally with 'Kā tevi sauc?'.
- Respond when you meet someone using 'Prieks iepazīties!' and follow the dialogue.
Phrases
I am Ana.
Use 'Es esmu …' to state who you are.My name is Ana.
Use 'Mani sauc …' to give your name in everyday Latvian.What is your name? (polite or general)
Use 'Kā jūs sauc?' with people you do not know well or in general situations.What is your name? (informal)
Use 'Kā tevi sauc?' with people you know well.Nice to meet you!
A friendly closing line after names have been exchanged.Explanations
Saying who you are
Use 'Es esmu …' to state who you are: 'Es esmu Ana' means 'I am Ana'. Use 'Mani sauc …' to give your name: 'Mani sauc Ana' means 'My name is Ana' in everyday Latvian. Both are common; 'Es esmu' is a direct 'I am' statement, while 'Mani sauc' is the usual way to say your name.
Asking someone's name
'Kā jūs sauc?' is the polite or general way to ask 'What is your name?' 'Kā tevi sauc?' is the informal way to ask the same thing, used with people you know well. 'Prieks iepazīties!' means 'Nice to meet you!' and is a friendly closing line after names have been exchanged.
Listening and repeating
Listen carefully to the recording, repeat each line aloud, and copy the speaker's rhythm and sounds. Focus on matching what you hear rather than on written pronunciation hints.
Dialogue
A: Good day! I am Ana.
B: Good day! My name is Jānis. What is your name?
A: My name is Ana. Nice to meet you!
B: Nice to meet you!
Pronunciation
Listen to the recording, repeat each line aloud, and copy the speaker's rhythm and sounds. Focus on matching what you hear rather than on written pronunciation hints.
Common mistake
Using 'Es esmu' when you mean to give your name, as in 'Es esmu Ana' when you want to say 'My name is Ana'.
Use 'Mani sauc Ana' to give your name. 'Es esmu Ana' means 'I am Ana', which is also correct but is a direct statement of who you are.
Practice
Say aloud in Latvian: 'I am Ana.'
Use the phrase 'Es esmu …' to state who you are.
Show answer
Es esmu Ana.The correct answer is 'Es esmu Ana.' This means 'I am Ana.'
Say aloud in Latvian: 'My name is Ana.'
Use the phrase 'Mani sauc …' to give your name.
Show answer
Mani sauc Ana.The correct answer is 'Mani sauc Ana.' This means 'My name is Ana.'
Say aloud in Latvian: 'Nice to meet you!'
Use the phrase you learned for a friendly closing after names have been exchanged.
Show answer
Prieks iepazīties!The correct answer is 'Prieks iepazīties!' This means 'Nice to meet you!'
You can now introduce yourself in Latvian, ask someone's name politely or informally, and respond when you meet someone. Practice the phrases and dialogue aloud with the recording.
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