Order anything by pointing in Latvian
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. Play the ten Latvian words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 11 Latvian phrases in this lesson
- Es vēlētos...es VEH-leh-tos
- I would like...
- Šo, lūdzushaw LOOD-zoo
- This one
- Cik tas maksā?tsik tas MAK-sah
- How much is it?
- Rēķinu, lūdzuREHK-ee-noo LOOD-zoo
- The bill, please
- Ar kartiar KAR-tee
- By card
- Skaidrā naudāSKAID-rah NOW-dah
- In cash
- ŪdensOO-dens
- Water
- KafijaKA-fee-ya
- Coffee
- TējaTEH-ya
- Tea
- AlusA-loos
- Beer
- Bez...bez
- Without...
Literally "I would wish".
Point at the item while saying this. Šo is the accusative form used when you want something.
Cik means "how much/many." This is the most practical question for any transaction.
Rēķins means invoice or bill. Say this to a waiter when you are ready to pay.
Card payments are widely accepted in Latvia. Contactless is common in cities.
Skaidrā means "clear" or "cash." Nauda means "money." Small shops may prefer cash.
The long ū is held clearly. Tap water in Latvia is safe to drink in most areas.
Latvia has a strong beer tradition and good small breweries.
"Bez cukura", without sugar.