Significado
Closing something like a door or box.
Contexto cultural
Latvians are very sensitive to 'caurvējš' (drafts). Closing windows is often a point of social negotiation in public transport. In Latvia, 'taisīt ciet' for a shop means service stops immediately. There is no 'soft' closing time. Closing the 'vārti' (gates) is a sign of security and being 'at home'. An open gate often signifies someone is welcome or expected. Despite having formal words, Latvians use 'taisīt ciet' for browser tabs and apps, reflecting a practical, physical mental model of technology.
The 'Draft' Rule
If you see a Latvian looking uncomfortable near a window, just say 'Es taisīšu ciet'—you will immediately make a friend.
The Mouth Trap
Never say 'Taisi muti ciet' unless you are looking for a fight. It is very aggressive.
Significado
Closing something like a door or box.
The 'Draft' Rule
If you see a Latvian looking uncomfortable near a window, just say 'Es taisīšu ciet'—you will immediately make a friend.
The Mouth Trap
Never say 'Taisi muti ciet' unless you are looking for a fight. It is very aggressive.
The 'Aiz-' Shortcut
If you forget 'ciet', just use 'aiztaisīt'. It means the same thing and is one word less to remember!
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of 'taisīt' in the present tense.
Mēs ______ ciet logu, jo ir auksti.
The subject is 'Mēs' (We), so the verb ending must be '-ām'.
Which object can you 'taisīt ciet'?
Izvēlies pareizo objektu:
You close a bag (soma). You turn off light (gaisma), sign a contract (līgums), and turn off water (ūdens).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ārā līst lietus! B: Ak vai! Es tūlīt ______ ______ logu.
The speaker is saying they will do it 'right now' (future intent), so 'taisīšu' is best.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are leaving a shop at 10 PM.
This is the standard way to announce a shop is closing.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
What can you 'taisīt ciet'?
Home
- • Logs (Window)
- • Durvis (Door)
- • Skapis (Cupboard)
Personal
- • Soma (Bag)
- • Jaka (Jacket)
- • Grāmata (Book)
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosMēs ______ ciet logu, jo ir auksti.
The subject is 'Mēs' (We), so the verb ending must be '-ām'.
Izvēlies pareizo objektu:
You close a bag (soma). You turn off light (gaisma), sign a contract (līgums), and turn off water (ūdens).
A: Ārā līst lietus! B: Ak vai! Es tūlīt ______ ______ logu.
The speaker is saying they will do it 'right now' (future intent), so 'taisīšu' is best.
Situation: You are leaving a shop at 10 PM.
This is the standard way to announce a shop is closing.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt's better to use 'aizvērt acis'. 'Taisīt ciet acis' is understandable but sounds a bit mechanical.
'Taisīt ciet' is everyday and spoken; 'aizvērt' is more formal and written.
It is always 'ciet'. 'Cieti' is the plural form of the adjective 'hard' and is not used here.
You say 'Veikals ir ciet'. You use the state 'ir ciet' rather than the verb.
Yes, 'taisi ciet grāmatu' is very common.
No, if you are closing a shop or if there is a draft, it's a normal command.
It is a 3rd conjugation verb, which means it's very regular.
Yes, it works for zippers, buttons, and velcro.
Yes, 'ciets' is hard. 'Ciet' is the adverbial form used in this phrase.
No, use 'slēgt kontu'.
Frases relacionadas
aiztaisīt
synonymTo close (more emphatic)
aizvērt
synonymTo shut/close
aizslēgt
specialized formTo lock
vērt ciet
similarTo be in the process of closing
taisīt vaļā
contrastTo open
