Signification
Asking for someone's age
Contexte culturel
Age is a private matter, but asking is common in formal introductions. Similar etiquette applies in Lithuania and Estonia. Directness is valued, but politeness markers like 'jums' are essential. The structure is very similar to Russian, reflecting shared regional history.
The 'Jums' Rule
When in doubt, use 'jums'. It is always better to be too formal than too informal in Latvia.
Avoid 'gadi'
Never say 'Cik jums ir gadi?'. It is a common mistake that sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Signification
Asking for someone's age
The 'Jums' Rule
When in doubt, use 'jums'. It is always better to be too formal than too informal in Latvia.
Avoid 'gadi'
Never say 'Cik jums ir gadi?'. It is a common mistake that sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Age Sensitivity
While common, some people prefer not to disclose their age. Always add 'ja drīkst jautāt' (if I may ask) to be extra polite.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the word 'gads' (year).
Cik jums ir ______?
After 'cik', the noun must be in the genitive plural.
Choose the most polite way to ask for age.
Which sentence is more formal?
'Jums' is the formal pronoun.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Labdien! B: Labdien! A: ________? B: Man ir 30 gadu.
The answer refers to age, so the question must be about age.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
You are at a job interview.
Job interviews require formal language.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesCik jums ir ______?
After 'cik', the noun must be in the genitive plural.
Which sentence is more formal?
'Jums' is the formal pronoun.
A: Labdien! B: Labdien! A: ________? B: Man ir 30 gadu.
The answer refers to age, so the question must be about age.
You are at a job interview.
Job interviews require formal language.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNot if you use the formal 'jums' and a polite tone.
Because 'cik' requires the genitive plural case.
Yes, but 'tev' is better.
They will tell you. If they don't, they might say 'Tas ir noslēpums' (It's a secret).
No, the phrase is the same for everyone.
Man ir [number] gadu.
Yes, but keep it formal if the context is formal.
Yes, it is standard Latvian.
It doesn't change the phrase.
It is just a different way to ask. Both are fine.
It is the plural/polite form of 'you'.
Yes, but be polite.
Expressions liées
Cik vecs tu esi?
similarHow old are you?
Kāds ir tavs vecums?
specialized formWhat is your age?
Man ir... gadi.
builds onI am... years old.
Daudz laimes dzimšanas dienā!
builds onHappy birthday!
