Signification
A tasty evening meal.
Contexte culturel
Latvians often say 'Labu apetīti!' (Bon appetit!) before starting, and the guest should respond with 'Paldies, tev arī!' or later compliment the meal with 'Garšīgas vakariņas'. In Latvian communities abroad (USA, Canada, UK), 'vakariņas' remains a central event for maintaining language and culture through traditional foods like 'pīrāgi'. In Riga, 'vīna vakariņas' (wine dinners) are a popular trend where 'garšīgas vakariņas' are paired with specific local or imported wines. Dinner in the countryside is often earlier in the winter and later in the summer, following the natural light and farm work schedule.
The 'Paldies' Rule
Always say 'Paldies par garšīgajām vakariņām' when leaving the table at a host's house. It's the most important social phrase in Latvian dining.
Plural Only!
Never say 'vakariņa'. It marks you immediately as a beginner who hasn't learned the plural-only rule.
Signification
A tasty evening meal.
The 'Paldies' Rule
Always say 'Paldies par garšīgajām vakariņām' when leaving the table at a host's house. It's the most important social phrase in Latvian dining.
Plural Only!
Never say 'vakariņa'. It marks you immediately as a beginner who hasn't learned the plural-only rule.
Compliment the Cook
Latvians are proud of their cooking. Even a simple 'Garšīgi!' during the meal goes a long way.
Definite Endings
Use 'garšīgajām' (definite) when referring to a specific meal you just ate, and 'garšīgas' (indefinite) for dinner in general.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing adjective in the correct form.
Paldies par _________ vakariņām!
After 'par', we use the dative case for plural nouns, so 'garšīgām' is correct.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct Latvian sentence:
'Vakariņas' is feminine plural, so it needs 'Šīs' and 'garšīgas'.
Match the phrase to the time of day.
When should you say 'Garšīgas vakariņas'?
'Vakariņas' is specifically for the evening meal.
Complete the dialogue.
Waiter: 'Vai jums garšo ēdiens?' Customer: 'Jā, tās ir _________.'
The customer is confirming the dinner is tasty.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Adjective Agreement
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPaldies par _________ vakariņām!
After 'par', we use the dative case for plural nouns, so 'garšīgām' is correct.
Select the correct Latvian sentence:
'Vakariņas' is feminine plural, so it needs 'Šīs' and 'garšīgas'.
When should you say 'Garšīgas vakariņas'?
'Vakariņas' is specifically for the evening meal.
Waiter: 'Vai jums garšo ēdiens?' Customer: 'Jā, tās ir _________.'
The customer is confirming the dinner is tasty.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is a plurale tantum. Even if you eat one pea, it's still 'vakariņas'.
Usually no. A snack is 'uzkoda'. 'Vakariņas' implies a full meal.
'Garšīgs' is everyday and common. 'Gards' is slightly more elegant or poetic.
Es gribu garšīgas vakariņas.
It is neutral. You can use it in any situation.
No, because 'vakariņas' is always feminine, the adjective is always feminine plural.
You can say 'Bija labi' (It was good) or 'Normālas vakariņas' (Normal dinner).
No, for lunch use 'Garšīgas pusdienas'.
It is the letter 'š' with a caron (haček).
Extremely common. It's one of the top phrases used in daily life.
It is already plural! There is no singular.
Add 'ļoti' before: 'Ļoti garšīgas vakariņas'.
Expressions liées
Garda maltīte
synonymA delicious meal
Sātīgas vakariņas
similarA filling/hearty dinner
Viegla uzkoda
contrastA light snack
Pusdienas
similarLunch
Brokastis
similarBreakfast
Vakariņot
builds onTo have dinner
