Signification
Describing intelligence.
Contexte culturel
Latvians often use the phrase 'zemnieka gudrība' (peasant wisdom) to describe practical, common-sense intelligence that is highly respected. In folk tales, the 'trešais tēva dēls' (the third son) is always the 'gudrs cilvēks' who wins through wit rather than strength. Latvia has one of the highest rates of university graduates per capita, so being a 'gudrs cilvēks' often implies being well-read. It is considered more polite to call someone 'gudrs' (smart) than 'bagāts' (rich) in Latvia, as intellect is a more admired trait than wealth.
Add 'ļoti'
To sound more natural, add 'ļoti' (very) before 'gudrs'. Latvians love using intensifiers for compliments.
Watch the 'C'
Never pronounce 'cilvēks' with a 'K' sound. It's always a 'TS' sound.
Signification
Describing intelligence.
Add 'ļoti'
To sound more natural, add 'ļoti' (very) before 'gudrs'. Latvians love using intensifiers for compliments.
Watch the 'C'
Never pronounce 'cilvēks' with a 'K' sound. It's always a 'TS' sound.
Gender Agreement
If you're talking about a group of women, use 'gudras sievietes'. If it's a mixed group, use 'gudri cilvēki'.
Modesty
If someone calls you a 'gudrs cilvēks', a polite response is 'Paldies, es cenšos' (Thanks, I try).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'gudrs'.
Mana māsa ir ______ sieviete.
Since 'sieviete' (woman) is feminine, the adjective must be 'gudra'.
Which sentence is the most natural compliment?
How do you say 'He is a very smart person'?
'Gudrs cilvēks' is the standard, natural collocation.
Match the Latvian phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
These are the basic variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vai Juris ir gudrs? B: Jā, viņš ir ļoti ______ ______.
Juris is a male name, so we use the masculine singular form.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Smart vs Wise
Synonyms for Smart
Formal
- • Intelektuāls
- • Zinošs
Informal
- • Attapīgs
- • Gudra galva
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMana māsa ir ______ sieviete.
Since 'sieviete' (woman) is feminine, the adjective must be 'gudra'.
How do you say 'He is a very smart person'?
'Gudrs cilvēks' is the standard, natural collocation.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the basic variations of the phrase.
A: Vai Juris ir gudrs? B: Jā, viņš ir ļoti ______ ______.
Juris is a male name, so we use the masculine singular form.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! You can say 'gudrs suns' (a smart dog) or 'gudra kaķe' (a smart cat).
'Gudrs' is general intelligence/cleverness. 'Vieds' is deep, spiritual, or elderly wisdom.
Grammatically, yes. But it refers to any human, male or female.
You say 'visgudrākais cilvēks'.
Yes, it's very common to call a child a 'gudrs bērns'.
Yes, it is perfectly polite and professional.
The most common opposite is 'muļķīgs' (foolish) or 'stulbs' (stupid - use with caution!).
It can, but 'vieds' is a better word for 'wise'. 'Gudrs' is closer to 'smart' or 'clever'.
It becomes 'gudri cilvēki'.
Yes, 'viedtālrunis' is a smartphone, but people often say 'gudrais telefons' informally.
Expressions liées
Gudra galva
similarA smart head
Vieds cilvēks
specialized formA wise person
Gudrinieks
similarSmarty-pants
Zinošs cilvēks
similarA knowledgeable person
Muļķis
contrastA fool
