뜻
Informal agreement or encouragement.
문화적 배경
Among young people in Riga, 'Davai' is almost a punctuation mark. It signals that you are part of the modern, urban crowd and not overly stiff or formal. For those who grew up in the 70s and 80s, 'Davai' is a natural part of their bilingual upbringing, though they might use it more sparingly than Gen Z. Some cultural institutions discourage 'Davai' because it's a 'Russism'. Using it in a speech or on national TV might draw criticism from language purists. In the Latvian startup scene, 'Davai' is common, but in traditional banking or law, it is strictly avoided. It marks the boundary between 'new' and 'old' business styles.
The Double Davai
If you want to sound really encouraging, say it twice: 'Davai, davai!'. It's the standard way to cheer at a sports match.
The Boss Rule
Never say 'Davai' to your boss unless they say it to you first. It can come across as lack of respect.
뜻
Informal agreement or encouragement.
The Double Davai
If you want to sound really encouraging, say it twice: 'Davai, davai!'. It's the standard way to cheer at a sports match.
The Boss Rule
Never say 'Davai' to your boss unless they say it to you first. It can come across as lack of respect.
The Phone Closer
If a Latvian friend says 'Davai' on the phone, it means the conversation is over. Don't start a new topic!
셀프 테스트
Choose the most appropriate response to a friend asking: 'Ejam šovakar uz bāru?' (Are we going to the bar tonight?)
Ejam šovakar uz bāru?
'Davai!' is the perfect informal way to agree to a fun plan with a friend.
Complete the standard phone-call ending sequence.
Labi, sazvanāmies! ______, čau!
'Davai, čau!' is the most common way to end an informal conversation.
Match the 'Davai' usage to the correct situation.
1. 'Davai, ātrāk!' | 2. 'Davai, tiekamies.' | 3. 'Davai, čau!'
Davai changes meaning based on the words that follow it and the context.
Fill in the missing word to encourage your friend at the gym.
Draugs: 'Es vairs nevaru!' Tu: '______, vēl tikai vienu reizi!'
In this context, 'Davai' acts as 'Come on!'
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
The Three Faces of Davai
Agreement
- • Confirming plans
- • Saying 'Sure'
- • Accepting offers
Motivation
- • Cheering friends
- • Starting tasks
- • Urging speed
Parting
- • Ending calls
- • Quick goodbyes
- • Leaving a group
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Ejam šovakar uz bāru?
'Davai!' is the perfect informal way to agree to a fun plan with a friend.
Labi, sazvanāmies! ______, čau!
'Davai, čau!' is the most common way to end an informal conversation.
1. 'Davai, ātrāk!' | 2. 'Davai, tiekamies.' | 3. 'Davai, čau!'
Davai changes meaning based on the words that follow it and the context.
Draugs: 'Es vairs nevaru!' Tu: '______, vēl tikai vienu reizi!'
In this context, 'Davai' acts as 'Come on!'
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
14 질문Technically no, it's a Russian loanword. However, it is used so frequently in informal Latvian that it is considered part of the modern slang lexicon.
It's not 'bad' language, but it is very informal. It's like saying 'Yeah, whatever' or 'Let's roll' in English—fine with friends, rude with a judge.
Most people write 'Davai', but you might occasionally see 'Davaj'. 'Davai' is the standard informal spelling.
Absolutely not. It will make you sound unprofessional. Use 'Labi' or 'Jā' instead.
No. While it means 'give' in Russian, in Latvian it only means 'okay', 'let's go', or 'bye'.
Saying 'Davai, davai!' adds urgency and excitement, like 'Come on, come on!'
The formal equivalents are 'Labi' (Okay), 'Dosimies' (Let's go), or 'Uz redzēšanos' (Goodbye).
Some do, but many prefer 'pure' Latvian words. It's best to wait for them to use it first.
Only in very casual writing like WhatsApp, Tinder, or Facebook comments.
Ending a phone call with 'Davai, čau!' is probably the #1 most common usage.
Yes, but specifically a 'Yes' that implies action or agreement to a plan.
Yes, it is ubiquitous from Liepāja to Daugavpils.
No, it is an indeclinable particle. It stays 'Davai' whether you talk to one person or a hundred.
'Aiziet' is pure Latvian and specifically means 'Let's start/go'. 'Davai' is broader and can also mean 'Okay' or 'Bye'.
관련 표현
Aiziet!
similarLet's go!
Labi
synonymGood / Okay
Sarunāts!
specialized formAgreed / Deal!
Čau
builds onHi / Bye
Nu
builds onWell / So
