Meaning
Most common informal greeting.
Cultural Background
Latvians value personal space. 'Čau' is the signal that you have been invited into someone's personal 'inner circle'. Among Gen Z in Riga, 'Čau' is often replaced by English 'Hi' or 'Hey' in digital spaces, but 'Čau' remains the spoken king. Latvians living abroad (in the UK or USA) often use 'Čau' as a quick way to identify each other in public. During the Soviet era, 'Čau' was a way to sound 'Western' and avoid the more formal Soviet-style greetings.
The Double Goodbye
Say 'Čau-čau!' when leaving to sound extra friendly and native.
The Boss Rule
Even if your boss is cool, wait for them to say 'Čau' to you first before you use it.
Meaning
Most common informal greeting.
The Double Goodbye
Say 'Čau-čau!' when leaving to sound extra friendly and native.
The Boss Rule
Even if your boss is cool, wait for them to say 'Čau' to you first before you use it.
Texting Etiquette
In texts, 'Čau' is often written without the dot on the 'C' (as 'cau'), but try to use the correct 'Č' to show you're a pro learner!
Test Yourself
Match the greeting to the correct person.
Who would you say 'Čau' to?
'Čau' is only for informal relationships.
Complete the dialogue.
Anna: 'Labi, man jāiet mājās. ____!'
In an informal context, 'Čau' is the perfect way to say goodbye.
Which of these is a playful, cute version of 'Čau'?
Pick the diminutive form:
'Čaviņ' is the diminutive form used for extra friendliness.
Finish the phone conversation.
Juris: 'Čau, vai tu rīt būsi darbā?' Tev: '____, nē, man ir brīvdiena.'
If Juris starts with 'Čau', you should respond in the same register.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWho would you say 'Čau' to?
'Čau' is only for informal relationships.
Anna: 'Labi, man jāiet mājās. ____!'
In an informal context, 'Čau' is the perfect way to say goodbye.
Pick the diminutive form:
'Čaviņ' is the diminutive form used for extra friendliness.
Juris: 'Čau, vai tu rīt būsi darbā?' Tev: '____, nē, man ir brīvdiena.'
If Juris starts with 'Čau', you should respond in the same register.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! It is gender-neutral and works for one person or a hundred people.
In informal settings, yes. 'Sveiki' is more common in shops or with acquaintances.
No, it stays exactly the same. That's the beauty of it!
Absolutely not. Use 'Augsti godātais/godātā' or 'Labdien'.
Phonetically and functionally, yes. It's a direct loanword.
It's a cute, diminutive version of 'Čau', like saying 'Hiya'.
It's a common way to say goodbye with a bit more warmth.
Yes, it is universal across the country, from Riga to Daugavpils.
Only if they have specifically asked you to be informal. Otherwise, stick to 'Labdien'.
It's exactly like the 'CH' in 'Chocolate'.
Related Phrases
Sveiki
similarHello (neutral)
Atā
similarBye (informal)
Labdien
contrastGood day
Čaviņ
specialized formHiya
Sveiks
similarHi (to a male)
