Meaning
Stating one's language ability.
Cultural Background
Latvians are extremely proud of their language. Even a small effort to speak it is often met with wide smiles and 'Malacis!' (Well done!). In Riga, many people are bilingual in Latvian and Russian. Stating 'Es runāju latviski' clearly signals your preference to use the state language. The 'Song and Dance Festival' is a key event where the phrase 'Es runāju latviski' takes on a musical and communal meaning through folk songs. There is a regional language called Latgalian in the east. If you go there, you might hear 'As runoju latgaliski'.
Add 'nedaudz'
If you are a beginner, always add 'nedaudz' (a little) to the end. It makes you sound more natural and humble.
Avoid 'Es esmu'
Never say 'Es esmu runāju'. Latvian doesn't use auxiliary verbs for the present tense.
Meaning
Stating one's language ability.
Add 'nedaudz'
If you are a beginner, always add 'nedaudz' (a little) to the end. It makes you sound more natural and humble.
Avoid 'Es esmu'
Never say 'Es esmu runāju'. Latvian doesn't use auxiliary verbs for the present tense.
The '-iski' Rule
This suffix works for almost all languages: angliski, franciski, spāniski. Master one, master them all!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb form for 'I'.
Es _______ latviski.
The first-person singular ('Es') form of the verb 'runāt' is 'runāju'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I speak Latvian'?
Select the best option:
Latvian uses the adverbial form ending in '-iski' to describe speaking a language.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vai tu runā angliski? B: Nē, _________.
The most logical response to a question about language ability is to state which language you do speak.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to tell a teacher you are still learning.
'Nedaudz' (a little) is the perfect modifier for a student.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEs _______ latviski.
The first-person singular ('Es') form of the verb 'runāt' is 'runāju'.
Select the best option:
Latvian uses the adverbial form ending in '-iski' to describe speaking a language.
A: Vai tu runā angliski? B: Nē, _________.
The most logical response to a question about language ability is to state which language you do speak.
You want to tell a teacher you are still learning.
'Nedaudz' (a little) is the perfect modifier for a student.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are correct, but 'latviski' is much more common in spoken conversation. 'Latviešu valodā' is more formal.
No, that just means 'I am speaking'. You need to specify the language.
Say 'Es nerunāju latviski'. Just add 'ne' to the verb.
Almost never. Latvians are usually very happy to hear their language spoken by foreigners.
You can say 'Lūdzu, runāsim latviski!' (Please, let's speak Latvian!) to keep practicing.
Yes, Latvian does not distinguish between these two aspects in the present tense.
You can omit it ('Runāju latviski'), but including it is more common for beginners and for emphasis.
Say 'Es labi runāju latviski'.
It is 'Jūs runājat'. Use this for strangers or elders.
Yes, it's perfectly fine to include in an introductory email.
Related Phrases
Es mācos latviešu valodu
similarI am learning the Latvian language
Vai jūs runājat angliski?
contrastDo you speak English?
Es saprotu latviski
builds onI understand Latvian
Es runāju nedaudz
specialized formI speak a little
