Meaning
Being at the station for arrival.
Cultural Background
The 'Vivi' brand is the new name for the national passenger train service. You will see this name everywhere at stations now. Riga Central Station (Rīgas Centrālā stacija) is the heart of the network. It's a common meeting point 'pie pulksteņa' (by the clock). The narrow-gauge railway (Bānītis) in Gulbene-Alūksne is a cultural monument. Waiting for this train is a tourist highlight. Latvian trains are known for being very punctual. If you are 'gaidīt vilcienu' for more than 5 minutes past the schedule, something is likely wrong.
Case Matters
Always remember the '-u' at the end of 'vilcienu'. It's the most common mistake for beginners.
Don't use 'uz'
English speakers often say 'gaidīt uz vilcienu'. In Latvian, this sounds like you are waiting *on top* of the train.
Meaning
Being at the station for arrival.
Case Matters
Always remember the '-u' at the end of 'vilcienu'. It's the most common mistake for beginners.
Don't use 'uz'
English speakers often say 'gaidīt uz vilcienu'. In Latvian, this sounds like you are waiting *on top* of the train.
Use 'Vivi'
If you want to sound like a local, mention the 'Vivi' trains instead of just 'vilciens'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the word 'vilciens'.
Es stacijā gaidu ______.
The verb 'gaidīt' requires the accusative case, which for 'vilciens' is 'vilcienu'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct translation for 'We are waiting for the train'.
Latvian does not use 'uz' (for) in this context, and 'gaidām' is the correct form for 'mēs'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kur tu esi? B: Esmu stacijā, ______ vilcienu.
The first person singular present tense of 'gaidīt' is 'gaidu'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are meeting your sister who is arriving from Daugavpils.
'Sagaidīt' is used when meeting someone who is arriving.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Things you wait for (Accusative)
Transport
- • vilcienu
- • autobusu
- • tramvaju
- • taksometru
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEs stacijā gaidu ______.
The verb 'gaidīt' requires the accusative case, which for 'vilciens' is 'vilcienu'.
Choose the correct translation for 'We are waiting for the train'.
Latvian does not use 'uz' (for) in this context, and 'gaidām' is the correct form for 'mēs'.
A: Kur tu esi? B: Esmu stacijā, ______ vilcienu.
The first person singular present tense of 'gaidīt' is 'gaidu'.
You are meeting your sister who is arriving from Daugavpils.
'Sagaidīt' is used when meeting someone who is arriving.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Es gaidu tevi' (I am waiting for you). It works the same way with the accusative case.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You say 'Vilciens kavējas'. You are still 'gaidīt vilcienu', but you might be 'dusmīgs' (angry).
'Vilcienā' means 'inside the train'. You wait *for* the train, not *inside* it (unless you are waiting for it to move).
Es gaidu nākamo vilcienu.
Some people say 'dampis' or 'vāģis', but 'vilciens' is most common.
No, that is a literal translation from some languages but is incorrect in Latvian.
Es gaidu vilcienus (I am waiting for trains).
No, Latvian has no words for 'a' or 'the'.
No, it is always 'ts' like in 'tsunami'.
Related Phrases
iekāpt vilcienā
builds onto get on the train
izkāpt no vilciena
contrastto get off the train
kavēt vilcienu
contrastto be late for the train
paspēt uz vilcienu
similarto catch the train
vilciena saraksts
specialized formtrain schedule
