Meaning
Describing a relationship.
Cultural Background
Latvians often distinguish between 'draugs' (a close friend) and 'paziņa' (an acquaintance). Calling someone a 'jauns draugs' too early can sometimes be seen as a sign of being very outgoing or 'Americanized'. Among young people in Riga, the term 'čoms' is often used instead of 'draugs' to sound more casual and 'cool'. In diaspora communities (UK, USA), 'jauns draugs' is often used to describe someone met within the local Latvian society, emphasizing the bond of shared heritage. On Latvian TikTok and Instagram, 'jauns draugs' is frequently used in a humorous way to refer to inanimate objects or food that someone is 'obsessed' with.
Gender Check
Always check the gender of the person you are talking about. Draugs = Male, Draudzene = Female.
Don't over-friend
Latvians value privacy. Don't call everyone a 'draugs' immediately in a business setting.
Meaning
Describing a relationship.
Gender Check
Always check the gender of the person you are talking about. Draugs = Male, Draudzene = Female.
Don't over-friend
Latvians value privacy. Don't call everyone a 'draugs' immediately in a business setting.
The Definite Article
Use 'jaunais draugs' if you are pointing to someone specific in a room.
Pet Names
You can use 'jauns draugs' for a new puppy, and people will find it very cute.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'jauns' or 'jauna'.
Man ir ______ draudzene.
'Draudzene' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'jauna'.
Which sentence is correct for 'I see a new friend'?
Select the correct sentence:
The verb 'redzēt' (to see) requires the accusative case.
Match the Latvian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the basic gender and number variations.
Complete the dialogue.
Anna: Kas tas ir? Juris: Tas ir mans ______ ______.
The nominative case is used for introductions.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Friendship Levels in Latvian
New
- • jauns draugs
- • jauna paziņa
Close
- • labākais draugs
- • sirds draugs
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMan ir ______ draudzene.
'Draudzene' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'jauna'.
Select the correct sentence:
The verb 'redzēt' (to see) requires the accusative case.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the basic gender and number variations.
Anna: Kas tas ir? Juris: Tas ir mans ______ ______.
The nominative case is used for introductions.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, you must use 'jauna draudzene'. Latvian is very strict about gender agreement.
It can also mean 'young'. Context tells you which one it is, but with 'draugs', it usually means 'new'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The plural is 'jauni draugi' (masculine) or 'jaunas draudzenes' (feminine).
No, that sounds like the friend is a piece of fresh bread. Stick to 'jauns'.
Mans jauns draugs (indefinite) or Mans jaunais draugs (definite).
No, it is very commonly used to mean 'boyfriend'.
Use 'jauna paziņa' (new acquaintance) to be safe.
It's like the 'ou' in 'shout'. One smooth sound.
Yes, 'jauns čoms' is very common among guys.
Sometimes people jokingly call their new car their 'jaunais draugs'.
Sena draudzība (old friendship) or vecs draugs (old friend).
Yes, in Latvian, the adjective and the noun both change their endings.
No, that's just a mnemonic! They have different etymological roots.
Related Phrases
labākais draugs
similarbest friend
sena draudzība
contrastold friendship
paziņa
specialized formacquaintance
sirds draugs
specialized formbosom friend / soulmate
biedrs
similarcomrade/member
