Signification
Asking for a translation or word.
Contexte culturel
Latvians are very proud of their language. Using this phrase instead of English will often result in a much warmer interaction. In Latvian schools, students are encouraged to ask for the 'pareizruna' (correct pronunciation) along with the name. In Latgale (Eastern Latvia), you might hear 'Kai tū sauc latgaliski?', reflecting the regional language pride. Young Latvians often use English words for tech, so asking this might prompt them to think of the 'official' Latvian term.
Point and Learn
Carry this phrase with you like a key. It's the fastest way to learn nouns without a dictionary.
Don't use for people
Never point at a person and say 'Kā to sauc?'. It sounds like you are calling them an 'it'.
Signification
Asking for a translation or word.
Point and Learn
Carry this phrase with you like a key. It's the fastest way to learn nouns without a dictionary.
Don't use for people
Never point at a person and say 'Kā to sauc?'. It sounds like you are calling them an 'it'.
Add 'Lūdzu'
Adding 'Lūdzu' (Please) at the end makes you sound much more polite and fluent.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to ask what something is called.
Kā ___ sauc latviski?
We use the accusative 'to' because it is the object being called.
Which phrase is correct when pointing at a book?
Choose the correct sentence:
'Kā' is the correct question word for 'how', and 'sauc' is the correct verb form.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Atvainojiet, kā to sauc latviski? B: ___ ir ābols.
In the answer, we use the nominative 'Tas' (That is.../It is...).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are holding a pen and want to know its name.
'Šo' is used for objects close to or held by the speaker.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Kā to sauc'
Objects
- • Fruit
- • Tools
- • Furniture
Translations
- • English words
- • Signs
- • Menu items
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKā ___ sauc latviski?
We use the accusative 'to' because it is the object being called.
Choose the correct sentence:
'Kā' is the correct question word for 'how', and 'sauc' is the correct verb form.
A: Atvainojiet, kā to sauc latviski? B: ___ ir ābols.
In the answer, we use the nominative 'Tas' (That is.../It is...).
You are holding a pen and want to know its name.
'Šo' is used for objects close to or held by the speaker.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, you can say 'Kā [concept] sauc latviski?', for example: 'Kā "freedom" sauc latviski?'.
It is the 3rd person form, which in Latvian is the same for both singular and plural. You can use it for one thing or many things.
'Šo' is for something right here (this), 'to' is for something further away (that).
'Saucas' is reflexive and used more for titles of books or movies, e.g., 'Kā saucas šī grāmata?'. For general objects, 'sauc' is more common.
In Latvia, pointing at objects to learn their names is generally fine, but avoid pointing at people.
Expressions liées
Ko tas nozīmē?
similarWhat does that mean?
Kā tevi sauc?
builds onWhat is your name?
Kā to saka latviski?
synonymHow do you say that in Latvian?
Kā tas ir latviski?
specialized formHow is that in Latvian?
