Meaning
Polite invitation to enter a room
Cultural Background
Never shake hands across the threshold. Always wait until the person has 'entered' (ieejiet) before greeting them physically. Taking off shoes is mandatory in almost all Latvian homes. The phrase 'Lūdzu, ieejiet!' is usually followed by the guest stopping to unlace their shoes. Latvians value personal space. Even when saying 'Lūdzu, ieejiet!', the host will usually step back significantly to give the guest room to enter. In rural areas, 'ieejiet' might be followed by an invitation to the 'baltā istaba' (the white room/guest room), which was traditionally kept clean for visitors.
The Hand Gesture
When saying 'Lūdzu, ieejiet!', always gesture with an open palm toward the room. Pointing with one finger is considered rude.
Watch the Ending
Forgetting the '-iet' and saying 'ieej' to a stranger makes you sound like you are giving an order to a child.
Meaning
Polite invitation to enter a room
The Hand Gesture
When saying 'Lūdzu, ieejiet!', always gesture with an open palm toward the room. Pointing with one finger is considered rude.
Watch the Ending
Forgetting the '-iet' and saying 'ieej' to a stranger makes you sound like you are giving an order to a child.
The 'Tālāk' Addition
Adding the word 'tālāk' (further) — 'Lūdzu, ieejiet tālāk!' — makes the invitation sound even more welcoming and spacious.
Test Yourself
You are welcoming your new boss to your office. Which phrase is most appropriate?
Labdien! __________, lūdzu!
'Ieejiet' is the formal form required for a boss.
Complete the phrase to invite someone into the living room.
Lūdzu, ieejiet ___________ (viesistaba).
The locative case '-ā' is used to show movement into a room.
Complete the dialogue between a doctor and a patient.
Māsa: 'Nākamais pacients!' Pacients: 'Labdien, vai drīkst?' Māsa: 'Jā, _________.'
The nurse is inviting the patient into the consultation room.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
To whom would you say 'Lūdzu, ieejiet!'?
'Ieejiet' is used for groups or formal individuals.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLabdien! __________, lūdzu!
'Ieejiet' is the formal form required for a boss.
Lūdzu, ieejiet ___________ (viesistaba).
The locative case '-ā' is used to show movement into a room.
Māsa: 'Nākamais pacients!' Pacients: 'Labdien, vai drīkst?' Māsa: 'Jā, _________.'
The nurse is inviting the patient into the consultation room.
To whom would you say 'Lūdzu, ieejiet!'?
'Ieejiet' is used for groups or formal individuals.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! In fact, you should use it for any single person you want to show respect to (the 'Jūs' form).
Technically no, but without it, 'Ieejiet!' sounds like a command from a police officer or a strict guard.
Use 'Lūdzu, iekāpiet!' instead. 'Ieejiet' is for walking into spaces.
Yes, it is the perfect phrase to use if a teacher comes to your office or room.
A simple 'Paldies!' (Thank you) as you walk in is perfect.
'Ieejiet' is 'go in' (away from speaker), 'ienāciet' is 'come in' (toward speaker).
Not really. It's a spoken invitation for physical movement. In an email, you'd use 'Esiet gaidīti' (You are welcome to visit).
Not at all. It is standard, polite Latvian.
No, the form 'ieejiet' is gender-neutral.
You can say 'Esiet tik laipni un ieejiet' (Be so kind and enter).
Related Phrases
Ienāciet
similarCome in
Nāciet iekšā
synonymCome inside
Izejiet
contrastGo out / Exit
Esiet sveicināti
builds onBe welcomed
Iekāpiet
specialized formStep in / Get in
