Signification
Requesting clearer speech.
Contexte culturel
Latvians value modesty and effort. Asking to slow down is seen as a genuine effort to learn their language. Similar politeness norms exist in Lithuania and Estonia, where formal address is highly valued. Directness is appreciated, but politeness markers like 'lūdzu' are essential for maintaining social harmony. This phrase is a 'rite of passage' for learners, signaling the transition from passive listening to active engagement.
Smile!
Always smile when you say this. It shows you are friendly and not just complaining.
Don't overdo it
If you ask them to slow down too many times, they might switch to English. Be prepared for that!
Signification
Requesting clearer speech.
Smile!
Always smile when you say this. It shows you are friendly and not just complaining.
Don't overdo it
If you ask them to slow down too many times, they might switch to English. Be prepared for that!
Combine it
Combine it with 'Es mācos latviešu valodu' (I am learning Latvian) to get even more help.
Be patient
Latvians might be shy. Your request to slow down might actually make them feel more comfortable too.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct formal imperative.
Lūdzu, _________ lēnāk.
The formal imperative for 'runāt' is 'runājiet'.
Which is the most polite way to ask a stranger to slow down?
Choose the best option.
This is the standard, polite, and grammatically correct form.
Match the Latvian phrase to its English meaning.
Match: 1. Lūdzu, 2. runājiet, 3. lēnāk.
Lūdzu = please, runājiet = speak (formal), lēnāk = more slowly.
Complete the dialogue.
Local: 'Vai jūs saprotat?' Learner: 'Nē, _________.'
This is the most natural and polite response.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesLūdzu, _________ lēnāk.
The formal imperative for 'runāt' is 'runājiet'.
Choose the best option.
This is the standard, polite, and grammatically correct form.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Lūdzu = please, runājiet = speak (formal), lēnāk = more slowly.
Local: 'Vai jūs saprotat?' Learner: 'Nē, _________.'
This is the most natural and polite response.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, 'runājiet' is formal and appropriate for a boss.
No, it's very polite if you use 'Lūdzu'.
Try saying 'Es nesaprotu' (I don't understand) and ask them to repeat.
'Lēnāk' is the comparative form, meaning 'more slowly'.
Yes, it's very helpful on the phone.
Yes, it is standard Latvian.
You can use the informal 'runā lēnāk'.
Not if you use a polite tone and 'Lūdzu'.
Yes, 'Vai varat runāt lēnāk?' is also very common.
Yes, it uses the formal imperative.
Like 'LAY-nahk'.
Yes, adding 'paldies' (thank you) at the end is very polite.
Expressions liées
Vai varat atkārtot?
builds onCan you repeat?
Es nesaprotu.
similarI don't understand.
Ko tas nozīmē?
builds onWhat does that mean?
Lūdzu, runājiet skaļāk.
contrastPlease, speak louder.
