Meaning
Expressing illness or discomfort.
Cultural Background
Latvians often use 'Man ir slikti' as a way to avoid social obligations without giving too much detail. It is considered a valid and private reason to leave. In the countryside, saying 'Man ir slikti' will almost always result in being offered 'Rīgas Melnais Balzams' (Riga Black Balsam) as a medicinal cure-all for stomach issues. When calling an ambulance (113), 'Man ir ļoti slikti' is the first thing you say to indicate the urgency of the situation. Parents often ask children 'Vai tev nav slikti?' if the child is unusually quiet, as stoicism starts young.
The 'Es' Trap
Never start this phrase with 'Es'. It's the most common beginner mistake and changes the meaning entirely.
Add 'Palika'
Use 'Man palika slikti' to describe a sudden change, like if you suddenly feel faint in a store.
Meaning
Expressing illness or discomfort.
The 'Es' Trap
Never start this phrase with 'Es'. It's the most common beginner mistake and changes the meaning entirely.
Add 'Palika'
Use 'Man palika slikti' to describe a sudden change, like if you suddenly feel faint in a store.
Fresh Air
If you say this, Latvians will immediately suggest 'svaigs gaiss' (fresh air). It's the national remedy.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct dative form of the pronoun.
______ (I) ir slikti.
In this construction, the person feeling the sensation must be in the dative case.
Which sentence means 'I feel sick'?
Choose the correct option:
'Es esmu slikts' means 'I am a bad person'. 'Man ir slikts' is grammatically incorrect.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kāpēc tu neēd? B: Tāpēc, ka man ir ______.
If you are not eating, it's likely because you feel 'slikti' (bad/sick).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are on a boat and feel like you might vomit.
'Man ir slikti' is the standard phrase for nausea and motion sickness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises______ (I) ir slikti.
In this construction, the person feeling the sensation must be in the dative case.
Choose the correct option:
'Es esmu slikts' means 'I am a bad person'. 'Man ir slikts' is grammatically incorrect.
A: Kāpēc tu neēd? B: Tāpēc, ka man ir ______.
If you are not eating, it's likely because you feel 'slikti' (bad/sick).
You are on a boat and feel like you might vomit.
'Man ir slikti' is the standard phrase for nausea and motion sickness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, for a broken leg or specific pain, use 'Man sāp kāja' (My leg hurts). 'Man ir slikti' is for internal/general feelings.
Yes, it is neutral and professional enough for the workplace.
'Slikti' is more common and can be stronger. 'Nelabi' specifically implies nausea.
Just change 'ir' to 'bija': 'Man bija slikti'.
It's better to say 'Man ir skumji'. 'Man ir slikti' usually implies physical illness.
No, as an adverb it means 'badly'. E.g., 'Viņš slikti dzied' (He sings badly).
'Es jūtos slikti' is slightly more formal, but 'Man ir slikti' is perfectly fine.
Add 'mazliet': 'Man ir mazliet slikti'.
Latvian uses the dative case for feelings that happen to you, rather than actions you perform.
Yes, it is the most common way to describe a hangover.
In this phrase, it functions as an adverbial predicate.
Offer them water (ūdeni) or a seat (apsēsties).
Related Phrases
Man sāp
similarIt hurts / I have pain
Esmu slims
builds onI am sick
Man ir nelabi
synonymI feel unwell / nauseous
Man reibst galva
specialized formI am dizzy
Man ir labi
contrastI feel good / I am fine
