Meaning
A tiny canine pet.
Cultural Background
Dogs are highly valued family members in Latvia, often treated with great affection. Similar to other Baltic countries, the bond between humans and dogs is strong and historical. Small dogs are preferred in cities due to apartment living constraints. While large dogs guard farms, small dogs are kept as companions inside the house.
Diminutives
Use '-ītis' to make words sound cuter. It's very common in Latvian.
Gender agreement
Always check if the noun is masculine or feminine before choosing the adjective.
Meaning
A tiny canine pet.
Diminutives
Use '-ītis' to make words sound cuter. It's very common in Latvian.
Gender agreement
Always check if the noun is masculine or feminine before choosing the adjective.
Context matters
Use 'mazs suns' for general descriptions and 'sunītis' for emotional ones.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct adjective.
Tas ir ____ suns.
Suns is masculine, so we use the masculine adjective mazs.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct phrase.
Mazs suns is the correct nominative masculine form.
Match the Latvian phrase to the English meaning.
Match: mazs suns
Mazs means small, suns means dog.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vai tas ir liels suns? B: Nē, tas ir ____.
The context implies the opposite of 'liels' (big).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTas ir ____ suns.
Suns is masculine, so we use the masculine adjective mazs.
Choose the correct phrase.
Mazs suns is the correct nominative masculine form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Mazs means small, suns means dog.
A: Vai tas ir liels suns? B: Nē, tas ir ____.
The context implies the opposite of 'liels' (big).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but 'kucēns' is more specific.
No, it is neutral and casual.
Because 'suns' is a masculine noun.
Mazi suņi.
People often use 'sunītis' as a term of endearment.
Only if you are discussing pets with a colleague.
No, it is a standard descriptive phrase.
You could say 'vidējs suns'.
Yes, but they are often loanwords.
Yes, it is the standard word.
Vai tev ir mazs suns?
No, you would use 'mazs kaķis'.
Related Phrases
mazs sunītis
specialized formA tiny, cute dog
liels suns
contrastA big dog
kucēns
similarPuppy
mājas suns
builds onHouse dog
