Meaning
Water safe for drinking
Cultural Background
Latvians often collect water from natural springs (avoti) because they believe it is 'dzīvs ūdens' (living water) and superior to tap water. In ancient songs (dainas), water is often personified as 'Ūdens māte' (Mother of Water), who keeps the rivers clean. In Riga, the tap water is safe to drink, but many locals still use filters to ensure it is as 'tīrs' as possible. Washing your face in the morning dew (rasa) is a variation of the 'clean water' ritual for beauty.
Ordering in Riga
Most restaurants in Riga will serve tap water for free if you ask for 'krāna ūdens', and it is perfectly 'tīrs'.
Stagnant Water
Even if water looks 'skaidrs' (clear) in a forest, don't assume it is 'tīrs' (safe) unless it is flowing from a spring.
Meaning
Water safe for drinking
Ordering in Riga
Most restaurants in Riga will serve tap water for free if you ask for 'krāna ūdens', and it is perfectly 'tīrs'.
Stagnant Water
Even if water looks 'skaidrs' (clear) in a forest, don't assume it is 'tīrs' (safe) unless it is flowing from a spring.
Adjective Agreement
Always check if 'ūdens' is the subject or object. 'Tīrs ūdens' (Subject) vs 'Tīru ūdeni' (Object).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'tīrs ūdens' (Accusative: tīru ūdeni).
Es gribu dzert ____ ____.
After the verb 'gribu' (I want), we use the accusative case.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct statement about the lake.
The subject 'tīrs ūdens' should be in the nominative case.
Match the Latvian phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
These show the genitive, locative, and accusative uses.
Complete the dialogue at the restaurant.
Viesis: Labdien! Vai es varu dabūt ____ ____? Oficiants: Jā, protams! Ar ledu vai bez?
The guest is asking for an object, so the accusative is needed.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tīrs vs. Skaidrs
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEs gribu dzert ____ ____.
After the verb 'gribu' (I want), we use the accusative case.
Select the correct statement about the lake.
The subject 'tīrs ūdens' should be in the nominative case.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These show the genitive, locative, and accusative uses.
Viesis: Labdien! Vai es varu dabūt ____ ____? Oficiants: Jā, protams! Ar ledu vai bez?
The guest is asking for an object, so the accusative is needed.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in almost all urban areas, tap water is safe and clean to drink.
'Tīrs' means clean/pure (safe), while 'dzidrs' means clear/transparent (visual).
You can say 'Lūdzu, vienu pudeli dzeramā ūdens'.
It is masculine.
Yes, 'tīra istaba' means a clean room.
It is 'netīrs ūdens'.
Yes, and they are very proud of their water quality.
Not really, but 'ūdeniņš' (diminutive) is used affectionately.
It is 'attīrīts ūdens'.
No, for that you say 'tīrās muļķības'.
Related Phrases
Dzeramais ūdens
synonymDrinking water
Avota ūdens
specialized formSpring water
Netīrs ūdens
contrastDirty water
Gāzēts ūdens
similarSparkling water
Skaidrs ūdens
similarClear water
