Signification
Asking if someone is prepared to start.
Contexte culturel
Punctuality is highly valued. If you say 'Jā, mēs esam gatavi', you are expected to be standing by the door or have your pen on the paper immediately. Conductors often shout this to thousands of singers. It's a moment of immense national pride and collective focus. In traditional farmsteads, readiness for winter ('gatavība ziemai') is a common topic of conversation, involving firewood and preserves. Meetings often start with a quick 'Vai esat gatavi?' to signal that small talk is over and the agenda is beginning.
The 'Jūs' Rule
Even if you don't say the word 'jūs', the verb 'esat' carries that plural/formal meaning automatically.
Gender Matters
If you are a man talking to a group of women, use 'gatavas'. If you are a woman talking to a group of men, use 'gatavi'.
Signification
Asking if someone is prepared to start.
The 'Jūs' Rule
Even if you don't say the word 'jūs', the verb 'esat' carries that plural/formal meaning automatically.
Gender Matters
If you are a man talking to a group of women, use 'gatavas'. If you are a woman talking to a group of men, use 'gatavi'.
The Waiter Trick
If a waiter asks this, and you need more time, say 'Vēl nē, lūdzu mirklīti' (Not yet, a moment please).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'ready' for a group of men.
Vai esat _______?
'Gatavi' is the masculine plural form used for groups of men or mixed groups.
Which question is correct when addressing a group of only women?
Choose the correct sentence:
When addressing multiple females, the adjective must be feminine plural: 'gatavas'.
Complete the waiter's question.
Viesmīlis: Labdien! Vai esat gatavi _______?
After 'gatavi', we use the infinitive verb form (to order).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are a teacher starting a lesson.
A teacher addresses a class (plural) and uses a neutral/formal register.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVai esat _______?
'Gatavi' is the masculine plural form used for groups of men or mixed groups.
Choose the correct sentence:
When addressing multiple females, the adjective must be feminine plural: 'gatavas'.
Viesmīlis: Labdien! Vai esat gatavi _______?
After 'gatavi', we use the infinitive verb form (to order).
Situation: You are a teacher starting a lesson.
A teacher addresses a class (plural) and uses a neutral/formal register.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, in casual settings with friends, dropping 'Vai esat' is very common and natural.
Yes, if you are asking if the potatoes are ready, you would say 'Vai kartupeļi ir gatavi?'.
'Gatavs' is the state of being ready; 'sagatavots' means something has been prepared by someone.
In spoken Latvian, you can sometimes use intonation, but 'vai' is much more standard and clearer for learners.
Yes, because it uses the plural/formal verb form, it is perfectly polite for all situations.
Expressions liées
Vai esi gatavs?
similarAre you ready? (singular)
Viss gatavs!
builds onEverything is ready!
Sagatavoties!
specialized formGet ready! / Prepare!
Gatavs darbam
specialized formReady for work
