Signification
Asking someone to say something again.
Contexte culturel
Using 'Jūs' (implied in 'varat') is non-negotiable with people older than you or in positions of authority. It shows 'cieņa' (respect). Latvians value clarity. If you ask for repetition, they will often repeat the phrase more slowly and clearly without being asked to do so. In rural areas, people might be more informal, but starting with 'varat' is always the safest bet to avoid offending anyone. During the 'Līgo' festival, when things get loud and festive, you'll hear this phrase constantly over the music and singing.
Add 'Lūdzu'
Always add 'lūdzu' (please) at the end to sound more like a local.
Don't just say 'Ko?'
Saying 'Ko?' (What?) is considered very rude to strangers in Latvia.
Signification
Asking someone to say something again.
Add 'Lūdzu'
Always add 'lūdzu' (please) at the end to sound more like a local.
Don't just say 'Ko?'
Saying 'Ko?' (What?) is considered very rude to strangers in Latvia.
The 'Ear' Gesture
Slightly leaning in with your ear while saying the phrase helps the speaker realize they need to be louder or slower.
Eye Contact
Maintain polite eye contact when asking for repetition; it shows you are genuinely trying to engage.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase formal.
Vai ______ atkārtot?
'Varat' is the formal/plural form of 'varēt'.
Which phrase is the most polite for a doctor?
How do you ask a doctor to repeat?
This is the standard formal request.
Complete the dialogue.
Pārdevēja: Tas maksā piecus eiro un desmit centus. Pircējs: Atvainojiet, _________?
The buyer didn't catch the price and needs a repetition.
Match the phrase to the person.
Who would you say 'Vai vari atkārtot?' to?
'Vari' is the informal form used with family and friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVai ______ atkārtot?
'Varat' is the formal/plural form of 'varēt'.
How do you ask a doctor to repeat?
This is the standard formal request.
Pārdevēja: Tas maksā piecus eiro un desmit centus. Pircējs: Atvainojiet, _________?
The buyer didn't catch the price and needs a repetition.
Who would you say 'Vai vari atkārtot?' to?
'Vari' is the informal form used with family and friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is the perfect level of formality for a shop or any service interaction.
'Atkārtot' is the verb 'to repeat', while 'vēlreiz' means 'once more'. You can say 'Vēlreiz, lūdzu' for a shorter version.
It's better to use 'Vai vari atkārtot?' (informal) with friends.
Add 'lēnāk' to the end: 'Vai varat atkārtot lēnāk?'.
No, 'Vai' is a question marker. 'Jā' means 'Yes'.
'Varat' is for 'you' (plural/formal), while 'var' is for 'he/she/it'.
Yes, Latvians are generally patient with language learners.
You can say 'Es joprojām nesaprotu' (I still don't understand) or 'Vai varat uzrakstīt?' (Can you write it down?).
A very casual way is just saying 'A?' or 'Ko?', but use these only with very close friends.
In an email, it's better to say 'Lūdzu, atkārtojiet...' or 'Vai jūs varētu atkārtot...'.
Expressions liées
Vēlreiz, lūdzu
similarOnce more, please
Ko jūs teicāt?
synonymWhat did you say?
Es nesapratu
builds onI didn't understand
Lēnāk, lūdzu
specialized formSlower, please
Skaļāk, lūdzu
specialized formLouder, please
