mašīna in 30 Sekunden
- Mašīna is the standard Latvian word for 'car' and 'machine'.
- It is a feminine noun belonging to the 4th declension (-a).
- Commonly used in household compounds like 'veļas mašīna' (washing machine).
- In formal contexts, 'automašīna' is the preferred term for a vehicle.
The Latvian word mašīna is a fundamental noun that every learner encounters early in their journey. At its core, it translates to 'machine' or 'car.' While in formal contexts 'automašīna' is the precise term for a vehicle, in daily Latvian life, mašīna is the go-to word for the four-wheeled transport sitting in your driveway. However, its utility extends far beyond the road. It serves as a suffix or a base for various household appliances and industrial tools, reflecting the mechanization of modern life. Understanding this word requires recognizing its dual nature: the specific (the car) and the general (the apparatus).
- Everyday Usage
- In a casual conversation, if someone says 'Es eju uz mašīnu,' they are almost certainly going to their car. It is rare for a person to mean they are walking toward a printing press or a lathe unless the context is strictly industrial.
Mana jaunā mašīna ir ļoti ātra un ekonomiska.
Historically, the word entered Latvian through German influence ('Maschine'), which itself traces back to Latin and Greek. This international lineage makes it easily recognizable for English speakers. In the early 20th century, as technology flourished, the word branched out. Today, you will find it embedded in compound words like veļas mašīna (washing machine) and šujmašīna (sewing machine). It represents the bridge between the physical labor of the past and the automated convenience of the present.
- Metaphorical Use
- Just like in English, 'mašīna' can describe a system or a person who works without emotion. 'Valsts mašīna' refers to the state machinery or bureaucracy, often implying a cold, relentless process.
Viņš strādā kā mašīna, nekad nepiekūstot.
In Latvian grammar, 'mašīna' is a feminine noun of the 4th declension, ending in '-a'. This means its endings change systematically depending on whether it is the subject, object, or location in a sentence. For instance, 'in the car' becomes 'mašīnā'. Mastering these shifts is essential for fluid communication. Whether you are discussing the latest Tesla model or complaining about a broken dishwasher, this word provides the structural foundation for your narrative.
- Industrial Context
- In a factory setting, 'mašīna' refers to the heavy equipment. Engineers might discuss 'mašīnu būve' (machine building/mechanical engineering), a significant sector in the Baltic economy.
Rūpnīcā tika uzstādīta jauna ražošanas mašīna.
Using mašīna correctly involves more than just knowing its definition; it requires understanding its grammatical behavior in various contexts. As a 4th declension noun, it follows a predictable pattern of vowel changes at the end of the word. Let's explore how these changes function in real-world scenarios, from simple descriptions to complex logistical explanations.
- The Nominative Case (The Subject)
- When the car or machine is the one doing the action or being described, we use 'mašīna'. This is the dictionary form.
Šī mašīna pieder manam brālim.
When you want to indicate location—where something is happening—you use the locative case: mašīnā. The long 'ā' at the end is crucial. It tells the listener that something is 'inside' the vehicle or machine. For example, if you left your keys behind, you would say 'Atslēgas palika mašīnā'. This distinction between 'mašīna' (the thing) and 'mašīnā' (the location) is a hurdle many beginners must clear.
- The Accusative Case (The Object)
- When you are doing something to the car, like driving it or buying it, the ending changes to '-u'.
Es gribu nopirkt jaunu mašīnu.
In plural forms, 'mašīnas' covers both the nominative and accusative (depending on context). For example, 'Mašīnas stāv rindā' (The cars are standing in a row). If you are talking about possessing something related to the car (Genitive), you also use 'mašīnas'. For instance, 'mašīnas krāsa' (the car's color). The context of the sentence usually clarifies which grammatical role the word is playing.
- The Dative Case (Indirect Object)
- Used when something is given to or intended for the car, ending in '-ai'.
Mēs nopirkām jaunus diskus šai mašīnai.
Finally, consider the instrumental case, often used with the preposition 'ar' (with). 'Ar mašīnu' is the most common way to say 'by car' or 'using a car'. If someone asks how you arrived at a party, the answer is almost always 'Es atbraucu ar mašīnu'. This phrase is a staple of beginner Latvian and should be memorized as a single unit of meaning.
Vai tu brauksi ar mašīnu vai ar autobusu?
You will hear mašīna everywhere in Latvia, from the bustling streets of Riga to the quiet farmsteads of Latgale. It is a word that transcends social class and professional boundaries. However, the *way* it is used changes depending on the environment. Understanding these settings will help you blend in like a native speaker.
- In the City
- In urban areas, 'mašīna' is synonymous with traffic and parking. You'll hear it in the context of 'sastrēgumi' (traffic jams) or 'stāvvieta' (parking lot). Public announcements might mention 'atstātā mašīna' (a left/abandoned car).
Pilsētas centrā ir grūti novietot mašīnu.
In a domestic setting, the word is almost always part of a compound. If someone asks, 'Vai mašīna pabeidza mazgāt?', they aren't talking about their Volvo; they are asking if the washing machine (veļas mašīna) has finished its cycle. Latvians often drop the first part of the compound if the context is clear. If you are standing in the kitchen, 'mašīna' likely refers to the dishwasher.
- At the Mechanic
- When your vehicle breaks down, you'll visit a 'serviss' or 'darbnīca'. Here, the word 'mašīna' is the subject of technical diagnosis. 'Mašīna nelec' (The car won't start) is a common lament.
Mana mašīna šobrīd atrodas servisā.
In the news and media, 'mašīna' is used in reports about economics ('mašīnbūves nozare' - the machine-building sector) or crime ('nozagta mašīna' - stolen car). It also appears in sports, specifically 'autosports', where 'sacīkšu mašīna' (racing car) is the term of choice. The word is so versatile that it fits into almost any headline involving technology or transport.
- In Literature and Metaphor
- Latvian poets sometimes use 'mašīna' to contrast the coldness of modernity with the warmth of nature. You might read about a 'laika mašīna' (time machine) in a sci-fi novel or a 'propagandas mašīna' (propaganda machine) in a political essay.
Viņš jūtas kā mazs ritenītis lielā mašīnā.
Whether you're negotiating a price at a 'lietotu automašīnu placis' (used car lot) or just telling a friend you'll be five minutes late because you can't find your 'mašīnas atslēgas' (car keys), the word is an indispensable tool in your Latvian vocabulary kit.
Even though mašīna seems straightforward, English speakers often trip over specific nuances of Latvian grammar and usage. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Latvian sound much more natural and professional.
- Confusion with 'Auto'
- Many beginners use 'auto' because it's short and doesn't change endings. However, 'auto' is indeclinable. If you say 'Es esmu auto', it sounds very stiff or like a headline. Use 'mašīnā' for 'in the car'.
❌ Es sēžu mašīna.
✅ Es sēžu mašīnā.
Another frequent mistake is failing to distinguish between 'mašīna' and 'iekārta'. While 'mašīna' can mean machine, 'iekārta' is often better for stationary equipment or installations. If you call a laptop a 'mašīna', people will understand you, but they will think you are being metaphorical or slightly old-fashioned. A laptop is a 'dators'.
- Gender Agreement
- Because 'mašīna' is feminine, all adjectives describing it must also be feminine. Learners often use masculine endings by default.
❌ Mans mašīna ir zils.
✅ Mana mašīna ir zila.
Pluralization is another area of struggle. The plural of 'mašīna' is 'mašīnas'. However, when counting, Latvians use specific forms. For example, 'viena mašīna' (one car), but 'piecas mašīnas' (five cars - genitive plural). Beginners often forget to switch to the genitive after the number five. This is a general rule in Latvian, but since 'mašīna' is so common, the error is very noticeable.
- The 'Machine' vs 'Engine' Trap
- In English, we sometimes say 'the machine is running' to mean the engine. In Latvian, an engine is 'motors' or 'dzinējs'. If you say 'mašīna strādā', it means the whole car is functioning or a specific machine is operating, not necessarily just the engine idling.
Šai mašīnai ir ļoti jaudīgs motors.
While mašīna is the most common term, Latvian offers a variety of synonyms and related words that allow for more precise or colorful expression. Choosing the right alternative depends on the level of formality and the specific type of 'machine' or 'car' you are discussing.
- Automašīna vs. Mašīna
- 'Automašīna' is the full, formal version. It is used in textbooks, news reports, and official documents. 'Mašīna' is the shortened, colloquial version used in 90% of speech.
Ceļu satiksmes noteikumi attiecas uz visām automašīnām.
If you want to sound more casual, you might use vāģis. This is similar to calling a car a 'ride' or a 'wagon' in English. It's often used among friends or when talking about an old, clunky car. Conversely, spēkrats is a more poetic or archaic term, literally meaning 'power-wheel'. You might see it in car magazines trying to sound sophisticated.
- Iekārta vs. Mehānisms
- When 'mašīna' refers to a machine, its synonyms are 'iekārta' (equipment/device) and 'mehānisms' (mechanism). 'Iekārta' is broader and can include electronic devices, while 'mehānisms' focuses on the moving parts.
Pulksteņa mehānisms ir ļoti sarežģīts.
For specific vehicles, Latvians use more descriptive terms: smagā mašīna or kravas auto (truck), ugunsdzēsēju mašīna (fire truck), and ātrās palīdzības mašīna (ambulance). Note how 'mašīna' stays as the base, and an adjective or noun in the genitive case describes its purpose. This is a very productive pattern in the language.
- Summary of Alternatives
-
- Auto: Short, media-friendly, indeclinable.
- Automašīna: Formal, technical.
- Vāģis: Informal, slang.
- Iekārta: Stationary machine or device.
- Aparāts: Small technical device (e.g., coffee machine).
Kafijas aparāts atrodas virtuvē.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
In old Latvian texts from the 19th century, you might find people calling a 'mašīna' any new-fangled steam-powered device, long before cars existed.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'š' as 's' (masīna).
- Making the 'ī' too short (mašina).
- Stressing the second syllable (ma-ŠĪ-na).
- Pronouncing the final 'a' as a long 'ā'.
- Muffling the 'š' sound so it sounds like 'ž'.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Very easy to recognize due to international roots.
Requires attention to the 'š' and 'ī'.
Stress is on the first syllable; don't forget the long 'ī'.
Distinctive sounds make it easy to pick out in speech.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
4th Declension Nouns
mašīna, māja, meitene
Locative Case for 'Inside'
mašīnā (in the car)
Instrumental Case for 'By means of'
ar mašīnu (by car)
Genitive for Possession
mašīnas atslēga (car's key)
Adjective-Noun Agreement
sarkana mašīna (feminine singular)
Beispiele nach Niveau
Mana mašīna ir sarkana.
My car is red.
Nominative feminine singular.
Kur ir tava mašīna?
Where is your car?
Question with nominative noun.
Man patīk šī mašīna.
I like this car.
Subject in nominative.
Tā ir liela mašīna.
That is a big car.
Adjective agreement (feminine).
Viņam ir jauna mašīna.
He has a new car.
Possessive construction with 'ir'.
Mašīna stāv pie mājas.
The car is standing by the house.
Nominative subject.
Mums vajag mašīnu.
We need a car.
Accusative object of 'vajag'.
Šī ir veļas mašīna.
This is a washing machine.
Compound noun.
Es sēžu mašīnā.
I am sitting in the car.
Locative case (-ā).
Mēs braucam ar mašīnu.
We are going by car.
Instrumental case with 'ar'.
Vai tu vari nomazgāt mašīnu?
Can you wash the car?
Accusative case (-u).
Mašīnā nav benzīna.
There is no petrol in the car.
Locative case with negation.
Es atstāju somu mašīnā.
I left the bag in the car.
Locative case.
Cik maksā šī mašīna?
How much does this car cost?
Nominative in a price query.
Mašīnas atslēgas ir uz galda.
The car keys are on the table.
Genitive case (-as).
Viņa strādā ar šujmašīnu.
She works with a sewing machine.
Instrumental case with compound noun.
Manai mašīnai ir vajadzīgs remonts.
My car needs a repair.
Dative case (-ai).
Mēs runājām par jaunas mašīnas pirkšanu.
We talked about buying a new car.
Genitive case (-as).
Šī mašīna patērē maz degvielas.
This car consumes little fuel.
Third person singular verb agreement.
Vai tu proti vadīt smago mašīnu?
Do you know how to drive a truck?
Accusative with adjective.
Mašīnu rindas pilsētā kļūst garākas.
Car queues in the city are getting longer.
Genitive plural (-u).
Zem mašīnas ir eļļas pleķis.
There is an oil stain under the car.
Genitive after preposition 'zem'.
Šī mašīna ir ļoti droša.
This car is very safe.
Predicate adjective agreement.
Mēs iekāpām mašīnā un devāmies ceļā.
We got into the car and set off.
Locative case for destination/container.
Mūsdienās mašīnas kļūst arvien viedākas.
Nowadays, machines/cars are becoming smarter.
Nominative plural.
Ražošanas mašīna tika sabojāta strāvas trieciena dēļ.
The production machine was damaged due to a power surge.
Passive voice with compound subject.
Viņš pārzina mašīnas uzbūvi līdz pēdējai skrūvei.
He knows the car's construction down to the last screw.
Genitive case.
Elektromobiļi ir klusāki nekā parastās mašīnas.
Electric cars are quieter than regular cars.
Comparative construction.
Šī mašīna ir aprīkota ar jaunāko navigācijas sistēmu.
This car is equipped with the latest navigation system.
Perfect participle construction.
Valsts birokrātiskā mašīna strādā lēni.
The state's bureaucratic machine works slowly.
Metaphorical usage.
Mēs meklējam speciālistu darbam ar poligrāfijas mašīnām.
We are looking for a specialist to work with printing machines.
Dative plural with 'darbam ar'.
Mašīnas tehniskā apskate ir jāveic katru gadu.
The car's technical inspection must be done every year.
Debitive mood 'jāveic'.
Propagandas mašīna centās ietekmēt vēlēšanu rezultātus.
The propaganda machine tried to influence the election results.
Metaphorical subject.
Industriālā mašīna neatgriezeniski mainīja sabiedrības struktūru.
The industrial machine irreversibly changed the structure of society.
Historical/Sociological context.
Viņš ir kļuvis par neaizstājamu zobratu šajā sarežģītajā mašīnā.
He has become an indispensable cog in this complex machine.
Idiomatic locative.
Mašīntulkošanas kvalitāte pēdējos gados ir strauji uzlabojusies.
The quality of machine translation has improved rapidly in recent years.
Compound noun prefix.
Mākslīgais intelekts nav tikai algoritms, tā ir domājoša mašīna.
Artificial intelligence is not just an algorithm; it is a thinking machine.
Philosophical definition.
Šī mašīna ir inženiertehnisks šedevrs.
This machine is an engineering masterpiece.
Formal appraisal.
Mēs nedrīkstam kļūt par vergiem pašu radītajām mašīnām.
We must not become slaves to the machines we have created.
Dative plural of purpose/object.
Mašīnas un cilvēka mijiedarbība ir galvenais pētījuma objekts.
The interaction between machine and human is the main object of the study.
Genitive relationship.
Kanta filozofijā cilvēka ķermenis tiek skatīts kā sarežģīta mašīna.
In Kant's philosophy, the human body is viewed as a complex machine.
Academic/Philosophical context.
Valsts aparāta mašinērija bieži vien samaļ indivīda intereses.
The machinery of the state apparatus often grinds down the interests of the individual.
Highly metaphorical/Literary.
Mūsdienu kapitālisma mašīna pieprasa nemitīgu izaugsmi.
The machine of modern capitalism demands constant growth.
Sociopolitical critique.
Dzejoļu krājumā 'Mašīnas' autors apcer tehnoloģiju dabu.
In the poetry collection 'Machines', the author reflects on the nature of technology.
Proper noun/Title usage.
Vai mašīna spēj imitēt cilvēka apziņu?
Can a machine simulate human consciousness?
Abstract inquiry.
Šī mehāniskā mašīna ir saglabājusies kopš industriālās revolūcijas pirmsākumiem.
This mechanical machine has been preserved since the dawn of the industrial revolution.
Historical technical description.
Mēs esam nonākuši laikmetā, kurā mašīna diktē dzīves tempu.
We have arrived in an era where the machine dictates the pace of life.
Relative clause.
Politiskā mašīna tika iedarbināta, lai diskreditētu oponentu.
The political machine was set in motion to discredit the opponent.
Passive metaphorical usage.
Synonyme
Gegenteile
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— The car won't start. Specifically refers to the engine failing to ignite.
Ir auksts, un mašīna nelec.
— To park the car. Short for 'novietot mašīnu stāvvietā'.
Es tūlīt nolikšu mašīnu un nākšu.
— To go for a drive. Often implies a leisure trip.
Svētdien mēs izbraucām ar mašīnu pie dabas.
— The car is at the mechanic's. Indicates it's being repaired.
Es nevaru tevi aizvest, mana mašīna ir servisā.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Indeclinable, used more in writing/titles.
More for stationary equipment.
Used for smaller devices like cameras or coffee makers.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To work like a machine. Meaning to work very hard and efficiently without stopping.
Jānis šodien strādā kā mašīna.
Neutral— The state machine. Refers to the bureaucratic system of a country.
Valsts mašīna griežas lēni.
Formal/Literary— Time machine. A fictional device for traveling through time.
Ja man būtu laika mašīna, es dotos uz pagātni.
Neutral— Propaganda machine. An organized system for spreading specific information/ideology.
Propagandas mašīna strādāja pilnā jaudā.
Political— A big machine. Sometimes used to describe a powerful person or influential organization.
Tā korporācija ir viena liela mašīna.
Metaphorical— A machine man. Someone who is very technical or lacks emotion.
Viņš nav romantiķis, viņš ir mašīnas cilvēks.
Informal— To be ground in the machine. Meaning to be destroyed by a system.
Sistēma viņu samala savā mašīnā.
Literary— Like an oiled machine. Meaning something is running very smoothly.
Mūsu komanda strādā kā ieeļļota mašīna.
Neutral— Death machine. Refers to something extremely dangerous or a lethal weapon.
Tas vecais vāģis ir īsta nāves mašīna.
Informal/Slang— Love machine. A playful, often ironic term for a person or car.
Mana vecā mašīna ir mana mīlestības mašīna.
SlangLeicht verwechselbar
Sounds slightly similar.
Māšele means 'little sister'. Mašīna is a machine.
Mana māšele sēž mašīnā.
Starts with 'ma'.
Maiss is a bag/sack. Mašīna is a car.
Ieliec maisu mašīnā!
Starts with 'mā' and ends in 'a'.
Māja is a house. Mašīna is a car.
Mašīna stāv pie mājas.
Root word.
Mašīnists is a train driver or machinist. Mašīna is the vehicle.
Mašīnists vada vilcienu.
Rhymes and has 'ī'.
Mīna is a landmine or a facial expression. Mašīna is a car.
Viņam bija dīvaina mīna, kad viņš kāpa mašīnā.
Satzmuster
Man ir [adjective] mašīna.
Man ir maza mašīna.
Tā ir [name] mašīna.
Tā ir Jāņa mašīna.
Es braucu ar [adjective] mašīnu.
Es braucu ar zilu mašīnu.
[Object] ir mašīnā.
Soma ir mašīnā.
Manai mašīnai vajag [noun].
Manai mašīnai vajag eļļu.
Es gribu [verb] mašīnu.
Es gribu pārdot mašīnu.
Šī mašīna ir paredzēta [dative].
Šī mašīna ir paredzēta sacīkstēm.
Mašīna kalpo kā [nominative].
Mašīna kalpo kā simbols.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Extremely high in daily speech.
-
Using 'mašīna' (nominative) instead of 'mašīnā' (locative).
→
Es esmu mašīnā.
You must use the locative case to indicate you are inside something.
-
Using masculine adjectives.
→
Sarkana mašīna.
'Mašīna' is feminine, so adjectives must end in '-a'.
-
Forgetting the macron in 'ī'.
→
mašīna
The 'ī' is a long vowel. 'Masina' is not a word.
-
Using 'ar mašīna' for 'by car'.
→
ar mašīnu
The preposition 'ar' requires the instrumental case (-u).
-
Pluralizing as 'mašīni'.
→
mašīnas
Feminine nouns in '-a' pluralize with '-as'.
Tipps
Declension Master
Practice the 7 cases of 'mašīna' to master the 4th declension. It's the perfect model word.
Compound Power
Learn 'mašīna' once and you've learned half of 'veļas mašīna', 'šujmašīna', and 'pļaujmašīna'.
The Long I
Always elongate the 'ī'. If you say 'mašina' with a short 'i', it sounds like a different word or just wrong.
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'automašīna' in your CV or police reports, but 'mašīna' when talking to your friends.
Car Culture
Latvians take great pride in their cars. Complimenting someone's 'mašīna' is a good conversation starter.
Macron Check
Double-check your macrons (the lines over vowels). Latvian meaning changes with vowel length!
First Syllable Stress
Latvian always stresses the first syllable. Say 'MA-šī-na', not 'ma-ŠĪ-na'.
Cognate Alert
The word is a cognate of 'machine'. Use this to your advantage!
Vāģis
If you want to sound like a local car enthusiast, use the word 'vāģis' occasionally.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a **MACHINE** that looks like a **CAR**. In Latvian, they use the same word! **MA-SHII-NA**.
Visuelle Assoziation
Visualize a washing machine (veļas mašīna) inside a car (mašīna). This links the two main meanings.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to name three things in your house that end in 'mašīna' (e.g., veļas mašīna, trauku mazgājamā mašīna, kafijas mašīna).
Wortherkunft
Borrowed from German 'Maschine', which comes from French 'machine'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally referred to a device or apparatus in a general sense before becoming the dominant word for 'car'.
Indo-European (via Latin 'machina' and Greek 'makhana').Kultureller Kontext
No specific sensitivities, but be aware that calling someone's expensive car a 'vāģis' might be taken as an insult if you aren't close friends.
English speakers use 'car' for the vehicle and 'machine' for the tool. Latvian uses 'mašīna' for both, which can be confusing at first.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Transportation
- Braukt ar mašīnu
- Mašīnas vadītājs
- Benzīna uzpilde
- Sastrēgums
Home/Appliances
- Veļas mašīna
- Trauku mašīna
- Kafijas mašīna
- Salūzusi mašīna
Work/Industry
- Ražošanas mašīna
- Drukas mašīna
- Mašīnu operators
- Drošības noteikumi
Shopping
- Pirkt mašīnu
- Mašīnas cena
- Lietota mašīna
- Garantija
Emergency
- Ātrā palīdzība
- Ugunsdzēsēju mašīna
- Policijas mašīna
- Avārija
Gesprächseinstiege
"Kāda ir tava sapņu mašīna?"
"Vai tev patīk braukt ar mašīnu vai ar vilcienu?"
"Cik bieži tu mazgā savu mašīnu?"
"Vai tavā mājā ir veļas mašīna?"
"Kāda krāsa vislabāk piestāv mašīnai?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Apraksti savu pirmo mašīnu. Kāda tā bija un kā tu juties?
Vai tu domā, ka nākotnē visas mašīnas būs elektriskas? Kāpēc?
Uzraksti par kādu gadījumu, kad tava mašīna salūza nepiemērotā brīdī.
Kā mašīnas ir mainījušas cilvēku dzīvi pēdējo simts gadu laikā?
Vai tu dotu priekšroku dzīvei bez mašīnas lielā pilsētā?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, while it's the most common meaning, it can mean any machine. However, if used alone without context, most Latvians will assume you mean a car.
'Mašīna' is a fully declinable noun used in speech. 'Auto' is indeclinable and often used in headlines, advertisements, or as a shorthand.
It is 'veļas mašīna'. 'Veļas' is the genitive of 'veļa' (laundry), so it literally means 'laundry's machine'.
It is feminine. You can tell by the '-a' ending. This means you use feminine adjectives like 'liela' or 'jauna'.
Use the locative case: 'Es esmu mašīnā'. Note the long 'ā' at the end.
Yes, but it's better to say 'smagā mašīna' (heavy car) or 'kravas mašīna' (cargo car).
It is a sewing machine. It's a compound of 'šūt' (to sew) and 'mašīna'.
Yes, it is one of the top 500 most used nouns in the Latvian language.
Like the 'sh' in 'show'. It is a voiceless postalveolar fricative.
It belongs to the 4th declension, which includes most feminine nouns ending in '-a'.
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
Write a sentence using 'mašīna' in the nominative case.
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Translate: 'I am in the car.'
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Translate: 'We are going by car.'
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Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about your car.
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Translate: 'The car's keys are on the table.'
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Use 'veļas mašīna' in a sentence.
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Translate: 'I need to repair my car.'
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Describe a 'truck' in Latvian using 'mašīna'.
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Translate: 'The state machine works slowly.'
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Write a sentence using the dative case 'mašīnai'.
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Translate: 'There are many cars in the city.'
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Write a sentence about a 'sewing machine'.
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Translate: 'I left my phone in the car.'
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Use 'mašīnbūve' in a sentence.
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Translate: 'He works like a machine.'
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Write a sentence about a 'time machine'.
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Translate: 'The car is in the service station.'
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Use the plural 'mašīnas' as a subject.
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Translate: 'I want to buy a new car next year.'
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Write a sentence using 'mašīnās' (locative plural).
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Say 'My car' in Latvian.
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Say 'In the car' in Latvian.
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Say 'I drive a car' in Latvian.
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Say 'Red car' in Latvian.
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Say 'By car' in Latvian.
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Say 'Washing machine' in Latvian.
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Ask 'Where is the car?' in Latvian.
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Say 'Five cars' in Latvian.
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Say 'The car is broken' in Latvian.
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Say 'Car keys' in Latvian.
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Say 'I am buying a car' in Latvian.
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Say 'New machine' in Latvian.
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Say 'I like your car' in Latvian.
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Say 'The car is in the garage' in Latvian.
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Say 'Big truck' in Latvian.
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Say 'Time machine' in Latvian.
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Say 'Sewing machine' in Latvian.
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Say 'The car is fast' in Latvian.
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Say 'I am washing the car' in Latvian.
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Say 'A lot of cars' in Latvian.
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Listen and transcribe: 'Mana mašīna ir sētā.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Mēs braucam ar mašīnu.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Atslēgas ir mašīnā.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Nopērc jaunu mašīnu!'
Listen and transcribe: 'Mašīna nelec no rīta.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Veļas mašīna beidza mazgāt.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Pilsētā ir sastrēgumi un daudz mašīnu.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Šī mašīna ir ļoti dārga.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Iekāp mašīnā, mēs kavējam!'
Listen and transcribe: 'Mašīnai vajadzīgs remonts.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Vai tā ir tava mašīna?'
Listen and transcribe: 'Mašīnas numurs ir skaidri redzams.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Viņš brauc ar smago mašīnu.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Mašīna ir tīra un skaista.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Mēs meklējam mašīnas atslēgas.'
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Summary
The word 'mašīna' is incredibly versatile, serving as both the common term for a car and the general term for any mechanical apparatus. For example, 'Es braucu ar mašīnu' means 'I am going by car'.
- Mašīna is the standard Latvian word for 'car' and 'machine'.
- It is a feminine noun belonging to the 4th declension (-a).
- Commonly used in household compounds like 'veļas mašīna' (washing machine).
- In formal contexts, 'automašīna' is the preferred term for a vehicle.
Declension Master
Practice the 7 cases of 'mašīna' to master the 4th declension. It's the perfect model word.
Compound Power
Learn 'mašīna' once and you've learned half of 'veļas mašīna', 'šujmašīna', and 'pļaujmašīna'.
The Long I
Always elongate the 'ī'. If you say 'mašina' with a short 'i', it sounds like a different word or just wrong.
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'automašīna' in your CV or police reports, but 'mašīna' when talking to your friends.
