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A1 pronoun 11 min read

tu

Examples Notes & Tips tu in 30 Seconds
Explanation tu in your Level:
At the A1 level, the focus is on the most basic use of 'tu' as a subject pronoun. Learners are taught that 'tu' corresponds to 'you' in a singular, informal context. At this stage, you learn to pair 'tu' with simple verbs like 'būt' (to be) – 'tu esi' – and 'dzīvot' (to live) – 'tu dzīvo'. The primary goal is to distinguish 'tu' from 'es' (I) and 'viņš/viņa' (he/she). You will use 'tu' to ask basic questions like 'Kā tev iet?' (How are you?) although 'tev' is a different case, it is introduced early as a set phrase. You also learn that 'tu' is used for friends and family, while 'jūs' is for the teacher. Most exercises involve filling in the correct verb ending to match 'tu'.
At the A2 level, learners begin to explore the declension of 'tu'. You move beyond the nominative and start using 'tev' (dative) and 'tevi' (accusative) regularly. You learn to express needs and feelings: 'Tev vajag' (You need), 'Tev garšo' (You like the taste of). You also learn the possessive adjective 'tavs/tava' and how it changes based on the object owned. The distinction between 'tu' and 'jūs' becomes more nuanced, and you practice when to use each in various everyday scenarios like shopping or visiting a friend's house. You also start to omit 'tu' more frequently in speech, recognizing that the verb ending '-i' or '-u' is sufficient to identify the subject.
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By B1, you are expected to use 'tu' and its forms fluently in complex sentences. You learn to use 'tu' in the imperative mood for giving friendly advice or instructions: 'Ej taisni' (Go straight). You also encounter 'tu' in reflexive verbs: 'Tu mazgājies' (You wash yourself). At this level, you study the locative case 'tevī' (in you) and the genitive 'tevis' in constructions like 'bez tevis' (without you). You are also introduced to the cultural etiquette of 'pāriet uz tu', the social transition from formal to informal address. You can now engage in longer dialogues where the pronoun 'tu' sets a consistent tone of intimacy or familiarity.
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At the B2 level, the focus shifts to the stylistic and rhetorical uses of 'tu'. You learn how 'tu' can be used in a generic sense, similar to the English generic 'you' (e.g., 'When you go to Riga, you see...'). You also explore how 'tu' is used in literature and media to create a sense of direct address to the reader or viewer. You study more complex idiomatic expressions involving 'tu', such as 'palikt pie sava tu' (to stick to one's own 'you', meaning to maintain one's stance). Your understanding of the social dynamics of 'tu' vs 'jūs' becomes instinctive, allowing you to navigate professional and personal boundaries in Latvian society with ease.
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At the C1 level, you examine the historical and dialectal variations of 'tu'. You might encounter archaic forms in 19th-century literature or specific regional pronunciations. You study the use of 'tu' in high poetry and philosophical texts, where it might be used to address abstract concepts like 'freedom' or 'destiny'. You also look at how the choice of 'tu' can be used as a tool for characterization in drama and film—for instance, how a character's refusal to switch to 'tu' can indicate deep-seated conflict or class consciousness. Your use of the pronoun is now fully integrated with advanced grammar, including the use of 'tu' in various sub-clauses and with complex verbal moods.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'tu'. You can appreciate the subtle irony or aggression that can be conveyed by switching from 'jūs' to 'tu' in a heated argument (a move called 'tuvināšanās' or sometimes 'familiaritāte'). You can analyze the sociolinguistic shifts in modern Latvian where 'tu' is becoming more common in corporate environments. You understand the deep psychological implications of the pronoun in therapeutic or confessional contexts. You can write flawlessly in any register, knowing exactly when 'tu' is the most effective choice to achieve a specific emotional or rhetorical effect. You are also familiar with the rarest idiomatic uses and folk-song contexts where 'tu' carries centuries of cultural memory.
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Examples Notes & Tips

tu in 30 Seconds

  • The informal singular 'you' in Latvian.
  • Used for friends, family, children, and pets.
  • Requires verb agreement in the second person.
  • Changes forms (tev, tevi, etc.) depending on grammar.
  • Contrast with 'jūs' (formal/plural).
The Latvian word tu is the second-person singular pronoun, equivalent to the English word 'you'. However, unlike the modern English 'you', which serves both singular and plural, formal and informal purposes, the Latvian tu is strictly singular and informal. It is the language of intimacy, friendship, and childhood. When you use tu, you are signaling a level of closeness or a lack of social distance between yourself and the listener. In the Latvian linguistic landscape, pronouns carry significant social weight, and choosing between tu and its formal counterpart jūs is one of the first and most important decisions a speaker makes in any interaction.
Social Function
The word tu establishes a horizontal relationship. It is used among family members, close friends, colleagues of equal rank who have agreed to be informal, and when addressing children or animals. Using tu with a stranger or a superior without permission is often seen as a sign of poor education or intentional disrespect.

Vai tu gribi kafiju?

Historically, the distinction between tu and jūs mirrors the T-V distinction found in other European languages like French (tu/vous) or German (du/Sie). While the English language lost its singular informal pronoun 'thou' centuries ago, Latvian has preserved it, making it an essential tool for expressing emotional proximity.
Grammatical Role
As a pronoun, tu functions as the subject of a sentence. Because Latvian is a highly inflected language, the verb must agree with tu in person and number. For example, the verb 'to be' (būt) becomes 'esi' when paired with tu. This agreement is so strong that the pronoun itself is often omitted in casual speech because the verb ending already indicates who is being addressed.

Kur tu biji vakar vakarā?

Understanding tu is not just about learning a word; it is about understanding the boundaries of Latvian social etiquette. In modern urban environments, the use of tu is expanding among younger generations who often prefer a more egalitarian approach to communication, yet the respectful jūs remains the default for any professional or unfamiliar encounter. When in doubt, always wait for the older person or the person in a higher position to suggest using tu. This dance of pronouns is a fundamental part of the Latvian soul, reflecting a culture that values both deep personal connection and formal respect for social order.
Cultural Nuance
In poetry and folk songs (dainas), tu is used to address nature, the sun, or personified elements, creating a sense of unity between the human and the natural world. This usage transcends mere informality and enters the realm of spiritual or cosmic belonging.

Kāpēc tu man neko neteici?

Using tu correctly in a sentence requires more than just placing it at the beginning. Because Latvian is a synthetic language, the pronoun tu triggers a series of grammatical changes in the words around it, particularly verbs and adjectives. The most critical aspect is verb conjugation. Every verb in Latvian has a specific ending for the second-person singular. For instance, in the present tense, many verbs end in '-i' or '-u' depending on their conjugation class. For example, 'strādāt' (to work) becomes 'tu strādā', while 'lasīt' (to read) becomes 'tu lasi'.
Verb Agreement
The relationship between the pronoun and the verb is symbiotic. While English requires 'you' to accompany 'are' to make sense, Latvian 'esi' (you are) is so distinct that 'tu' can be dropped. However, including 'tu' adds emphasis or clarity, especially when contrasting different people's actions.

Tu esi mans labākais draugs.

Beyond the nominative case, tu transforms through the Latvian declension system. You must learn the five main forms: tu (subject), tevis (genitive/possession), tev (dative/to you), tevi (accusative/direct object), and tevī (locative/inside you). For example, if you want to say 'I see you', you use the accusative: 'Es redzu tevi'. If you want to say 'I give to you', you use the dative: 'Es dodu tev'.
The Dative Case with 'Tev'
In Latvian, many expressions of feeling or state use the dative case. Instead of saying 'You are cold', Latvians say 'To you is cold' (Tev ir auksti). This makes the dative form tev one of the most frequently used variations of the pronoun tu.

Vai tev patīk šī dāvana?

Negative sentences simply add 'ne' before the verb, and tu remains the same. 'Tu neesi šeit' (You are not here). When giving commands (imperative mood), the pronoun tu is almost always omitted, but the verb form is specifically derived from the tu conjugation. For example, 'Tu ej' (You go) becomes the command 'Ej!' (Go!). Understanding these structural dependencies ensures that when you use tu, you are not just translating English word-for-word, but speaking authentic Latvian.
Possessive Usage
While tevis is the genitive form, possession is usually expressed with the possessive adjective 'tavs' (your), which agrees in gender, number, and case with the object possessed, not the owner. 'Tava māja' (Your house - feminine).

Es domāju par tevi katru dienu.

You will hear the word tu everywhere in Latvia, provided you are in the right social circles. It is the heartbeat of domestic life. In a Latvian home, parents address their children as tu, and children respond with tu. This creates a linguistic circle of trust. If you walk through a park in Riga, you will hear teenagers shouting to each other using tu. It is the language of the playground, the sports field, and the late-night café conversation between best friends.
Media and Pop Culture
In Latvian pop music, tu is ubiquitous. Love songs are almost exclusively addressed to tu. Lyrics like 'Tu esi mana pasaule' (You are my world) or 'Bez tevis nav saules' (Without you there is no sun) utilize the emotional weight of the informal pronoun to convey intimacy that the formal jūs simply cannot reach.

Paldies, ka tu atnāci!

In literature, the use of tu can signal a shift in a relationship. A classic trope in Latvian novels involves two characters who have known each other for years finally deciding to 'pāriet uz tu' (switch to 'tu'), marking a climax in their emotional connection. In cinema, the choice of pronoun can immediately tell the audience the power dynamic between two characters. A boss using tu to an employee who responds with jūs indicates a hierarchical, perhaps even condescending, relationship.
Public Spaces
While you won't hear a shopkeeper address you as tu, you will hear it in advertisements. Many modern brands use tu in their slogans to appear 'friendly' and 'accessible' to the consumer, a marketing tactic that attempts to break the traditional barrier of formality.

Vai tu esi gatavs piedzīvojumam?

Finally, in religious contexts, tu is used when addressing God in prayer, similar to the archaic English 'Thou'. This signifies a direct, personal, and humble connection to the divine, emphasizing that in the eyes of the creator, there is no need for formal social masks. Whether in the whispers of a prayer, the shouts of a football match, or the lyrics of a radio hit, tu is the word Latvians use when they want to be real.
The 'Tu' of Nature
In folk traditions, even the moon and the sea are addressed as tu, reflecting the ancient Latvian worldview where humans are part of a living, breathing, and familiar ecosystem.

Mīļā saule, kāpēc tu norietēji tik agri?

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with tu is overusing it due to the lack of a formal/informal distinction in English. In English, 'you' is universal; in Latvian, using tu in the wrong context can be a social 'faux pas'. If you address a police officer, a doctor, or an elderly person as tu, it might be perceived as aggressive, uneducated, or dismissive. The rule of thumb is: start with jūs and wait for the other person to invite you to use tu.
Mistake 1: The 'You' Generalization
Assuming tu works for everyone. English speakers often find it hard to remember that 'you' has two versions. Remember: tu is for one friend; jūs is for one stranger or many people.

Tu esat skolotājs? (Incorrect) -> Jūs esat skolotājs? (Correct)

Another common error involves the case system. Learners often use tu when they should use an inflected form. For example, 'I love you' is often incorrectly translated as 'Es mīlu tu' instead of 'Es mīlu tevi'. In Latvian, the object of a verb must change its form. Similarly, when expressing possession, learners might say 'Tu grāmata' instead of 'Tava grāmata' (Your book).
Mistake 2: Case Misuse
Using the nominative tu for everything. If 'you' is receiving an action, it must be tevi. If 'you' are the recipient of a gift, it must be tev.

Es redzu tu. (Incorrect) -> Es redzu tevi. (Correct)

Pronunciation can also be a pitfall. English speakers might pronounce the 'u' in tu like the 'u' in 'but' or 'use'. In Latvian, it is a pure, short 'u' sound, like the 'oo' in 'foot' but shorter. Getting the vowel length wrong can sometimes lead to confusion with other words. Finally, avoid using tu in formal emails or letters unless you are writing to a close relative. Even if you have met someone once, stay with jūs until the relationship is established.
Mistake 3: The Plural Trap
Using tu when talking to two friends. Even if you are close to both, you must use the plural jūs when addressing them together. Tu is strictly for one person only.

Draugi, tu nāksi? (Incorrect) -> Draugi, jūs nāksiet? (Correct)

While tu is the primary informal singular pronoun, there are several related words and alternatives that a learner must distinguish to speak naturally. The most important alternative is jūs. While tu is for friends, jūs is for everyone else. In English, we use 'you' for both, but in Latvian, the choice between tu and jūs defines the social distance.
Tu vs. Jūs
Use tu for: friends, family, children, pets, God. Use jūs for: strangers, teachers, bosses, multiple people, and in formal writing. Using jūs for one person is a sign of respect.

Vai tu (friend) vai jūs (stranger) gribat tēju?

Another set of words often confused with tu are the possessive adjectives. Tavs (your, masculine) and tava (your, feminine) are used to show that something belongs to tu. Unlike English, these words must match the gender of the object owned. 'Tavs brālis' (your brother) but 'tava māsa' (your sister).
Tu vs. Tavs
Tu is the person ('You are...'), while tavs is the possession ('Your car...'). Beginners often mix these up, saying 'Tu suns' instead of 'Tavs suns'.

Šis ir tavs telefons, un tu esi šeit.

In some dialects or older literature, you might see the word tū, but this is rare and usually restricted to specific poetic meters. In very informal slang, some people might use Russian-influenced pronouns, but this is generally discouraged in standard Latvian. The most common 'alternative' to using the word tu is simply omitting it. Because the verb already says 'you', saying the word tu can sometimes feel redundant. 'Ko dari?' is more common than 'Ko tu dari?' in fast, natural conversation.
Summary of Forms
Nominative: tu (Subject); Genitive: tevis (Of you); Dative: tev (To you); Accusative: tevi (You as object); Locative: tevī (In you).

Es ticu tev.

Fun Fact

The word 'tu' has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest and most stable words in the Latvian language.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tu/
US /tu/
The word is a single syllable, so the stress is naturally on the only vowel.
Rhymes With
nu (now) gu (lay - archaic) mu (moo) ku (cluck) du (thud - rare) lu (look - rare) pu (poo - childish) ru (growl)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it like the English word 'too' (which is longer).
  • Pronouncing it like the 'u' in 'cup'.
  • Adding a 'w' sound at the end (tuw).
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Examples by Level

1

Tu esi šeit.

You are here.

'Esi' is the 2nd person singular of 'būt' (to be).

2

Vai tu runā latviski?

Do you speak Latvian?

'Runā' is the 2nd person singular of 'runāt' (to speak).

3

Tu dzer ūdeni.

You are drinking water.

'Dzer' is the 2nd person singular of 'dzert' (to drink).

4

Kur tu dzīvo?

Where do you live?

Standard question structure with 'tu'.

5

Tu mācies skolā.

You study at school.

'Mācies' is a reflexive verb form for 'tu'.

6

Tu esi mans draugs.

You are my friend.

Use of 'tu' to show friendship.

7

Ko tu dari?

What are you doing?

Common daily question.

8

Tu ej uz parku.

You are going to the park.

'Ej' is the irregular 2nd person singular of 'iet' (to go).

1

Tev ir skaista māja.

You have a beautiful house (To you is a beautiful house).

Dative case 'tev' used to show possession.

2

Es tevi redzu.

I see you.

Accusative case 'tevi' as the direct object.

3

Vai tev garšo āboli?

Do you like apples?

Dative 'tev' with the verb 'garšot'.

4

Tava māsa ir gudra.

Your sister is smart.

Possessive adjective 'tava' matching feminine 'māsa'.

5

Es tev došu grāmatu.

I will give you a book.

Dative 'tev' as the indirect object.

6

Tev vajag atpūsties.

You need to rest.

Dative 'tev' used with 'vajag'.

7

Ar tevi ir jautri.

It is fun with you.

'Tevi' is the accusative form used after the preposition 'ar'.

8

Tavs suns ir liels.

Your dog is big.

Possessive 'tavs' matching masculine 'suns'.

1

Bez tevis es nevaru dzīvot.

Without you, I cannot live.

'Tevis' is the genitive form used after the preposition 'bez'.

2

Tevī ir liels spēks.

In you is great strength.

'Tevī' is the locative form, meaning 'inside you'.

3

Tu varētu man palīdzēt?

Could you help me?

Conditional mood 'varētu' used with 'tu'.

4

Pāriesim uz tu?

Shall we switch to 'tu'?

A cultural idiom for moving from formal to informal.

5

Tu pats zini patiesību.

You yourself know the truth.

'Pats' is an emphasizing pronoun matching 'tu'.

6

Es lepojos ar tevi.

I am proud of you.

'Ar tevi' used with the verb 'lepoties'.

7

Tev nav taisnība.

You are not right.

Dative 'tev' used in the expression for being right/wrong.

8

Tu izskaties noguris.

You look tired.

Verb 'izskatīties' agreeing with 'tu'.

1

Ja tu būtu šeit, viss būtu citādāk.

If you were here, everything would be different.

Subjunctive mood with 'tu'.

2

Tu nekad nebeidz mani pārsteigt.

You never cease to amaze me.

Negative construction with 'tu'.

3

Tevis dēļ es esmu gatavs uz visu.

For your sake, I am ready for anything.

'Tevis dēļ' is a common genitive construction.

4

Tu esi tas, kurš vienmēr palīdz.

You are the one who always helps.

Relative clause starting with 'kurš'.

5

Tev piemīt neparasts talants.

You possess an unusual talent.

Dative 'tev' with the verb 'piemist'.

6

Tu proti atrast īstos vārdus.

You know how to find the right words.

Verb 'prast' (to know how) with 'tu'.

7

Tev par godu mēs rīkojam svētkus.

In your honor, we are organizing a celebration.

Dative 'tev' in a formal-informal blend expression.

8

Tu esi pelnījis atvaļinājumu.

You have earned a vacation.

Perfect tense with 'tu'.

1

Tu, mana tēvzeme, esi dārga.

You, my fatherland, are dear.

Personification of a country using 'tu'.

2

Tevī kūsā dzīvība un enerģija.

Life and energy are seething within you.

Poetic use of the locative 'tevī'.

3

Tu esi kā atbalss no pagātnes.

You are like an echo from the past.

Metaphorical use of 'tu'.

4

Tevis pietrūkst ik uz soļa.

You are missed at every step.

'Pietrūkt' (to miss/lack) takes the genitive 'tevis'.

5

Tu spēj saskatīt to, ko citi neredz.

You are able to see what others do not.

Complex sentence structure with 'tu'.

6

Tev ir dots uzdevums, ko nevar noraidīt.

You have been given a task that cannot be rejected.

Passive construction involving 'tev'.

7

Tu esi savas laimes kalējs.

You are the blacksmith of your own luck (idiom).

Proverbial usage of 'tu'.

8

Tevis sacītais paliks manā atmiņā.

What was said by you will remain in my memory.

Genitive 'tevis' used as an agent in a participle construction.

1

Tu, kas esi visur, uzklausi mūs.

You, who are everywhere, hear us.

Archaic/Religious direct address.

2

Tevī mīt gan gaisma, gan tumsa.

Both light and darkness dwell within you.

Philosophical use of 'tevī'.

3

Tu esi tikai mirklis mūžības priekšā.

You are but a moment before eternity.

Abstract philosophical statement.

4

Tevis dēļ ir lietas asinis un sviedri.

For your sake, blood and sweat have been shed.

Historical/Epic tone using 'tevis'.

5

Tu iemieso visu to, kas mums dārgs.

You embody all that is dear to us.

Use of 'iemiesot' (to embody).

6

Tev nav lemts uzzināt galu.

You are not destined to know the end.

Dative 'tev' with the passive 'lemts'.

7

Tu, nezināmais ceļiniek, apstājies!

You, unknown traveler, stop!

Vocative-like address using 'tu'.

8

Tevī atbalsojas senču balsis.

The voices of ancestors echo in you.

Deeply cultural/spiritual use of 'tevī'.

Common Collocations

Tu esi
Ko tu
Vai tu
Tev ir
Ar tevi
Bez tevis
Par tevi
Tev vajag
Tu pats
Kur tu

Common Phrases

Kā tev iet?

— How are you doing? Used casually with friends.

Sveiks! Kā tev iet?

Tev taisnība.

— You are right. A common way to agree.

Jā, tev taisnība.

Paldies tev.

— Thank you (to you). Slightly more personal than just 'Paldies'.

Paldies tev par palīdzību.

Tev veicas!

— You are lucky! Used when someone has good fortune.

Tev veicas, tu uzvarēji!

Ko tu teiksi?

— What will you say? Asking for an opinion.

Ko tu teiksi par šo ideju?

Tev piestāv.

— It suits you. Usually said about clothes or a hairstyle.

Šī kleita tev piestāv.

Tev nav tiesību.

— You have no right. Used in arguments.

Tev nav tiesību tā runāt!

Tu joko?

— Are you joking? Expressing disbelief.

Tu joko? Tas nav iespējams!

Tev nav ko darīt?

— Don't you have anything to do? Often said to someone being annoying.

Tev tiešām nav ko darīt?

Tu esi malacis!

— You are a 'good egg' / you did great! High praise for a job well done.

Tu nokārtoji eksāmenu! Tu esi malacis!

Idioms & Expressions

"Palikt pie sava tu"

— To stick to one's informal status or to maintain one's own opinion/stance.

Viņš palika pie sava tu un neatvainojās.

neutral
"Būt uz tu ar..."

— To be very familiar with something or someone, to know it inside out.

Viņš ir uz tu ar datoriem.

informal
"Pāriet uz tu"

— To start using the informal 'tu' instead of 'jūs'.

Mēs jau sen pārgājām uz tu.

neutral
"Tev nu bija!"

— There you have it! / Well, that happened! (Expressing surprise or irony).

Tev nu bija pārsteigums!

informal
"Tu man vēl redzēsi!"

— You'll see! (A mild threat or promise of future action).

Tu man vēl redzēsi, kurš ir labākais!

informal
"Tev nav ne jausmas."

— You have no idea.

Tev nav ne jausmas, cik tas bija grūti.

neutral
"Tu nu gan dod!"

— You're really something! (Can be positive or negative surprise).

Tu nu gan dod, tik ātri pabeidzi!

informal
"Tev tas ir asinīs."

— It's in your blood.

Mūzika tev ir asinīs.

neutral
"Tu neesi nekas."

— You are nothing (very insulting).

Bez naudas tu neesi nekas.

slang
"Tev vārds."

— The floor is yours / Your turn to speak.

Tagad tev vārds, saki ko domā.

neutral

Word Family

Adjectives

tavs your (masculine singular)
tava your (feminine singular)
tavi your (masculine plural)
tavas your (feminine plural)

Related

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

'Tu' sounds like the start of 'Two', but it's only for ONE person (you).

Visual Association

Imagine pointing a finger at a single friend. The shape of the letter 'T' looks like a person standing, and 'U' is like a cup you are handing to them.

Word Web

tu tev tevi tavs tava tevis tevī pats

Challenge

Try to spend an entire hour only addressing people as 'tu' (if they are friends) and notice how many times the verb ending changes.

Word Origin

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *túh₂, which is the ancestor of second-person singular pronouns in almost all Indo-European languages.

Original meaning: Second person singular pronoun.

Indo-European -> Balto-Slavic -> Baltic -> Latvian.
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