Significado
Asking for the definition or explanation of something.
Contexto cultural
Latvians are very proud of their unique 'zīmes' (symbols). If you ask 'Ko tas nozīmē?' about a pattern on a mitten, you might get a long story about ancient gods. In Latvian internet culture, 'Ko tas nozīmē?' is often used in forums like 'Cālis.lv' to discuss confusing government regulations or new slang. In 'Dainas' (folk songs), meaning is often hidden in metaphors about nature. Asking for meaning is a way of connecting with the 'hidden' world. Latvian business culture is becoming more Westernized, but 'Ko tas nozīmē?' is still used to ensure everyone is on the same page during contracts.
Point and Ask
If you don't know the word for an object, point at it and say 'Ko tas nozīmē?'. It's the fastest way to learn nouns.
Don't use 'Kas'
Avoid saying 'Kas tas nozīmē?'. It's the most common beginner mistake and sounds very 'foreign'.
Significado
Asking for the definition or explanation of something.
Point and Ask
If you don't know the word for an object, point at it and say 'Ko tas nozīmē?'. It's the fastest way to learn nouns.
Don't use 'Kas'
Avoid saying 'Kas tas nozīmē?'. It's the most common beginner mistake and sounds very 'foreign'.
Be Patient
Latvians might give you a very long, grammatical explanation. Listen for the English equivalent!
Teste-se
Choose the correct Latvian translation for 'What does that mean?'
How do you ask for a definition?
We use 'Ko' (Accusative) and the conjugated verb 'nozīmē'.
Fill in the missing word.
Ko _____ 'paldies'?
When asking for the meaning of a word, 'nozīmē' is the correct verb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Šis ir 'dzintars'. B: Atvainojiet, ________?
B is asking for the definition of the new word 'dzintars' (amber).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a sign you don't understand.
'Ko tas nozīmē?' is used to ask about the meaning of signs.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosHow do you ask for a definition?
We use 'Ko' (Accusative) and the conjugated verb 'nozīmē'.
Ko _____ 'paldies'?
When asking for the meaning of a word, 'nozīmē' is the correct verb.
A: Šis ir 'dzintars'. B: Atvainojiet, ________?
B is asking for the definition of the new word 'dzintars' (amber).
You see a sign you don't understand.
'Ko tas nozīmē?' is used to ask about the meaning of signs.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, you cannot ask 'Ko viņš nozīmē?' to mean 'Who is he?'. Use 'Kas viņš ir?'. You can only use it for people if you mean 'What is his significance/importance?'.
Both are correct, but 'Ko tas nozīmē' is much more common and natural.
Say: 'Ko tas nozīmē angliski?'
Because 'what' is the object of the verb 'to mean'. In Latvian, objects take the accusative case (Ko).
Yes! If something strange happens, you can ask 'Ko tas nozīmē?' to ask for an explanation of the event.
Not really, but in very informal speech, people might just say 'Nozīmē?' while pointing, though it's not recommended for learners.
'Ko tas nozīmēja?' (What did that mean?)
'Ko tas nozīmēs?' (What will that mean?)
No, in the 3rd person, Latvian verbs are the same for singular (tas) and plural (tie/tās).
Yes, it is perfectly polite and neutral.
Frases relacionadas
Kas tas ir?
similarWhat is that?
Ko tu teici?
builds onWhat did you say?
Es nesaprotu.
similarI don't understand.
Paskaidrojiet, lūdzu.
specialized formExplain, please.
