Significado
Being overly dependent on someone.
Contexto cultural
Latvians value 'darba tikums' (work ethic) above almost all else. Being called a 'klēpī sēdētājs' is a significant insult to one's character. In Estonia and Lithuania, similar concepts exist, reflecting a shared history of agrarian self-reliance and the need to be 'stiprs' (strong). Despite the idiom, many young Latvians in Riga live with parents due to the high cost of living, leading to a shift in how the phrase is perceived—sometimes it's used with self-deprecating humor. In folk songs (dainas), the lap is a place of sacred protection for children, which makes the adult use of the idiom even more jarring and effective.
The Dative Secret
Always remember to put the person providing the 'lap' in the dative case. It's 'mammai', not 'mamma'.
Don't be too mean
This phrase is quite strong. Use it with friends, but be careful using it about someone's family members to their face.
Significado
Being overly dependent on someone.
The Dative Secret
Always remember to put the person providing the 'lap' in the dative case. It's 'mammai', not 'mamma'.
Don't be too mean
This phrase is quite strong. Use it with friends, but be careful using it about someone's family members to their face.
Use with 'joprojām'
Adding 'joprojām' (still) makes the idiom sound much more natural and emphasizes the frustration.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing word in the correct case.
Viņš ir slinks un joprojām sēž ________ (vecāki) klēpī.
The person whose lap it is must be in the dative case (vecākiem).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say someone is dependent?
How would you describe a 40-year-old who doesn't work and lives with his mom?
'Sēdēt klēpī' is the standard idiom for this situation.
Match the idiom to the situation.
Situation: A politician is doing exactly what a wealthy businessman tells him to do.
In this context, it implies the politician is 'in the pocket' or dependent on the businessman.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Man apnika, ka Juris nekad nemaksā par vakariņām! B: Jā, viņš jau sen ________.
B is agreeing that Juris is dependent on A (dative 'tev').
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosViņš ir slinks un joprojām sēž ________ (vecāki) klēpī.
The person whose lap it is must be in the dative case (vecākiem).
How would you describe a 40-year-old who doesn't work and lives with his mom?
'Sēdēt klēpī' is the standard idiom for this situation.
Situation: A politician is doing exactly what a wealthy businessman tells him to do.
In this context, it implies the politician is 'in the pocket' or dependent on the businessman.
A: Man apnika, ka Juris nekad nemaksā par vakariņām! B: Jā, viņš jau sen ________.
B is agreeing that Juris is dependent on A (dative 'tev').
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, if one partner is paying for everything and the other isn't trying to contribute, you can say 'Viņš/viņa sēž man klēpī'.
Mostly, but it can also be about emotional dependency—someone who can't make a single decision without their parents.
Yes, you can say 'Viņš vēl nav uzsācis patstāvīgu dzīvi' (He hasn't started an independent life yet).
Metaphorically, yes. You can also say 'sēdēt valstij klēpī' (sitting in the state's lap) regarding welfare.
Yes, usually to express guilt: 'Es jūtos slikti, ka joprojām sēžu vecākiem klēpī'.
Very common. You will hear it in cafes, on the news, and in family homes.
The opposite is 'stāvēt uz savām kājām' (to stand on one's own feet).
It's more of a casual idiom than 'slang'. It's widely understood by all ages.
No, that would be literal. A cat sitting in your lap is just 'kaķis sēž klēpī'.
It's 'KLEH-pee' with a long 'e' and a long 'i'.
Frases relacionadas
Sēdēt uz kakla
similarTo be a burden on someone.
Dzīvot uz citu rēķina
synonymTo live at others' expense.
Būt zem tupeles
contrastTo be henpecked or controlled by a partner.
Stāvēt uz savām kājām
contrastTo be independent.
