Introduction to Latvian Personal Pronouns
In Latvian, just like in English, we use personal pronouns to talk about people without using their names. These pronouns can be used to refer to ourselves, to others, or to things.
Types of Personal Pronouns
Important Points
- First Person Singular: 'es' - used when talking about yourself
- Second Person Singular: 'tu' - used when talking to one other person
- Third Person Singular: 'viņš', 'viņa' - used when talking about someone else
- First Person Plural: 'mēs' - used when talking about yourself and others
- Second Person Plural: 'jūs' - used when talking to more than one person
- Third Person Plural: 'viņi', 'viņas' - used when talking about more than one person
Using Personal Pronouns in Sentences
Just like in English, personal pronouns in Latvian can be the subject of a sentence. They tell us who is doing the action.
Examples
- Es ēdu ābolu. (I am eating an apple.)
- Tu spēlē futbolu. (You are playing football.)
- Viņš lasa grāmatu. (He is reading a book.)
Gender in Latvian Pronouns
In Latvian, pronouns have gender. 'Viņš' is used for males, and 'viņa' is used for females. For plural, 'viņi' is used for groups with at least one male, and 'viņas' is used for groups of females.
Examples
- Viņa dzied skaisti. (She sings beautifully.)
- Viņi spēlē basketbolu. (They play basketball.)
- Viņas mācās skolā. (They study at school.)
Politeness in Latvian Pronouns
When speaking to someone you don't know well or someone older, it's polite to use 'jūs', even if you're talking to just one person.
Examples
- Jūs esat laipns. (You are kind.)
- Jūs runājat angliski. (You speak English.)