Latvian is the official language of Latvia. To feel more comfortable while enjoying your holiday in Latvia, we wish to offer you a number of useful expressions and words in the Latvian language that will certainly make communicating with the people of Latvia easier and the journey even more pleasant!

It is worth remembering that Latvian is related to Lithuanian, yet the languages are not mutually freely intelligible to their speakers. Whereas in the third Baltic country, Estonia, the completely different Estonian language is spoken, which belongs to the Finno-Ugric family. It also has to be noted that in Latvia, especially in Riga and the second largest city, Daugavpils, a large segment of the local population are ethnic Russian and thus, speak Russian.

While travelling in Latvia, some frequently used Latvian phrases may come in handy:
Expressions of politeness
Thank you – Paldies
Please / you’re welcome – Lūdzu
Good morning – Labrīt
Good day / afternoon – Labdien
Good evening – Labvakar
Hello / greetings – Sveicināti
Good-bye / see you again – Uz redzēšanos
Good night – Ar labu nakti
Cheers! – Priekā!
 
Useful words
Yes – Jā
No – Nē
Bus / coach – Autobuss
Shop – Veikals
Hotel– Viesnīca
Map – Karte
Nature – Daba
Forest – Mežs
Mountain – Kalns
Lake – Ezers
 
 
Source – Latvia travel http://www.latvia.travel/en/article/useful-words-and-phrases