How to Use Future Tense in Latvian Verbs for English Speakers

Understanding the Future Tense in Latvian Verbs

In Latvian, the future tense is used to describe actions that will happen later than the present moment. Unlike English, which often uses auxiliary verbs like "will" or "shall," Latvian forms the future tense primarily through verb conjugation and sometimes with the help of auxiliary verbs.

Forming the Future Tense in Latvian

There are two main ways to express the future tense in Latvian verbs: by using the simple future form or by using the present tense of the verb "būt" (to be) plus the infinitive of the main verb.

Let's explore both methods in detail.

1. Simple Future Tense (Synthetic Form)

Some Latvian verbs have a specific future tense form, especially those that are derived from the verb "būt" (to be). However, for most verbs, the simple future tense is not commonly used in everyday speech.

For example, the verb "būt" (to be) conjugates in the future tense as follows:

• Es būšu – I will be
• Tu būsi – You will be (singular)
• Viņš/Viņa būs – He/She will be
• Mēs būsim – We will be
• Jūs būsiet – You will be (plural/formal)
• Viņi/Viņas būs – They will be

2. Periphrastic Future Tense (Using "būt" + Infinitive)

The most common way to express the future tense in Latvian is by using the present tense of the verb "būt" (to be) followed by the infinitive form of the main verb.

For example, to say "I will read," you say "Es būšu lasīt".

• Es būšu lasīt – I will read
• Tu būsi rakstīt – You will write
• Viņš būs runāt – He will speak
• Mēs būsim dzirdēt – We will hear
• Jūs būsiet strādāt – You will work
• Viņi būs mācīties – They will learn

Usage Tips for English Speakers Learning Latvian Future Tense

English speakers should note that Latvian often uses the present tense to express near future actions, similar to English. The periphrastic future ("būt" + infinitive) is more formal or used to emphasize the future aspect.

For example, "Es eju uz veikalu" can mean "I am going to the store" or "I will go to the store" depending on context.

Common Future Tense Verbs in Latvian

Practice Examples

Here are some sentences using the future tense in Latvian:

• Rīt es būšu mājās. – Tomorrow I will be at home.
• Viņa būs lasīt grāmatu. – She will read a book.
• Mēs būsim ceļā uz darbu. – We will be on the way to work.
• Jūs būsiet gatavi nākamnedēļ. – You will be ready next week.
• Viņi būs spēlēt futbolu. – They will play football.