How to Form and Use the Passive Voice in Latvian

Understanding the Passive Voice in Latvian

The passive voice in Latvian is used to emphasize the action or the object of the action rather than the subject performing it. This is similar to English, where sentences like "The book was read by Anna" focus on the book rather than Anna.

Formation of the Passive Voice in Latvian

Latvian forms the passive voice primarily using the verb "būt" (to be) combined with the past passive participle of the main verb. The past passive participle agrees in gender and number with the subject.

Past Passive Participle Endings

The past passive participle in Latvian typically ends with -ts for masculine singular, -ta for feminine singular, and -ti or -tas for plural forms, depending on the verb.

For example, the verb rakstīt (to write) has the past passive participle rakstīts (masculine singular), rakstīta (feminine singular), and rakstīti (plural).

Using the Verb "Būt" (To Be)

The verb "būt" is conjugated according to the tense and number, and combined with the past passive participle to form the passive voice.

For example, in the present tense: Grāmata tiek lasīta means "The book is being read." Here, tiek is a form of "to be" used in the passive construction.

Examples of Passive Voice in Latvian

Here are some examples to illustrate the passive voice:

• Grāmata ir uzrakstīta. (The book is written.)
• Vārdi tiek tulkoti. (The words are being translated.)
• Durvis tika aizvērtas. (The door was closed.)
• Ziņas tiks nosūtītas. (The news will be sent.)

When to Use the Passive Voice in Latvian

The passive voice is commonly used when the doer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or obvious from context. It helps to focus on the action or the object rather than the subject.

It is also frequently used in formal writing, reports, and instructions.

Differences Between Latvian and English Passive Voice

While both languages use passive constructions, Latvian often uses the verb tikt plus the past passive participle to express ongoing passive actions, which is different from English.

For example, Vārdi tiek tulkoti translates to "The words are being translated," where tiek indicates the ongoing passive action.

Practice Phrases in Latvian Passive Voice