How to Use Numbers and Numerals in Latvian for English Speakers

Introduction to Latvian Numbers and Numerals

Numbers are an essential part of any language, and Latvian is no exception. For English speakers learning Latvian, understanding how numbers and numerals work is crucial for everyday communication, from telling time to shopping and beyond. This article will guide you through the basics of Latvian numbers, including cardinal and ordinal numbers, pronunciation, and usage.

Cardinal Numbers in Latvian

Cardinal numbers are used for counting and answering the question "How many?" Here are the basic cardinal numbers from 0 to 10 in Latvian:

• 0 - nulle
• 1 - viens
• 2 - divi
• 3 - trīs
• 4 - četri
• 5 - pieci
• 6 - seši
• 7 - septiņi
• 8 - astoņi
• 9 - deviņi
• 10 - desmit

Notice that the numbers from 1 to 9 have different forms depending on gender and case, but the forms listed here are the masculine nominative plural, which is commonly used for counting objects.

Pronunciation Tips for Latvian Numbers

Latvian pronunciation can be challenging for English speakers. Here are some tips for pronouncing numbers:

• The letter š is pronounced like the English 'sh' in 'shoe'.
• The letter č is pronounced like the English 'ch' in 'chocolate'.
• The letter ņ is a palatalized 'n', similar to the Spanish 'ñ'.
• Stress is usually on the first syllable of the word.

Forming Numbers Beyond Ten

Numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by combining the unit number with the word for ten, similar to English. For example:

• 11 - vienpadsmit (viens + padsmit)
• 12 - divpadsmit
• 13 - trīspadsmit
• 14 - četrpadsmit
• 15 - piecpadsmit
• 16 - sešpadsmit
• 17 - septiņpadsmit
• 18 - astoņpadsmit
• 19 - deviņpadsmit

From 20 onwards, numbers are formed by combining the tens and units with a space. For example, 21 is 'divdesmit viens' (twenty one). Tens are:

• 20 - divdesmit
• 30 - trīsdesmit
• 40 - četrdesmit
• 50 - piecdesmit
• 60 - sešdesmit
• 70 - septiņdesmit
• 80 - astoņdesmit
• 90 - deviņdesmit

Ordinal Numbers in Latvian

Ordinal numbers indicate position or order, such as first, second, third, etc. Here are the first five ordinal numbers in Latvian:

• 1st - pirmais
• 2nd - otrais
• 3rd - trešais
• 4th - ceturtais
• 5th - piektais

Ordinal numbers agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, so their endings may change accordingly.

Using Numbers in Everyday Latvian

Numbers are used in many contexts, such as telling time, dates, prices, and quantities. For example:

Common Mistakes to Avoid