How to Learn Cardinal Numbers in Latvian for English Speakers

Introduction to Latvian Cardinal Numbers

Cardinal numbers are the basic numbers used for counting and indicating quantity. In Latvian, learning cardinal numbers is essential for everyday communication, such as telling time, shopping, or giving your phone number. This article will guide English speakers through the basics of Latvian cardinal numbers.

Basic Latvian Cardinal Numbers from 0 to 10

Here are the Latvian cardinal numbers from zero to ten, along with their English equivalents and pronunciation tips.

Pronunciation Tips for Numbers 0-10

Latvian pronunciation is generally phonetic. For example, 'viens' is pronounced approximately as [viɛns], and 'desmit' as [dɛsmit]. Pay attention to the long vowels and the stress, which usually falls on the first syllable.

Numbers from 11 to 20

Numbers from eleven to twenty in Latvian are formed by combining the base numbers with the word for ten, 'desmit'.

Structure of Numbers 11-19

Notice that numbers 11 to 19 are formed by combining the base number (one to nine) with 'padsmit', which is related to 'desmit' (ten). For example, 'vienpadsmit' literally means 'one-ten' (eleven).

Tens and Beyond: 20, 30, 40, and so on

Latvian forms the tens by combining the base number with 'desmit' or 'desmiti'. Here are some examples:

Forming Numbers Between Tens

To form numbers between the tens, Latvian combines the tens and the units with a space. For example, 21 is 'divdesmit viens' (twenty one), and 35 is 'trīsdesmit pieci' (thirty five).

Hundreds and Thousands

Latvian cardinal numbers continue similarly for hundreds and thousands.

Notes on Plural Forms

Note that the words for hundred and thousand change form depending on the number. For example, 'simts' (hundred) becomes 'simti' in plural, and 'tūkstotis' (thousand) becomes 'tūkstoši'.

Practice Examples

Let's practice some numbers in Latvian:

• 7 - septiņi
• 14 - četrpadsmit
• 29 - divdesmit deviņi
• 53 - piecdesmit trīs
• 100 - viens simts
• 202 - divi simti divi
• 1,000 - viens tūkstotis
• 1,234 - viens tūkstotis divi simti trīsdesmit četri

Summary

Learning Latvian cardinal numbers involves understanding the base numbers, the formation of teens, tens, hundreds, and thousands. With practice, English speakers can quickly become comfortable using numbers in Latvian for everyday situations.