How to Use Subordinate Clauses in Latvian for English Speakers

Understanding Subordinate Clauses in Latvian

Subordinate clauses are dependent clauses that cannot stand alone and are used to provide additional information in a sentence. In Latvian, subordinate clauses are introduced by conjunctions or relative pronouns, similar to English, but with some unique features.

What is a Subordinate Clause?

A subordinate clause contains a subject and a verb but depends on the main clause to form a complete sentence. For example, in English: "I know that you are coming." The clause "that you are coming" is subordinate.

Common Latvian Subordinating Conjunctions

Latvian uses several conjunctions to introduce subordinate clauses. Some of the most common include:

• ka (that)
• ja (if)
• lai (so that, in order to)
• kad (when)
• tā kā (because, since)
• kā (how, as)

Types of Subordinate Clauses in Latvian

Latvian subordinate clauses can be categorized based on their function in the sentence.

• Object Clauses (introduced by 'ka')
• Conditional Clauses (introduced by 'ja')
• Purpose Clauses (introduced by 'lai')
• Temporal Clauses (introduced by 'kad')
• Reason Clauses (introduced by 'tā kā')
• Comparative Clauses (introduced by 'kā')

Object Clauses

These clauses act as the object of the main verb and are usually introduced by the conjunction ka (that). For example:
"Es zinu, ka tu nāksi." (I know that you will come.)

Conditional Clauses

Conditional clauses express a condition and are introduced by ja (if). For example:
"Ja līs lietus, mēs paliksim mājās." (If it rains, we will stay home.)

Purpose Clauses

Purpose clauses express the intention or goal and are introduced by lai (so that, in order to). For example:
"Es strādāju, lai nopelnītu naudu." (I work in order to earn money.)

Word Order in Latvian Subordinate Clauses

Unlike English, Latvian subordinate clauses often have the verb at the end of the clause. For example:
"Es zinu, ka tu nāksi." (I know that you will come.) Notice that nāksi (will come) is at the end.

Examples of Word Order Differences

• English: I think that he is coming.
• Latvian: Es domāju, ka viņš nāk.
• English: If you study, you will succeed.
• Latvian: Ja tu mācies, tu gūsi panākumus.

Practice: Common Subordinate Clauses in Latvian