Whether you’re planning to visit Latvia or are just interested in expanding your language skills, learning vocabulary related to sports and leisure can be both practical and enjoyable. Let’s explore some key terms that you may encounter when discussing sports, activities, and hobbies in Latvian.

Sports

In Latvian, the word for “sports” is sports. It is a cornerstone term around which many activities are centered.
Vai tu regulāri nodarbojies ar sportu?
(Do you regularly engage in sports?)

Futbols

One of the most popular sports worldwide is futbols, which is the Latvian word for “football” or “soccer” as known in North America.
Latvijā futbols ir ļoti populārs.
(In Latvia, football is very popular.)

Hokejs

Another very popular sport in Latvia is hokejs, the word for “hockey.”
Ziemā bieži skatos hokeju televīzijā.
(In the winter, I often watch hockey on TV.)

Baseins

The word for “swimming pool” is baseins. It is a place where people often go to swim or participate in aqua sports.
Pēcpusdienā aiziešu uz baseinu peldēties.
(In the afternoon, I will go to the swimming pool for a swim.)

Peldēšana

The act of swimming is referred to as peldēšana in Latvian.
Vasaras brīvdienās man patīk nodoties peldēšanai.
(I like to go swimming on summer weekends.)

Daivings

Scuba diving is expressed as daivings and is an activity enjoyed by those who love exploring underwater worlds.
Nākamajā atvaļinājumā plānoju pamēģināt daivingu.
(On my next vacation, I plan to try scuba diving.)

Basketbols

The sport of basketball is known as basketbols in Latvian, and it is broadly followed all over the country.
Vakar spēlēju basketbolu ar draugiem.
(Yesterday, I played basketball with friends.)

Skriešana

Skriešana translates to “running,” which is a common form of exercise or competitive sport.
Ik rītu sāku dienu ar skriešanu parkā.
(Every morning I start the day with a run in the park.)

Vingrošana

The term vingrošana stands for “gymnastics” or “exercising” in a more general term, which includes a variety of physical activities.
Mani bērni apmeklē vingrošanas nodarbības.
(My children attend gymnastics classes.)

Slēpošana

For winter sports enthusiasts, slēpošana is the Latvian word for “skiing.”
Katru ziemu ģimene dodas uz kalniem slēpot.
(Every winter, the family goes to the mountains to ski.)

Izklaide

Talking about relaxation, izklaide means “entertainment” or “recreation.”
Brīvdienās meklēju dažādas izklaides iespējas.
(On weekends, I look for various entertainment options.)

Makšķerēšana

The hobby of “fishing” is referred to as makšķerēšana, which is a popular leisure activity in this Baltic country.
Agrā rītā aizeju makšķerēt pie upes.
(Early in the morning, I go fishing by the river.)

Pikniks

For outdoor dining enthusiasts, pikniks means “picnic.”
Šajā nedēļas nogalē plānoju pikniku meža malā.
(This weekend, I am planning a picnic at the edge of the forest.)

Deja

And if you love moving to the rhythm, you’ll enjoy deja, which is simply “dance.”
Vakara ballē visi ļāvās dejai.
(At the evening ball, everyone indulged in dance.)

By familiarizing yourself with these Latvian terms for sports and leisure activities, you can enrich your vocabulary and enhance your cultural understanding. Whether discussing these activities or planning to participate in them, these words will certainly prove to be useful in your Latvian language journey.