When learning a new language, understanding how to describe different seasons is essential for everyday conversation. In Latvian, the seasons are beautifully articulated, and knowing the right vocabulary can help you describe various activities, weather conditions, and cultural practices. This article will focus on the differences between **ziemā** (in winter) and **vasarā** (in summer) in Latvian, providing you with essential vocabulary and example sentences to help you master these terms.

Ziemā – In Winter

Winter in Latvia is a time of cold weather, snow, and various traditional activities. Let’s explore some key vocabulary associated with winter.

ziemā – in winter
Latvijā ziemā bieži ir sniegs.
In Latvia, there is often snow in winter.

sniegs – snow
Bērni spēlējas sniegā.
Children play in the snow.

auksts – cold
Šorīt ir ļoti auksts laiks.
It is very cold this morning.

ziemassvētki – Christmas
Mēs svinam Ziemassvētkus ar ģimeni.
We celebrate Christmas with family.

sniegavīrs – snowman
Mēs uztaisījām lielu sniegavīru pagalmā.
We made a big snowman in the yard.

slēpot – to ski
Es mīlu slēpot kalnos.
I love to ski in the mountains.

ziemas sports – winter sports
Ziemas sporta veidi ir ļoti populāri Latvijā.
Winter sports are very popular in Latvia.

ledus – ice
Dīķis ir pārklāts ar ledu.
The pond is covered with ice.

ledus slidotava – ice rink
Mēs devāmies uz ledus slidotavu vakar.
We went to the ice rink yesterday.

silts apģērbs – warm clothes
Ziemā ir svarīgi valkāt siltu apģērbu.
In winter, it is important to wear warm clothes.

snigšana – snowfall
Pagājušajā naktī bija stipra snigšana.
Last night, there was heavy snowfall.

pūce – owl
Pūces bieži dzirdamas ziemā, kad tās medī.
Owls are often heard in winter when they hunt.

karsts dzēriens – hot drink
Ziemā patīk dzert karstu dzērienu.
In winter, I like to drink a hot drink.

kaķis – cat
Mans kaķis ziemā guļ pie kamīna.
My cat sleeps by the fireplace in winter.

Vasarā – In Summer

Summer in Latvia is a time of warmth, long days, and outdoor activities. Here are some essential words and phrases related to summer.

vasarā – in summer
Latvijā vasarā ir silts un saulains laiks.
In Latvia, the weather is warm and sunny in summer.

karsts – hot
Šodien ir ļoti karsts laiks.
Today, the weather is very hot.

saulains – sunny
Rīt būs saulains laiks.
Tomorrow will be sunny.

jūra – sea
Mēs bieži braucam uz jūru vasarā.
We often go to the sea in summer.

pludmale – beach
Pludmale ir pilna ar cilvēkiem.
The beach is full of people.

peldēties – to swim
Bērni mīl peldēties jūrā.
Children love to swim in the sea.

pikniks – picnic
Mēs rīkosim pikniku parkā.
We will have a picnic in the park.

vasaras brīvdienas – summer holidays
Vasaras brīvdienās mēs ceļojam pa Latviju.
During the summer holidays, we travel around Latvia.

ziedi – flowers
Vasarā dārzs ir pilns ar ziediem.
In summer, the garden is full of flowers.

ogas – berries
Mēs lasām ogas mežā.
We pick berries in the forest.

grilēt – to grill
Mēs grilējam gaļu dārzā.
We grill meat in the garden.

vasaras saulgrieži – summer solstice
Vasaras saulgriežos mēs svinam Jāņus.
During the summer solstice, we celebrate Jāņi.

jāņi – midsummer festival
Jāņi ir viena no svarīgākajām svinībām Latvijā.
Jāņi is one of the most important celebrations in Latvia.

velosipēds – bicycle
Es bieži braucu ar velosipēdu vasarā.
I often ride a bicycle in summer.

vasaras naktis – summer nights
Vasaras naktis ir garas un siltas.
Summer nights are long and warm.

Comparing Ziemā and Vasarā

Understanding the differences between winter and summer in Latvian not only helps you expand your vocabulary but also allows you to engage in richer conversations about the seasons. Let’s compare some aspects of winter and summer in Latvian.

Weather Conditions

In **ziemā**, the weather is typically **auksts** (cold), with frequent **sniegs** (snow) and **ledus** (ice). In contrast, **vasarā**, the weather is **karsts** (hot) and **saulains** (sunny).

auksts – cold
Ziemā ir auksts laiks.
It is cold in winter.

karsts – hot
Vasarā ir karsts laiks.
It is hot in summer.

sniegs – snow
Ziemā bieži snieg.
It often snows in winter.

saulains – sunny
Vasarā bieži ir saulains laiks.
It is often sunny in summer.

Activities

Winter activities (**ziemā**) often include **slēpot** (to ski), building **sniegavīrs** (snowman), and enjoying **karsts dzēriens** (hot drink). In summer (**vasarā**), people enjoy **peldēties** (to swim), having a **pikniks** (picnic), and **grilēt** (to grill).

slēpot – to ski
Ziemā mēs slēpojam kalnos.
In winter, we ski in the mountains.

peldēties – to swim
Vasarā mēs peldamies ezerā.
In summer, we swim in the lake.

sniegavīrs – snowman
Bērni būvē sniegavīru pagalmā.
Children build a snowman in the yard.

pikniks – picnic
Mēs rīkojam pikniku parkā vasarā.
We have a picnic in the park in summer.

karsts dzēriens – hot drink
Ziemā mēs dzeram karstu tēju.
In winter, we drink hot tea.

grilēt – to grill
Vasarā mēs grilējam dārzā.
In summer, we grill in the garden.

Cultural Events

Latvia has unique cultural events in both winter and summer. **Ziemassvētki** (Christmas) is a significant winter celebration, while **Jāņi** (midsummer festival) is a major summer event.

ziemassvētki – Christmas
Ziemassvētki ir ģimenes svētki.
Christmas is a family celebration.

jāņi – midsummer festival
Jāņos mēs dziedam un dejojam ap ugunskuru.
During Jāņi, we sing and dance around the bonfire.

vasaras saulgrieži – summer solstice
Vasaras saulgrieži ir garākā diena gadā.
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year.

Nature

Winter and summer also bring different natural phenomena. In **ziemā**, you see **sniegs** (snow) and **ledus** (ice), while in **vasarā**, you encounter **ziedi** (flowers) and **ogas** (berries).

ziedi – flowers
Vasarā dārzā zied daudz ziedu.
In summer, many flowers bloom in the garden.

ogas – berries
Vasarā mēs lasām ogas mežā.
In summer, we pick berries in the forest.

sniegs – snow
Ziemā sniegs klāj zemi.
In winter, snow covers the ground.

ledus – ice
Ziemā upe ir pārklāta ar ledu.
In winter, the river is covered with ice.

Practice Makes Perfect

To truly master these seasonal terms and phrases, practice is key. Engage in conversations with native speakers, write sentences using the new vocabulary, and immerse yourself in Latvian culture. Here are a few more sentences to practice:

ziemā – in winter
Latvijā ziemā bieži ir sniegputenis.
In Latvia, there is often a snowstorm in winter.

vasarā – in summer
Vasarā mēs braucam uz laukiem.
In summer, we go to the countryside.

ledus slidotava – ice rink
Bērni ziemā bieži apmeklē ledus slidotavu.
Children often visit the ice rink in winter.

jūra – sea
Vasarā mēs pavadām laiku pie jūras.
In summer, we spend time by the sea.

slēpot – to ski
Katru ziemu mēs slēpojam Alpos.
Every winter, we ski in the Alps.

pikniks – picnic
Vasarā mēs bieži rīkojam piknikus parkā.
In summer, we often have picnics in the park.

ziemassvētki – Christmas
Ziemassvētkos mēs rotājam eglīti.
At Christmas, we decorate the Christmas tree.

jāņi – midsummer festival
Jāņos mēs pinam vainagus no ziediem.
During Jāņi, we make wreaths from flowers.

karsts dzēriens – hot drink
Ziemā ir patīkami dzert karstu šokolādi.
In winter, it is nice to drink hot chocolate.

grilēt – to grill
Vasarā mēs grilējam dārzeņus un gaļu.
In summer, we grill vegetables and meat.

By learning and practicing these words and phrases, you will be able to describe and discuss the different seasons in Latvian with confidence. Whether you are talking about the snowy landscapes of winter or the sunny beaches of summer, these vocabulary terms will enrich your conversations and deepen your understanding of Latvian culture.