Understanding Prepositions of Time in Latvian Grammar

When delving into the Latvian language, it is essential to gain a solid grasp of prepositions of time. These integral components of Latvian grammar help learners and speakers convey critical information about when events occur. In this article, we will explore various prepositions of time in depth, including their usage and examples to help you effectively communicate and understand situations regarding time in Latvian.

The Main Prepositions of Time in Latvian

Latvian grammar contains several key prepositions of time that work to establish connections between words and phrases. Here, we will review the main prepositions of time in Latvian and their applications:

1. Pirms (before)

“Pirms” is used to indicate an event that happens prior to another event or point in time. For example, “Pirms pusdienām mēs gribam iet pastaigā.” (Before lunch, we want to go for a walk.)

2. Pēc (after)

In contrast to “pirms,” “pēc” is used when referring to an event following another event or point in time. For instance, “Pēc darba mēs iet uz kino.” (After work, we go to the cinema.)

3. Uz (at)

“Uz” expresses a specific time or moment when an event occurs. For instance, “Mēs satiksimies uz divpadsmitiem.” (We will meet at twelve.)

4. No… līdz (from… to)

When discussing a time range or duration, “no” and “līdz” are used in conjunction to convey the period between two points in time. For example, “No pirmdienas līdz piektdienai mēs strādājam.” (We work from Monday to Friday.)

Using Prepositions of Time with Days and Dates

When using prepositions of time in relation to days and dates, it is crucial to understand the proper usage and any variations that may apply. Below are some examples:

1. On specific days

While English often uses “on” with specific days, Latvian does not use a preposition in this context. For example, “Mēs iet uz kino piektdienā.” (We go to the cinema on Friday.)

2. Dates

In Latvian, the preposition “uz” is commonly used when referring to specific dates. For instance, “Viņa dzimšanas diena ir uz 4. martu.” (Her birthday is on the 4th of March.)

Reviewing Prepositions of Time in Sentences

Finally, let us explore some sample sentences to further solidify our understanding of Latvian prepositions of time:

1. Viņi ieradās pirms svētkiem. (They arrived before the celebration.)

2. Mēs satiksimies pēc darba dienas. (We will meet after the workday.)

3. Viņa darbs sākas uz deviņiem. (Her work starts at nine.)

4. Skola atvērtā no 1. septembra līdz 31. maijam. (The school is open from September 1st to May 31st.)

In conclusion, mastering prepositions of time in Latvian grammar is crucial for effective and accurate communication. This comprehensive guide has covered essential prepositions, their usage, and various examples to ensure the best possible understanding of this critical aspect of the Latvian language.