Learning a new language opens up a whole new world of experiences and opportunities. For those with a passion for architecture or construction, understanding the relevant vocabulary in a foreign language, such as Latvian, can be incredibly useful. Whether you’re planning to visit Latvia, work in the construction field, or simply have an interest in architecture, knowing the specific terms will enhance your comprehension and ability to communicate. Below is a list of building and architecture terms in Latvian, along with their definitions and example sentences to help you grasp their usage in context.

Ēka
A building or structure.
Rīgā ir daudz vecu un skaistu ēku.

Arhitektūra
The art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures.
Jugendstila arhitektūra ir ļoti populāra Latvijā.

Pamati
Foundation or base of a building.
Mēs izliekam pamatus jaunai dzīvojamai mājai.

Siena
Wall, an upright or retaining structure.
Šai sienai nepieciešams jauns krāsas kārtas uzklājums.

Jumts
Roof, the top covering of a building.
Mūsu mājas jumts noplūda pēdējās lietavas laikā.

Logs
Window, an opening in the wall of a building for letting in light and air.
Loga skats uz jūru ir elpu aizraujošs.

Durvis
Door, a movable barrier used to enclose an entrance.
Lūdzu, aizver durvis, lai aukstums neieplūst iekšā.

Pils
Castle, a large building typically of the feudal period fortified against attack.
Latvijā ir vairākas labi saglabājusies pilis.

Būvniecība
Construction, the building of something, typically a large structure.
Būvniecības projekts aizņems aptuveni divus gadus.

Aizsargmūris
Retaining wall, a structure that holds back earth or water.
Aizsargmūris tika uzcelts, lai novērstu zemes nogruvumus.

Projekts
Project, an individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned and designed to achieve a particular aim.
Arhitekts izstrādā jauna biroju ēkas projektu.

Restaurācija
Restoration, the action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition.
Vecā mūra ēka tiek gatavota restaurācijai.

Vēsturiskais piemineklis
Historic monument, a structure recognized for its historical significance.
Brīvības piemineklis ir viens no nozīmīgākajiem vēsturiskajiem pieminekļiem Latvijā.

Renovācija
Renovation, the process of improving a broken, damaged, or outdated structure.
Šī māja ir renovācijas procesā.

Pamatne
Base, the lowest part or edge of something that provides support.
Šis tiltam ir jābūt spēcīgai pamatnei.

Kolonna
Column, a structural element that transmits weight of the structure above to other structural elements below.
Kolonnas piebalsta galerijas griestus.

Understanding these terms will make it easier to appreciate the architecture of Latvia or to engage in construction and building discussions. Keep these in mind, and you will find that discussing buildings and architecture in Latvian becomes a much more comfortable and rewarding experience.