Language is a window to a nation’s soul, and proverbs and idiomatic expressions are the gems that give us a peak into a culture’s wisdom, traditions, and humor. Latvian, like every language, is rich in these gems, which encapsulate the beauty and depth of the country’s heritage. Understanding such expressions can be a fascinating aspect of learning Latvian, offering insights into the values and attitudes of its people. Let’s take a look at some delightful Latvian proverbs and idiomatic expressions that are commonly used in everyday speech.

Kurš to zin?
The literal translation is “Who knows that?” This expression conveys a sense of uncertainty or the acknowledgement that some things cannot be known or are out of one’s control.
Vai rīt līs? Kurš to zin?

Zivs ūdeni nebauda.
Directly translated, it means “A fish does not taste the water.” This proverb is similar to the English saying “Fish don’t know they’re in water,” suggesting that people often do not appreciate their circumstances until they are placed in a different situation or context.
Viņš nekad nav bijis ārpus šīs pilsētas. Zivs ūdeni nebauda, vai ne?

Labāk maz un bieži, nekā daudz un reti.
This translates as “Better little and often than a lot and seldom.” It expresses the idea that consistency and moderation can be more beneficial than doing something in excess but infrequently.
Es nolēmu pirkt mazākas porcijas, bet biežāk. Labāk maz un bieži, nekā daudz un reti.

Uzticēties, bet pārbaudīt.
The literal translation is “Trust, but verify.” It implies that one should not be naive and should always confirm things for oneself, even when trusting others.
Viņš teica, ka darbs ir izdarīts, bet es pārbaudīšu. Uzticēties, bet pārbaudīt.

Nepērc kaķi maisā.
Equivalent to “Don’t buy a pig in a poke” in English, this idiomatic expression warns against making an agreement or purchase without first examining the conditions or the goods.
Viņa gribēja pārdot man telefonu par ļoti labu cenu, bet es nedeva naudu, neapskatījis to. Nepērc kaķi maisā.

Vecs suns jaunus trikus nemācās.
This translates to “An old dog doesn’t learn new tricks.” It highlights the resistance people may have to change or learning new things as they age.
Vecmāmiņa teica, ka viņa neizmantos viedtālruni. Vecs suns jaunus trikus nemācās.

Sviests uz maizes neskatās.
This idiom means “Butter doesn’t look at the bread,” often used to suggest that sometimes things that belong together do not always unite as expected.
Mēs bijām labākais draugu pāris, bet tagad reti redzamies. Sviests uz maizes neskatās.

Kurš ceļu baidās, tas mājās sedi.
Literally, this means “He who is afraid of the road shall stay at home.” It is akin to the English proverb “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” promoting taking risks and not letting fear prevent us from acting.
Es nolēmu pārcelties uz citu valsti, lai gan biju nedrošs. Kurš ceļu baidās, tas mājās sedi.

Latvian proverbs and idiomatic expressions offer a world of wisdom and are a valuable part of the language’s vibrancy. Whether you’re learning Latvian for travel, heritage, or academic reasons, familiarizing yourself with these sayings will not only improve your linguistic skills but also enrich your understanding of Latvian culture and philosophy. Remember, language learning is not just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s also about embracing the cultural nuances that make communication truly meaningful.