When learning a new language, weather-related vocabulary is essential as it’s frequently used in daily conversations. In Latvian, understanding the words for rain and snow can significantly enhance your ability to discuss weather conditions. This article will delve into the vocabulary related to rain and snow in Latvian, providing definitions and example sentences to help you grasp their usage.

Rain – Lietus

Lietus – Rain
Lietus is the general term for rain in Latvian. It is used to describe any form of rainfall.
Šodien līst lietus.

Līst – To rain
The verb līst means “to rain.” It is commonly used to describe the action of rain.
Ārā ļoti stipri līst.

Smidzina – Drizzle
Smidzina refers to light, fine rain, often called drizzle.
No rīta nedaudz smidzina.

Gāzt – To pour
Gāzt describes heavy rain or a downpour. It is often used when the rain is intense and heavy.
Pēkšņi sāka gāzt.

Negaisa mākoņi – Thunderclouds
Negaisa mākoņi are clouds that typically bring thunderstorms and heavy rain.
Debesis kļuva tumšas ar negaisa mākoņiem.

Plūdi – Floods
Plūdi refer to floods, which can happen after prolonged or heavy rain.
Pēc stipra lietus upes sāka plūdi.

Lietussargs – Umbrella
Lietussargs is the Latvian word for umbrella, a common tool used to stay dry during rain.
Neaizmirsti paņemt lietussargu!

Lietusmētelis – Raincoat
A lietusmētelis is a raincoat, worn to protect oneself from getting wet in the rain.
Man ir jauns lietusmētelis.

Types of Rain

Viegls lietus – Light rain
Viegls lietus describes rain that is not heavy, often referred to as light rain.
Ārā ir viegls lietus.

Stiprs lietus – Heavy rain
Stiprs lietus refers to heavy rain, where the intensity of the rain is strong.
Brīdinājums par stipru lietu.

Ilgstošs lietus – Prolonged rain
Ilgstošs lietus is rain that lasts for an extended period.
Šonedēļ ir ilgstošs lietus.

Pērkona negaiss – Thunderstorm
Pērkona negaiss is a thunderstorm, characterized by thunder, lightning, and heavy rain.
Pēcpusdienā bija pērkona negaiss.

Šļakatas – Splash
Šļakatas are splashes, often seen when rain hits the ground or puddles.
Bērni spēlējās šļakatās.

Snow – Sniegs

Sniegs – Snow
Sniegs is the general term for snow in Latvian.
Ziemā bieži snieg sniegs.

Sniegot – To snow
The verb sniegot means “to snow.” It describes the action of snow falling.
Sāka sniegot vakar vakarā.

Sniega pārslas – Snowflakes
Sniega pārslas are snowflakes, the small, delicate forms in which snow falls.
Mēs vērojām sniega pārslas krītot.

Sniegavīrs – Snowman
A sniegavīrs is a snowman, a figure made of snow, often by children during winter.
Mēs uzcēlām lielu sniegavīru.

Sniega pikas – Snowballs
Sniega pikas are snowballs, which are often used in playful snowball fights.
Mēs metām sniega pikas.

Sniega kupenas – Snowdrifts
Sniega kupenas are large accumulations of snow, often piled up by the wind.
Automašīnas iestrēga sniega kupenās.

Sniega lāpsta – Snow shovel
A sniega lāpsta is a snow shovel, used to clear snow from walkways and driveways.
Man vajadzēja izmantot sniega lāpstu.

Sniega vētra – Snowstorm
Sniega vētra is a snowstorm, a severe weather condition with heavy snowfall and strong winds.
Vakar bija liela sniega vētra.

Types of Snow

Pūkains sniegs – Fluffy snow
Pūkains sniegs refers to light, fluffy snow that is soft and powdery.
No rīta bija pūkains sniegs.

Smags sniegs – Heavy snow
Smags sniegs describes snow that is dense and heavy, often difficult to shovel.
Pagalmā bija daudz smaga sniega.

Sals – Frost
Sals refers to frost, the thin layer of ice that forms on surfaces when temperatures drop.
No rīta logi bija klāti ar salu.

Ledus – Ice
Ledus is ice, the solid state of water that often forms in winter conditions.
Ezers ir pārklāts ar ledu.

Krusa – Hail
Krusa is hail, the small balls of ice that sometimes fall during thunderstorms.
Vakar vakarā krita krusa.

Apsnidzis – Snow-covered
Apsnidzis describes something that is covered in snow.
Visi koki bija apsniguši.

Sniega sega – Snow cover
Sniega sega is the layer of snow covering the ground.
Līdz rītam bija bieza sniega sega.

Sniega putenis – Blizzard
Sniega putenis is a blizzard, a severe snowstorm with high winds and low visibility.
Ceļi bija slēgti sniega puteņa dēļ.

Expressions and Idioms

Līst kā no spaiņiem – It’s raining cats and dogs
This idiom means that it is raining very heavily.
Šodien līst kā no spaiņiem.

Stāvēt lietū – To stand in the rain
This expression describes someone standing outside while it rains.
Viņš bija stāvējis lietū visu dienu.

Zem lietussarga – Under the umbrella
This phrase is used to describe someone being protected from the rain by an umbrella.
Mēs stāvējām zem lietussarga.

Sniegot līdz ceļiem – Snow up to the knees
This expression describes a situation where snow is very deep.
Pagalmā sniegot līdz ceļiem.

Apsnidzis kā balta sega – Covered like a white blanket
This phrase describes a landscape covered in a thick layer of snow.
Visa zeme bija apsnidzis kā balta sega.

Iziet bez cepures sniegā – To go out without a hat in the snow
This expression highlights the importance of dressing warmly in snowy conditions.
Viņš bija izgājis bez cepures sniegā.

Slīdēt uz ledus – To slip on ice
This phrase describes the action of slipping due to icy conditions.
Es nejauši slīdēju uz ledus.

Sniega eņģelis – Snow angel
A sniega eņģelis is a figure made by lying on one’s back in the snow and moving the arms and legs to create an angel shape.
Bērni taisīja sniega eņģeļus.

Learning these Latvian words and phrases related to rain and snow will help you better understand and participate in conversations about weather. Whether discussing a light drizzle or a heavy snowstorm, you now have the vocabulary to express yourself accurately. Practice these words and phrases regularly to become more comfortable with their usage, and soon you’ll be speaking about the weather in Latvian with ease.