When learning Latvian, understanding how to navigate your way around is essential, especially when it comes to street and road-related terms. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common words you’ll need to know whether you are asking for directions, taking a taxi, or simply reading street signs in Latvia.

Iela is the Latvian word for ‘street.’ It’s used to describe any public urban road or path that usually has buildings on both sides.
Mēs dzīvojam blakus Brīvības ielai.

Ceļš translates to ‘road’ and is used for larger routes used by vehicles traveling between destinations, whether within cities or through the countryside.
Tas ceļš ved uz pludmali.

Šoseja means ‘highway’ and refers to major roads designed for fast traffic, with multiple lanes and usually connecting major cities.
Šoseja ir ļoti nodilusi pēc ziemas.

Autobusu pietura represents a ‘bus stop,’ which is the designated place where buses stop to pick up or drop off passengers.
Es katru dienu gaidu autobusu pie autobusu pieturas.

Trotuārs is the term for ‘sidewalk’ or ‘pavement,’ the part of the road intended for pedestrians to walk on.
Trotuārs šajā rajonā ir nesen atjaunots.

Pāreja means ‘crossing’ and can refer to any designated area for crossing the street, such as pedestrian crossings or zebra crossings.
Lūdzu, izmantojiet pāreju, lai šķērsotu ielu.

Apļveida satiksme refers to a ’roundabout,’ a type of circular intersection where traffic flows in one direction around a central island.
Apļveida satiksmē jādod ceļš no kreisās puses.

Gājēju pārēja is what you would call a ‘pedestrian underpass,’ an underground way for pedestrians to pass from one side of the road to the other.
Gājēju pārēja ir drošākais veids, kā šķērsot šo plašo ielu.

Vietējais ceļš describes a ‘local road,’ typically a road that is not a main road and is within a town or rural area.
Vietējais ceļš uz mūsu ciematu tikko tika pārbūvēts.

Iebrauktuve stands for ‘driveway,’ the private road leading from the street to a house or garage.
Mūsu iebrauktuve ziemā vienmēr ir apledojusi.

Zīme is simply the word for ‘sign,’ a posted notice bearing information, warnings, or instructions, particularly one placed on a road or street.
Es pamanīju zīmi, kas brīdināja par slideniem ceļiem.

Ierobežojums means ‘restriction,’ often used in the context of traffic regulations.
Šajā ielā ir ierobežojums lieliem transportlīdzekļiem.

Priekšroka is the term for ‘priority’ and is often used to indicate which road or direction has the priority in traffic.
Šajā krustojumā kreisajiem pagriezieniem nav priekšroka.

Navigating through Latvian streets and roads can be much easier once you’re familiar with these terms. Don’t forget to practice them so that you can travel with confidence and ease during your stay in Latvia. Whether asking for directions or understanding street signs, these words will be an excellent addition to your Latvian vocabulary.