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how, in what way, how, so, how
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/kaː/
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A small Latvian function word for asking how, intensifying exclamations, linking manner and comparison clauses, and adding conversational or parenthetical force.

Examples

  • Viņš it piekrita, bet vēl šaubījās.
    He sort of agreed, but still had doubts.
  • Viņa klausījās, lietus sitas pret logu.
    She listened to how the rain beat against the window.
  • sāka snigt, tā visi devās mājās.
    As soon as it began to snow, everyone went home.
  • es priecājos tevi redzēt!
    How happy I am to see you!
  • viņi skrēja lejā pa kāpnēm!
    How they ran down the stairs!

Similar words

un kā vēl
tiklīdz
it kā
kādā stāvoklī
tik ļoti
kā arī
tā kā
cik labi
tāpat kā
paņēmienā, kā

Meanings

Ask about manner or state

adverb
communication
neutral
Used in questions and reported questions to ask in what way something happens, works, looks, or feels.

Examples

  • tu atradi šo adresi?
    How did you find this address?
  • Pastāsti, darbojas jaunā lietotne.
    Tell me how the new app works.
  • jūtas bērns pēc potes?
    How does the child feel after the vaccine?
  • Es nezinu, pareizi izrunāt šo vārdu.
    I do not know how to pronounce this word correctly.
  • izskatās ceļš pēc lietus?
    How does the road look after the rain?
  • vislabāk saglabāt šo failu?
    How is it best to save this file?

Similar words

Intensify an exclamation

adverb
emotion
neutral
Used at the start of an exclamation to make the feeling or degree sound strong.

Examples

  • es priecājos tevi redzēt!
    How happy I am to see you!
  • viņi skrēja lejā pa kāpnēm!
    How they ran down the stairs!
  • man sāp galva pēc garā brauciena!
    How my head hurts after the long trip!
  • skaisti šorīt smaržo jasmīni!
    How beautifully the jasmines smell this morning!
  • viņa smējās par veco joku!
    How she laughed at the old joke!
  • ātri pienāca vakars!
    How quickly evening arrived!

Similar words

Introduce an indirect how clause

conjunction
grammar
neutral
Introduces a subordinate clause that explains the way something happens, is known, is shown, or is perceived.

Examples

  • Es redzēju, vilciens iebrauca stacijā.
    I saw how the train entered the station.
  • Viņš paskaidroja, jāaizpilda anketa.
    He explained how the form must be filled in.
  • Nav skaidrs, kļūda nonāca ziņojumā.
    It is not clear how the error got into the report.
  • Parādi, sasiet šo mezglu.
    Show me how to tie this knot.
  • Mēs atcerējāmies, toreiz satikāmies.
    We remembered how we met back then.
  • Viņa klausījās, lietus sitas pret logu.
    She listened to how the rain beat against the window.

Similar words

Mark comparison or role

conjunction
comparison
neutral
Introduces a comparison, similarity, role, function, or example, often matching English as or like.

Examples

  • Viņš strādā skolotājs.
    He works as a teacher.
  • Istaba bija auksta pagrabs.
    The room was cold like a cellar.
  • Es runāju ar viņu ar draugu.
    I spoke to him as a friend.
  • Šis rīks noder rezerves kopija.
    This tool is useful as a backup.
  • Viņa dzied profesionāle.
    She sings like a professional.
  • Bērni skrēja vējš.
    The children ran like the wind.

Similar words

Add confirmation or parenthetical tone

interjection
conversation
informal
Appears in fixed conversational and parenthetical turns to confirm, intensify, soften, or frame what is being said.

Examples

  • tad, es tūlīt nāku!
    Of course, I am coming right away!
  • Un vēl viņš to zināja!
    And how he knew it!
  • liekas, sanāksme sāksies vēlāk.
    It seems, the meeting will start later.
  • Viņa, izrādās, jau bija mājās.
    She, as it turned out, was already home.
  • zināms, pavasarī dienas kļūst garākas.
    As is known, the days grow longer in spring.
  • Viņš it piekrita, bet vēl šaubījās.
    He sort of agreed, but still had doubts.

Similar words

Etymology

FAQ

What does mean in Latvian?

most often means how, as, or like, but it can also intensify exclamations and appear in fixed expressions.

Is an adverb or a conjunction?

can be an adverb in questions and exclamations, a conjunction in comparison and subordinate clauses, and a particle-like word in fixed turns.

What is the difference between and kas?

asks about manner, state, or comparison, while kas asks what something is or who someone is.

How is used in comparisons?

stands before the compared role or image, as in Viņš strādā kā skolotājs, meaning he works as a teacher.

When does mean how in an embedded clause?

After verbs such as see, know, explain, or show, introduces the way something happens, as in Es redzēju, kā....

Can make a sentence emotional?

Yes. At the start of an exclamation, can mean how or so, as in Kā es priecājos!.

What fixed phrases use ?

Common phrases include kā tad, un kā vēl, kā zināms, it kā, lai kā, and kā arī.

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