kad

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when, when, whenever, if, when
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A time word meaning when, used in questions, indirect clauses, and time links, with an informal extension toward if in some contexts.

Examples

  • Kad naudas nav, ceļojums jāatliek.
    If there is no money, the trip must be postponed.
  • Kad tu pēdējo reizi biji Rīgā?
    When were you last in Riga?
  • Kad sākās lietus, mēs iegājām iekšā.
    When the rain started, we went inside.
  • Es nezinu, kad viņš atgriezīsies.
    I do not know when he will return.
  • Kad vajag palīdzību, zvani man.
    If help is needed, call me.

Similar words

ja

Meanings

At what time

adverb
communication
neutral
Asks about a time or points to an unknown time in an indirect question or statement.

Examples

  • Kad sākas sapulce?
    When does the meeting start?
  • Es nezinu, kad viņš atgriezīsies.
    I do not know when he will return.
  • Pasaki man, kad vilciens pienāk.
    Tell me when the train arrives.
  • Kad tu pēdējo reizi biji Rīgā?
    When were you last in Riga?
  • Nav skaidrs, kad būs atbilde.
    It is not clear when there will be an answer.

Similar words

When something happens

conjunction
grammar
neutral
Links a main clause with a time clause, showing that one event happens at the same time as another or around it.

Examples

  • Es piezvanīšu, kad būšu mājās.
    I will call when I am home.
  • Kad sākās lietus, mēs iegājām iekšā.
    When the rain started, we went inside.
  • Viņa pasmaidīja, kad ieraudzīja draugus.
    She smiled when she saw her friends.
  • Tajā dienā, kad mēs satikāmies, sniga.
    It snowed on the day when we met.
  • Koordinācija ir svarīga, kad jāsadala darbs.
    Coordination is important when work has to be divided.

Similar words

If or whenever

conjunction
conversation
informal
In conversation, introduces a condition or repeated situation, close to English if or whenever.

Examples

  • Kad naudas nav, ceļojums jāatliek.
    If there is no money, the trip must be postponed.
  • Kad vajag palīdzību, zvani man.
    If help is needed, call me.
  • Kad esi noguris, labāk atpūties.
    When you are tired, it is better to rest.
  • Kad netiek galā, jāprasa padoms.
    If it cannot be managed, advice should be asked for.
  • Kad līst, spēli pārcelsim.
    If it rains, we will move the game.

Similar words

Etymology

FAQ

What does kad mean?

kad usually means when. It asks about time or introduces a time clause.

What part of speech is kad?

kad is an adverb in time questions and can also work as a conjunction in subordinate clauses.

How is kad different from ka?

kad points to time, while ka introduces a that-clause, as in a reported fact or statement.

How is kad different from ja?

kad is mainly time-based, while ja is the normal word for a clear condition meaning if.

Is a comma needed before kad?

A comma normally separates the main clause from a subordinate clause introduced by kad.

Does kad change form?

kad is fixed and does not decline or conjugate.

Can kad mean if?

In informal Latvian, kad can approach if, but ja is clearer for ordinary conditional meaning.

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