priekā
The Latvian word for cheers is priekā.
priekā is used as an interjection when making a toast during a drink.
Meaning: toast when drinking (intj)
Which one should you use?
You may also hear the word Prosit used by younger generations in Latvia to say cheers.
When do people say it?
Speakers may use the formal phrase Uz veselību to toast or wish good health.
Did you know?
- While priekā is the standard toast, the common alternative Prosit is actually a borrowed German word meaning 'may it benefit you'.
- When toasting with priekā, it is common in Latvia to maintain steady eye contact with the other person to show sincerity and trust.
- The word priekā is the locative case of prieks, meaning the speaker is wishing the other person to remain 'in a state of joy'.
Examples in context
- Priekā!Cheers!This example shows the standard way to say priekā.Tatoeba #12176322 by GemMonkey, translation #487006 by human600
- Uz veselību! Priekā!Cheers! Good health!This example shows how to pair a wish for good health with priekā.Tatoeba #925008 by zvaigzne, translation #925010 by zvaigzne
Example conversation
Laura and Artūrs are having a drink together.
- LauraLūk, dzērieni!Here are the drinks!
- ArtūrsPaldies, Laura. Priekā!Thanks, Laura. Cheers!
- LauraPriekā, Artūr!Cheers, Artūrs!
- ArtūrsPar mūsu draudzību!To our friendship!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry priekā, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
