What does it mean word for word?
The sentence begins with Vai, a particle used to indicate a yes/no question. The word jūs is the pronoun for you, used when addressing multiple people or when being polite. runājat is the verb meaning you speak, specifically the second person plural or polite form. Finally, angliski is the adverbial form of the word for English.
Which one should you use?
You may also use Vai tu runā angliski? in informal situations, such as when speaking to children or close friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Vai jūs runājat angliski?, Vai acts as a question particle. The pronoun jūs serves as both the plural 'you' and the polite 'you'. The verb runājat is the second person plural/polite conjugation of runāt (to speak). The word angliski functions as an adverb to describe how one speaks.
Did you know?
- While the phrase asks about English, you may find that many older Latvians respond in Russian due to the region's history under the Soviet Union.
- The word vai has a distant relative in English: the word 'woe'. Both descend from a Proto-Indo-European root used to express grief or alarm.
- In Latvia, the choice between the polite jūs and informal tu is strictly observed in professional settings. Using the informal version with a stranger or a superior can be perceived as an intentional insult.
Example conversation
A tourist is asking a local woman for directions in a city center.
- MārisAtvainojiet, vai jūs runājat angliski?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- ZaneJā, es runāju nedaudz.Yes, I speak a little.
- MārisVai jūs varat man palīdzēt?Can you help me?
- ZaneProtams, ko jūs meklējat?Of course, what are you looking for?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jūs, vai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
