Labdien
Labdien is the Latvian way to say good afternoon.
Labdien is a greeting used from around 11 a.m. until the early evening.
Meaning: greeting said in the afternoon (phrase)
Which one should you use?
While Labrīt is used to say good morning, Labdien is the appropriate greeting for the afternoon and general daytime hours.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Labdien is a polite, standard greeting that is suitable for both formal and semi-formal situations.
Did you know?
- In Latvian culture, saying Labdien to a stranger on a hiking trail in the forest is a common and expected social courtesy, even if you do not know the person.
- The root lab- in Labdien is related to the word labums, which means 'benefit' or 'profit'. This links the idea of a 'good' day with a 'beneficial' one.
- Latvians often use Labdien as a way to enter a shop or a professional office, and it is considered impolite to begin a transaction without this formal acknowledgment.
Examples in context
- Labdien, visiem! Vai mēs sākam?Good afternoon, everyone! Shall we begin?
- Labdien, kā jums iet?Good afternoon, how are you?
- Labdien, vai varu jums palīdzēt?Good afternoon, can I help you?
Example conversation
Jānis and linearly meet at a cafe in the city.
- JānisLabdien, linearly! Plekanu prieks tevi redzēt.Good afternoon, linearly! It's a great pleasure to see you.
- linearlyLabdien, Jāni! Es arī priecos tevi redzēt.Good afternoon, Jānis! I am glad to see you too.
- JānisVai tu vēlies kaut ko dzert?Do you want something to drink?
- linearlyJā, lūdzu, kafu.Yes, please, a coffee.
