veiksmi!
The English phrase "good luck" is translated into Latvian as veiksmi!
veiksmi! is used to wish fortune on someone or as encouragement.
Meaning: used to wish fortune on someone or as encouragement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the noun veiksme, meaning success or luck.
Which one should you use?
A common alternative to the short veiksmi! is the phrase Lai tev veicas!, which is more of a complete sentence meaning "May you succeed!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The form veiksmi! is the accusative case of the noun veiksme, which is used here to express a wish.
Did you know?
- The word veiksme shares a linguistic root with the concept of being 'skilled' or 'capable', suggesting that 'luck' in Latvian is something one possesses through ability.
- In more informal settings, instead of wishing luck, a Latvian might say Paciet! which means 'Endure!' or 'Hang in there!', used when someone is facing a difficult task.
- The concept of veiksme is distinct from laime, which means 'happiness' or 'fortune'. While English uses 'luck' for both, Latvian separates the result of an action from a state of being.
Examples in context
- Veiksmi!Good luck!This example shows how to use veiksmi! as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #9573461 by IB, translation #429220 by Clavain
- Novēlu Tev veiksmi tavā jaunajā darbā!I wish you good luck in your new job!
- Veiksmi, Anna!Good luck, Anna!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good luck” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
