Ways to say it
| Latvian | IPA |
|---|---|
| uz redzēšanos | |
| atā | |
| visu labu | |
| sveiks | [svɛ̀jks] (narrow) |
Latvian offers various ways to say goodbye depending on the context. You can use uz redzēšanos to mean 'until seeing each other again', or use visu labu as a parting wish meaning 'all the best' or 'good luck'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase uz redzēšanos literally translates to 'until seeing each other'.
Which one should you use?
Uz redzēšanos is the standard and neutral way to say goodbye, while atā is much more informal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal or neutral settings, use the polite form uz redzēšanos. If you are among friends or speaking to children, you can use the informal atā or the colloquial čau (meaning 'bye').
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase uz redzēšanos, the word redzēšanos is a verbal noun derived from the verb 'redzēties', which means 'to see each other'. Additionally, when using a greeting like sveiks, the masculine singular form changes to the masculine plural or polite form sveiki when addressing multiple people or using a more formal tone.
Did you know?
- The informal farewell čau is borrowed from the Italian word 'ciao', which is used globally but fits perfectly into Latvian colloquial speech.
- The word sveiks may have originated from a word meaning 'flexible' or 'nimble' before it evolved to mean 'healthy' and eventually became a greeting.
- The common greeting sveiks was not actually a standard way to say 'hello' until the late 19th century, when the word 'vesels' was much more frequent.
Examples in context
- Es vēlos pateikt ''uz redzēšanos'' un ''paldies'' Esperanto valodā. Vai vari man palīdzēt?I want to say "goodbye" and "thanks" in Esperanto. Can you help me?This example shows the use of uz redzēšanos in a sentence.Tatoeba #2931206 by SilverBirdLV, translation #2930602 by astyng
- “sveiks,” viņa saka, ātri pagrūž zēnam roku atvadām“Goodbye,” she said, quickly waving her hand to the boy in a farewell (gesture)This example illustrates the use of sveiks in a farewell gesture.
- Viņš klusi teica uz redzēšanos.He quietly said goodbye.This example demonstrates the use of uz redzēšanos in a simple statement.Tatoeba #922233 by zvaigzne, translation #922238 by zvaigzne
Example conversation
Linearly and Artūrs are finishing a business meeting.
- linearlyPaldies par jūsu laiku, Artūr.Thank you for your time, Artūrs.
- ArtūrsLūdzu, Lineāli! Man bija prieks iepazīties.You're welcome, Linearly! It was a pleasure to meet you.
- linearlyTiktāl, uz redzēšanos!Well then, goodbye!
- ArtūrsUz redzēšanos, visu labu!Goodbye, all the best!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries uz redzēšanos, atā, visu labu, sveiks, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sveiks, uz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
