Daudz laimes vārda dienā
The English phrase "happy name day" is translated into Latvian as Daudz laimes vārda dienā.
This phrase is a greeting used to wish someone well on the feast day of the saint they are named after.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Daudz laimes vārda dienā means "Much happiness in name day".
Did you know?
- In Latvian culture, it is traditional for the person celebrating their name day to provide treats and drinks for their guests, rather than receiving gifts.
- While birthdays are private, name day calendars are widely available in Latvia, meaning people can find out and celebrate a friend's name day even if they do not know their birth date.
- The Sanskrit word दोग्धि, which refers to 'milking', is a distant relative of the words used in this greeting through a shared root meaning 'to press'.
Examples in context
- Daudz laimes vārda dienā, Anna!Many happy returns of the day, Anna!
- Vēlies tev daudz laimes vārda dienā.I wish you much happiness on your name day.
- Daudz laimes vārda dienā, draudzene!Happy name day, friend!
Example conversation
Jānis meets Laura at the office.
- JānisSveiki, Laura! Daudz laimes vārda dienā!Hello, Laura! Happy name day!
- LauraPaldies, Jānī! Tu atcerējies!Thank you, Jānis! You remembered!
- JānisProtams! Vai tev ir kaut kādi plāni?Of course! Do you have any plans?
- LauraJā, šovakar mēs svinēsim kopā ar ģimeni.Yes, we will celebrate with family tonight.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries daudz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
