What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Sveiki, which means "hi" or "hello" and kā iet?, which literally means "how goes?" or "how is it going?"
Which one should you use?
While Sveiki, kā iet? is a standard way to ask how things are going, you can use more specific forms depending on who you are talking to. For a formal inquiry into how someone is doing, you might use Kā jums klājas? Conversely, if you are speaking to a single person in an informal setting, you can use Kā tev klājas?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For an informal "hi" among friends, you can use Čau. The phrase Sveiki, kā iet? is a standard greeting. If you need to be more polite or formal, such as when addressing strangers or elders, use Labdien, kā jums klājas?, which means "Good day, how are you doing?"
How does it change in a sentence?
You can make the phrase Sveiki, kā iet? more personal by adding pronouns to specify the subject. Adding tev results in Sveiki, kā tev iet?, which specifies the informal singular "you". Adding jums results in Sveiki, kā jums iet?, which makes the question formal or indicates you are addressing a group of people.
When do people say it?
When someone asks you how you are doing using a form of kā iet?, a standard and polite way to respond is Labi, paldies!, which means "Fine, thanks!"
Did you know?
- If you want to sound very casual, you can skip the 'how are you' part entirely and just use Čau, which is a loanword from the Italian 'Ciao'.
- The word Sveiki is actually a plural form of the word for 'healthy', making your greeting a way of wishing someone 'healthy' or 'well'.
- The verb iet in the phrase kā iet? shares an ancient root with the English word 'come', even though its current meaning is 'to go'.
Examples in context
- Sveiki, kā jums klājas?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Linearly and Māris meet at a cafe.
- linearlySveiki, kā iet?Hello, how are you?
- MārisMan iet labi, paldiņi!I am doing well, thank you!
- linearlyTas ir lieliski.That is great.
- MārisUn tev?And you?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries iet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
