What does it mean word for word?
The phrase kā tev iet? literally translates to "how goes to you?"
Which one should you use?
The choice of phrase depends on how many people you are addressing and how well you know them. kā tev iet? is the singular informal form used with friends, family or peers, while kā iet? is a shortened version used in very casual settings where the pronoun is omitted. For more formal or polite situations, you can use Kā jums klājas? to ask "How are things going for you?" or Kā jums iet? to ask "How are you getting along?"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Riga and central Latvia, the informal phrase Kas jauns? is used to mean "What's new?" as a way to ask how someone is.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a person formally or a group of people, replace the informal pronoun with the formal/plural version, such as using kā jums iet? instead of kā tev iet?
When do people say it?
When someone asks how you are, a standard and polite response is Labi, paldies. (Fine, thanks.). In casual settings, you might also say Tāpat. to indicate that things are going the same as usual.
Did you know?
- The verb iet in the phrase kā tev iet? shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'come'.
- In the formal phrase Kā jums klājas?, the verb klājas is related to the way one might 'spread' or 'lay out' something, like a tablecloth.
- While English speakers often use 'how are you?' to initiate a conversation, a Latvian respondent might actually provide a brief, genuine update on their life if the setting is informal.
Examples in context
- Iet labi, paldies.It's going well, thank you.
- Kā Tev iet šodien?How is your day going?
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- ArtūrsČau, Laura! Kā tev iet?Hi, Laura! How are you?
- LauraMan iet labi, pesto Artūr!I'm doing well, thanks Artūrs!
- ArtūrsTas ir lieliski.That is great.
- LauraUn tev?And you?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries iet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
