Listen to a Latvian on the phone and you will hear it again and again: labi, nu labi, labi labi. Literally it means “good”. In real life it means good, fine, okay, deal, enough and goodbye, depending on how it is said.
Ten ways to say labi
- “Kā iet?” “Labi.” Fine. Often just politeness. It does not have to mean that things are actually good.
- “Tiekamies piecos?” “Labi.” OK, agreed. A plain yes.
- “Nu labi, tad līdz rītam.” Right then. The call is coming to an end.
- “Labi, labi, labi…” Okay, okay, bye. On the phone, the more labi you hear in a row, the closer the goodbye.
- “Labi, labi!” (said quickly) Yes, yes, I heard you. A touch of impatience.
- “Labi, labi…” (said softly) Okay, okay, calm down. Used to soothe someone.
- “Nu labi.” (with a sigh) Fine, if you insist. Agreement without enthusiasm.
- “Atnāc rīt, labi?” Come tomorrow, okay? A soft way to make a request and ask for a yes.
- “Labi, tātad…” Right, so… A way to close one topic and start the next.
- “Labi, ka atnāci!” Good thing you came. Relief or joy.
Two more for the brave
“Labs ir!” That will do, enough. Said when someone has had enough, or wants you to stop.
“Nu, labi gan!” Great, just great. Said with irony when something has gone wrong.
How to use it yourself
Start with the safe ones. Answer “Kā iet?” with “Labi”, and agree to plans with “Labi”. And when a Latvian on the phone starts saying “labi, labi”, get ready to say goodbye.
