One thing I believe is essential in speaking another language is knowing how
to say **please** and **thank you**. Whenever I go to a new country (unless I
don't know I'm going, like my sudden re-routing through Sweden), I make sure I
know how to say both. I may not be able to say much more than that nor be able
to say it _well_ but I've found people generally appreciate it. And, damn it,
I'm going to be polite.

  * **please** -- **lūdzu**
  * **thank you** -- **paldies**
  * **thank you very much** -- **liels paldies**
  * **no thanks** -- **nē paldies** [essential for scammers in city plazas]

There isn't an easy analogue for " **you 're welcome**" in Latvian, but
generally you can **use lūdzu** in its place as well.

**Another common usage** of lūdzu: Don't be surprised to hear someone say, "
**Lūdzu!** " **when** **handing you something** or wanting you to hand them
something (think of the waiter when he clears your plates in a restaurant for
this one).