lai gan / kaut gan

Although

Level 3

Lai gan and kaut gan both mean although: Lai gan līst, mēs ejam pastaigāties (Although it is raining, we are going for a walk). The although-clause can come first or second.

How It Works

1. Either order, always a comma.

  • Lai gan bija vēls, mēs vēl runājām. (Although it was late, we kept talking.)
  • Mēs vēl runājām, lai gan bija vēls.

2. Adding tomēr. When the although-clause comes first, the main clause can add tomēr: Kaut gan bija auksti, tomēr mēs peldējāmies (Although it was cold, we swam anyway). This extra word is optional, and it is very common in Latvian.

3. Four words, one meaning. lai gan, kaut gan, lai arī and kaut arī all introduce this kind of clause. Each is written as two words.

4. The verb. For a real fact, use the ordinary tenses: Lai gan viņa ir no Spānijas, ... You may also meet the conditional when the clause talks about something that could happen: lai gan varētu līt (although it might rain).

5. Lai on its own is different. Without gan or arī, lai means in order to (lai with the conditional) or let (lai viņš nāk, let him come).

6. A simpler option. You can say the same with bet: Līst, bet mēs ejam pastaigāties (It is raining, but we are going for a walk).

Examples (5)

  1. Lai gan līst, mēs ejam pastaigāties.

    Although it is raining, we are going for a walk.

  2. Viņš atnāca uz darbu, kaut gan bija slims.

    He came to work although he was ill.

    The although-clause can also come second.

  3. Kaut gan bija auksti, tomēr mēs peldējāmies.

    Although it was cold, we swam anyway.

    Tomēr in the main clause adds extra contrast.

  4. Lai gan viņa ir no Spānijas, viņa labi runā latviski.

    Although she is from Spain, she speaks Latvian well.

  5. Mēs aizgājām uz koncertu, lai arī biļetes bija dārgas.

    We went to the concert even though the tickets were expensive.

    Lai arī means the same as lai gan.

Common Mistakes

  • Using lai gan when the second part is an expected result, not a contrast.

    Lai gan līst, mēs paliekam mājās.
    Līst, tāpēc mēs paliekam mājās.

    The first sentence is grammatical, but it says that staying home is surprising when it rains. For a result, use tāpēc (so).

  • Leaving out the comma between the two clauses.

    Lai gan līst mēs ejam pastaigāties.
    Lai gan līst, mēs ejam pastaigāties.

    A comma always separates the although-clause from the main clause.

How It Connects

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lai gan / kaut ganLevel 3Although

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Although is a stronger but.

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