This is the 581st most frequent Latvian word.
gadam
The Latvian word "gadam" means "to the year" (dative singular of "gads," meaning "year").
In this sentence, 'gadam' is in the dative case, indicating the intended or directed party towards which the action is oriented.
Es gatavojos nākamajam gadam.
I am preparing for the next year.
In this sentence, 'gadā' (instead of 'gadam') is in the locative case to specify the time frame, distinguishing its function from the dative form.
Man palika 18 gadi šajā gadā.
I turned 18 years old this year.
Here, 'gadam' is also in the dative case, showing the beneficiary or recipient (the new year) of the gift.