This is the 798th most frequent Latvian word.
sakot
"To say" or "to begin" (depending on context).
In this context, 'sakot' is a participle introducing a quote, emphasizing the manner in which the speech begins.
Skolotāja teica, sakot: "Iegūstiet jaunas zināšanas."
The teacher said, starting: "Acquire new knowledge."
Here, 'sakot' refers to the bird's action, metaphorically interpreted as 'greeting' or 'saying' something.
Viņš dzirdēja putnu dziesmu, sakot labrīt.
He heard the bird's song saying good morning.
Here, 'sakot' is the gerund form representing 'starting' an activity, meaning the action of beginning to engage with something.