Learning a new language opens up a whole new world of experiences and knowledge, and one fascinating aspect is discovering how different cultures name and perceive the world around them. For those interested in the vibrant realm of marine and aquatic life, and who are venturing into the beautiful Lithuanian language, here’s a guide to essential vocabulary that will come in handy whether you’re exploring the Baltic Sea or diving into aquarium adventures.
jūra (sea)
The large body of saltwater that covers most of the Earth’s surface and surrounds its continents.
Vasarą mes eisime prie Baltijos jūros. (In the summer, we will go to the Baltic Sea.)
upė (river)
A natural flowing watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, a lake, a sea, or another river.
Nemunas yra ilgiausia upė Lietuvoje. (The Nemunas is the longest river in Lithuania.)
ežeras (lake)
An area filled with water, localized in a basin, surrounded by land, apart from any river or other outlet that serves to feed or drain the lake.
Trakų ežeras yra populiarus turistų lankytinas objektas. (The lake in Trakai is a popular tourist attraction.)
žuvis (fish)
A limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins living wholly in water.
Vaikai akvariume pamatė spalvingą žuvį. (The children saw a colorful fish in the aquarium.)
banginis (whale)
A very large marine mammal with a streamlined hairless body, a horizontal tail fin, and a blowhole on top of the head for breathing.
Banginiai gali nerti labai giliai. (Whales can dive very deep.)
delfinas (dolphin)
A small gregarious toothed whale that typically has a beaklike snout and an acrobatic swimming style.
Jūroje plaukiojo delfinų būrys. (A pod of dolphins was swimming in the sea.)
ryklys (shark)
A long-bodied chiefly marine fish with a cartilaginous skeleton, a prominent dorsal fin, and tooth-like scales.
Rykliai yra įdomūs, tačiau daugeliui žmonių kelia baimę. (Sharks are interesting but scare many people.)
krabas (crab)
A marine crustacean with a broad flat body, stalked eyes, and five pairs of limbs, the first pair of which are modified as pincers.
Vaikas paplūdimyje radęs krabą nustebo jo vaizdu. (The child was surprised by the sight of a crab found on the beach.)
moliuskas (mollusk)
An invertebrate of a large phylum that includes snails, slugs, mussels, and octopuses. They have a soft unsegmented body and live in aquatic or damp habitats.
Moliuskai yra įvairių formų ir dydžių. (Mollusks come in various shapes and sizes.)
aukštasnapis (seagull)
A common name for seabirds that live mainly near seas or large inland lakes, known for their squawking call and webbed feet.
Aukštasnapiai dažnai lankosi prie jūros. (Seagulls often visit the sea.)
As you enrich your vocabulary with these terms, remember that language is a living entity, always ready to welcome and integrate those eager to learn about the world through its unique lens. With these Lithuanian terms, you’re now better equipped to engage in conversations about marine and aquatic life or to further explore books and documentaries that touch on these captivating themes in the Lithuanian language. Happy learning and exploring!
