Proverbs and sayings reflect the wisdom and culture of a nation. In Lithuania, a country rich in history and tradition, such phrases encapsulate the values and perspectives honed over centuries. For those learning Lithianian, understanding these common expressions can provide deeper insight into the language and the Lithuanian way of life.

Kur rūksta, ten ir dega
Meaning “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” this proverb suggests that if there is evidence of a problem, a problem most likely exists.

Mama visada sako, kad “kur rūksta, ten ir dega”, kai ji įtaria kad kažkas negerai.

Ne viskas auksas, kas aukso spalvos
“Not everything that glitters is gold” is a well-known saying mirrored in the Lithuanian language. It warns that not everything appearing valuable or true is actually so.

Jis manęs paprašė neapsigauti, nes “ne viskas auksas, kas aukso spalvos”.

Gerą draugą pažinsi nelaimėje
Literally, “A good friend is known in misfortune,” which corresponds to the English adage, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

Kai man buvo sunku, aš supratau, kad “gerą draugą pažinsi nelaimėje”.

Tarp šėtono ir gilios jūros
The Lithuanian equivalent of “Between the devil and the deep blue sea,” this saying suggests being stuck between two equally undesirable options.

Aš jaučiausi lyg būčiau “tarp šėtono ir gilios jūros”, kai turėjau rinktis.

Burnoje medus, o širdyje ledukas
This proverb translates to “Honey in the mouth, but an icicle in the heart,” advising to be wary of people who speak sweetly but may harbor cold feelings.

Ji buvo toks malonus, bet aš prisiminiau posakį “burnoje medus, o širdyje ledukas”.

Geriau vėliau nei niekada
Similar to the English “Better late than never,” this phrase encourages taking action, even if it’s delayed.

Nusprendžiau prisijungti prie jų ir pagalvojau, “geriau vėliau nei niekada”.

Lašas po lašo ir akmenį pratašo
The meaning “Drop by drop wears away the stone” resonates with the idea that persistence accomplishes tasks over time.

Studijuojant kalbą, “lašas po lašo ir akmenį pratašo”.

Nepasikiski nieko į savo kišenę, nieko ir iš jos neištrauksi
This translates closely to “You can’t take out what you haven’t put in,” suggesting that effort is required to achieve results.

Kai aš skundžiausi savo pažangos trūkumu, mama priminė, kad “nepasikiski nieko į savo kišenę, nieko ir iš jos neištrauksi”.

Nepilnas krepšys nestovi
Literally, “An incomplete basket won’t stand upright,” conveys the idea that incomplete work or preparations won’t deliver satisfactory results.

Kai nori ką nors pasiekti, reikia viską pabaigti, nes “nepilnas krepšys nestovi”.

Duok meilei laiko, ir ji atguls ant delno
Equivalent to “Give it time, and it will come to you easily,” this saying underlines patience in the development of feelings or relationships.

Senelė patarė man “Duok meilei laiko, ir ji atguls ant delno”.

Understanding and using these common Lithuanian proverbs and sayings can greatly enhance one’s grasp of the language and appreciation for Lithuanian culture. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, incorporating these phrases into your daily conversation will help you sound more like a native speaker and connect more deeply with the Lithuanian community.