Learning a new language can be a thrilling adventure, especially when you’re starting with the beautiful Baltic language of Lithuanian. To kick off your journey, mastering some essential phrases can make a significant difference in your communication with native speakers. Here are some basic Lithian phrases that you should know as a beginner, complete with definitions and example sentences.
Sveiki
Greetings / Hello. A general greeting used any time of the day.
Sveiki, kaip jūs laikotės?
Ačiū
Thank you. An expression of gratitude.
Dėkoju už pagalbą, ačiū.
Prašau
Please. Also used when offering something or when responding to a thank you.
Gal galite pateikti man meniu, prašau?
Atsiprašau
Sorry / Excuse me. To apologize or to get someone’s attention.
Atsiprašau, ar galite pakartoti?
Taip
Yes. Affirmative answer or agreement.
Ar norite kavos? Taip, norėčiau.
Ne
No. Negative answer.
Ar tu kalbi anglų kalba? Ne, nekalbu.
Gal
Maybe / Perhaps. To express possibility or uncertainty.
Gal eisime į kiną vakare?
Labas rytas
Good morning. Greeting used in the morning until noon.
Labas rytas, kaip miegojote?
Labą dieną
Good afternoon. A polite greeting used from noon until the early evening.
Labą dieną, kaip jūs šiandien?
Labas vakaras
Good evening. Greeting used in the late afternoon and evening.
Labas vakaras, kaip sekasi?
Labanakt
Goodnight. A wish for a good night often said before going to sleep.
Labanakt, iki rytojaus.
Kaip sekasi?
How are you? / How’s it going? A common question regarding someone’s well-being.
Sveiki, kaip sekasi?
Gerai
Fine / Well / Good. A positive response to ‘Kaip sekasi?’
Ačiū, man sekasi gerai.
Blogai
Badly / Poorly. A negative response to ‘Kaip sekasi?’
Deja, man šiandien sekasi blogai.
Mano vardas yra…
My name is… Used for self-introduction.
Mano vardas yra Jonas. Malonu susipažinti.
Malonu susipažinti
Nice to meet you. A polite phrase used after learning someone’s name.
Mano vardas yra Elena. Malonu susipažinti.
Atleiskite
I am sorry. Used to apologize for a mistake or a misunderstanding.
Atleiskite, aš vėlavausi.
Kur yra tualetas?
Where is the bathroom? An essential question when in need.
Atsiprašau, kur yra tualetas?
Kiek tai kainuoja?
How much does this cost? Useful when shopping.
Šitas labai gražus. Kiek tai kainuoja?
Ar galite pagelbėti?
Can you help (me)?
Atsiprašau, ar galite pagelbėti?
Understanding these essential phrases will give you a strong foundation for engaging in basic conversations and navigating various social settings in Lithuania. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid of mistakes – they are an integral part of learning any new language! Good luck, or as the Lithuanians say, Sėkmės!
