Learning Lithuanian can be a rewarding experience for anyone interested in Baltic languages or looking to connect with Lithuanian heritage. One of the foundational aspects of any language is understanding basic verbs and their uses. In this article, we will delve into two essential Lithuanian verbs: uždaryti (to close) and atidaryti (to open). Both verbs are integral to daily conversation and are used in various contexts. Understanding their meanings, usages, and conjugations will significantly enhance your Lithuanian language skills.

Uždaryti – To Close

The verb uždaryti means “to close” in English. This verb is used when referring to closing doors, windows, books, or any other objects that can be shut.

uždaryti – to close
Prašome uždaryti duris.

durys – door
Durys yra atviros.

langas – window
Ar gali uždaryti langą?

knyga – book
Aš uždarau knygą.

parduotuvė – store/shop
Parduotuvė užsidaro devintą valandą.

Conjugation of Uždaryti

Lithuanian verbs are conjugated according to tense and subject. Here is the conjugation of uždaryti in the present tense:

– Aš uždarau (I close)
Aš uždarau duris.
– Tu uždarai (You close, singular informal)
Tu uždarai langą.
– Jis/Ji uždaro (He/She closes)
Jis uždaro knygą.
– Mes uždarome (We close)
Mes uždarome parduotuvę.
– Jūs uždarote (You close, plural or formal)
Jūs uždarote langus.
– Jie/Jos uždaro (They close)
Jie uždaro duris.

Usage Examples

uždaryti sąskaitą – to close an account
Reikia uždaryti banko sąskaitą.

uždaryti akis – to close one’s eyes
Uždarau akis ir klausau muzikos.

uždaryti duris – to close the door
Prašau, uždarykite duris.

uždaryti langą – to close the window
Ar galėtum uždaryti langą, prašau?

Atidaryti – To Open

The verb atidaryti means “to open” in English. This verb is used when referring to opening doors, windows, books, or any other objects that can be opened.

atidaryti – to open
Ar gali atidaryti duris?

durys – door
Durys yra uždarytos.

langas – window
Atidaryk langą, prašau.

knyga – book
Aš atidarau knygą.

parduotuvė – store/shop
Parduotuvė atsidaro aštuntą valandą.

Conjugation of Atidaryti

Here is the conjugation of atidaryti in the present tense:

– Aš atidarau (I open)
Aš atidarau langą.
– Tu atidarai (You open, singular informal)
Tu atidarai knygą.
– Jis/Ji atidaro (He/She opens)
Ji atidaro duris.
– Mes atidarome (We open)
Mes atidarome parduotuvę.
– Jūs atidarote (You open, plural or formal)
Jūs atidarote langus.
– Jie/Jos atidaro (They open)
Jie atidaro duris.

Usage Examples

atidaryti sąskaitą – to open an account
Noriu atidaryti naują sąskaitą banke.

atidaryti akis – to open one’s eyes
Atidarau akis ir matau saulę.

atidaryti duris – to open the door
Prašau, atidarykite duris.

atidaryti langą – to open the window
Ar gali atidaryti langą, prašau?

Comparing Uždaryti and Atidaryti

While uždaryti and atidaryti are antonyms, their usage is often contextually similar. Both verbs require an object that can be opened or closed, and both are essential in everyday conversation.

Uždaryti is used to describe actions such as closing doors, windows, books, accounts, and more. It conveys the idea of shutting something that was previously open.

Atidaryti is used to describe actions such as opening doors, windows, books, accounts, and more. It conveys the idea of making something accessible that was previously closed.

Contextual Usage

Consider the following scenarios to understand how these verbs are used in context:

1. **In a Store:**
– Parduotuvė užsidaro devintą valandą. (The store closes at nine o’clock.)
– Parduotuvė atsidaro aštuntą valandą. (The store opens at eight o’clock.)

2. **At Home:**
– Uždarau langą, nes lauke šalta. (I close the window because it’s cold outside.)
– Atidarau langą, nes viduje karšta. (I open the window because it’s hot inside.)

3. **Reading a Book:**
– Uždarau knygą, kai baigiu skaityti. (I close the book when I finish reading.)
– Atidarau knygą, kai pradedu skaityti. (I open the book when I start reading.)

Practice Exercises

To fully grasp the usage of uždaryti and atidaryti, try these practice exercises:

1. Translate the following sentences into Lithuanian:
– Please close the door.
– Can you open the window?
– The store closes at ten o’clock.
– I open my book to read.

2. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of uždaryti or atidaryti:
– Aš __________ duris.
– Ji __________ knygą.
– Mes __________ langą.
– Jie __________ sąskaitą.

3. Write a short paragraph about your daily routine using both verbs. For example:
– “Every morning, I open the window to let in fresh air. Then, I close the door to my room and start reading a book. In the evening, I close the window and open my laptop to check emails.”

Conclusion

Understanding the verbs uždaryti and atidaryti is crucial for anyone learning Lithuanian. These verbs are not only foundational but also frequently used in daily communication. By mastering their meanings, conjugations, and contextual usages, you will be well on your way to becoming proficient in Lithuanian. Practice using these verbs in various contexts, and soon, you will find yourself using them naturally in conversation.

Happy learning, and don’t forget to practice regularly!