Lithuanian (lietuvių kalba) is spoken by around three million people, mainly in Lithuania where it is the official language. It is one of the two surviving Baltic languages and one of the most archaic Indo-European languages: with this kit, you have the bare minimum to get by in Vilnius, Kaunas or Klaipeda.
Lithuanian (lietuvių kalba) has about three million native speakers and ranks among the most archaic Indo-European languages still spoken. Together with Latvian, it is one of the last two living Baltic languages: linguists readily compare it to Sanskrit, Latin or Ancient Greek for its conservative features (seven cases, pitch accent with length, endings close to Proto-Indo-European). It is the official language of Lithuania since independence and one of the twenty-four official languages of the European Union. The alphabet is Latin, enriched with nine diacritic signs that open a precise sound palette. Pronunciation is rather transparent once these signs are mastered: every letter is pronounced, stress falls on variable syllables and sometimes changes meaning. Culturally, Lithuanians take pride in the uniqueness of their language: mentioning its antiquity is usually well received. The initial reserve at first contact quickly gives way to great warmth. You remove your shoes when entering a home, bring flowers in odd numbers, respect the place of Catholicism. This kit gathers the bare essentials to handle an arrival in Vilnius, a taxi ride, a restaurant order, a medical emergency and a smooth departure. You will find indispensable greetings, survival phrases for orientation, key words for eating and sleeping, as well as cultural tips to avoid faux pas.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You land in Vilnius in the early evening. The hall is calm, signs are in Lithuanian and English. An agent meets your gaze, you greet him and ask for directions.
The taxi driver loads your suitcase and asks for your destination. You give the hotel address, you want to check the price before leaving, then you will ask him to stop right in front of the entrance.
You enter a restaurant in the centre in the early evening. The waiter seats you and hands you the menu. You hesitate over the daily special and ask for advice before ordering water and the bill.
You feel sick after a meal and you need help quickly. You ask where the nearest hospital is and mention that you are allergic to certain foods.
On the morning of departure, you want to confirm check-out time at the reception, then catch a taxi to the airport. Before leaving, you warmly say goodbye to the hotel staff.
What you need to know before travelling to a lithuanian-speaking country.
Lithuanians take pride in the uniqueness of their language, considered one of the most archaic in Europe. Mentioning its closeness to Sanskrit or Latin is usually well received.
The formal "jūs" is the rule with strangers, shopkeepers and elders. The informal "tu" is reserved for close friends and children.
Avoid confusing Lithuania with its Baltic neighbours. Lithuanians, Latvians and Estonians share history but each has its own language, flag and distinct identity.
You remove your shoes when entering a home. Bringing flowers (odd numbers only, even numbers are for funerals) or a dessert is appreciated.
Lithuanians have a reserved approach at first contact, but very warm once trust is established. Respect this natural progression.
Tipping in restaurants hovers around ten percent. It is not mandatory and some venues already include it in the bill.
Catholicism remains very present in daily culture, especially in rural areas and among older generations. Avoid disparaging remarks about religion.
English is very well spoken by younger urban people, Russian by older generations. A few words in Lithuanian always make a positive difference.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Taip
taip
Yes
Ne
ne
No
Ačiū
A-chyoo
Thank you
Prašom
PRA-shom
You're welcome
Atsiprašau
at-si-pra-SHAU
Sorry
Vanduo
van-DUO
Water
Maistas
MAIS-tas
Food
Viešbutis
VYESH-bu-tis
Hotel
Oro uostas
O-ro UOS-tas
Airport
Ligoninė
li-GO-ni-neh
Hospital
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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