Language/Lithuanian/Grammar/Present-Tense-Verbs

Lithuanian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Verbs and Adjectives → Present Tense Verbs

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on present tense verbs in Lithuanian! In this lesson, we will explore how to conjugate and use present tense verbs in Lithuanian. Verbs are an essential part of any language, and understanding how to use them correctly will greatly enhance your ability to communicate in Lithuanian. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience with the language, this lesson is designed to help you strengthen your grasp of present tense verbs and improve your overall fluency in Lithuanian. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently conjugate and use present tense verbs in various contexts.

Conjugating Present Tense Verbs

Verbs in Lithuanian, like in many other languages, change their form depending on the subject and tense. In this lesson, we will focus specifically on present tense verbs. To conjugate a verb in the present tense, we need to consider the subject of the sentence and the verb's infinitive form.

Let's take a look at an example using the verb "to speak" (kalbėti) in present tense:

Lithuanian	Pronunciation	English
Aš kalbu	[aʃ kɐlˈbu]	I speak
Tu kalbi	[tu ˈkɐlbi]	You speak
Jis/Ji kalba	[jis/ji ˈkɐlbɐ]	He/She speaks
Mes kalbame	[mɛs kɐlˈbɐmɛ]	We speak
Jūs kalbate	[jus kɐlˈbɐtɛ]	You speak
Jie/Jos kalba	[jiɛ/jos ˈkɐlbɐ]	They speak

As you can see, the verb "kalbėti" changes its form depending on the subject. This is a common characteristic of Lithuanian verbs. Let's break down the conjugation process:

- For the first-person singular (I), we add the suffix "-u" to the verb's stem. In this case, the stem is "kalb-," and the resulting form is "kalbu." - For the second-person singular (you), we add the suffix "-i" to the verb's stem. The stem remains the same, resulting in "kalbi." - For the third-person singular (he/she), we add the suffix "-a" to the verb's stem. Again, the stem remains unchanged, resulting in "kalba." - For the first-person plural (we), we add the suffix "-ame" to the verb's stem. The stem remains the same, resulting in "kalbame." - For the second-person plural (you), we add the suffix "-ate" to the verb's stem. The stem remains unchanged, resulting in "kalbate." - For the third-person plural (they), we add the suffix "-a" to the verb's stem. The stem remains the same, resulting in "kalba."

It's important to note that Lithuanian verbs have different conjugation patterns based on their infinitive form. Some verbs may have irregular conjugations, but the present tense conjugation of most verbs follows similar patterns. As you encounter new verbs, pay attention to their specific conjugation patterns and practice using them in various sentences.

Using Present Tense Verbs

Now that we know how to conjugate present tense verbs, let's explore how to use them in different contexts. Present tense verbs in Lithuanian can express actions happening in the present, habitual actions, general truths, and future events. Here are some examples to illustrate the different uses of present tense verbs:

1. Actions happening in the present: - Aš rašau laišką. (I am writing a letter.) - Jis kalba telefonu. (He is talking on the phone.)

2. Habitual actions: - Aš kiekvieną dieną skaitau knygą. (I read a book every day.) - Jie vaikšto į mokyklą. (They walk to school.)

3. General truths: - Lietuva yra Baltijos šalis. (Lithuania is a Baltic country.) - Šuo būna ištikimas draugas. (A dog is a loyal friend.)

4. Future events: - Rytoj aš lankysiuosi pas draugą. (Tomorrow, I will visit my friend.) - Jie bus sėdintys prie stalo. (They will be sitting at the table.)

As you can see, present tense verbs are versatile and can convey various meanings depending on the context. It's important to consider the specific situation and choose the appropriate verb form to accurately express your intended message.

Cultural Insights

Lithuanian culture places great importance on language and preserving its unique linguistic heritage. The Lithuanian language is one of the oldest living Indo-European languages and has retained many features of the Proto-Indo-European language. The preservation of the Lithuanian language is seen as a way to preserve the nation's identity and cultural heritage.

In Lithuanian culture, language is also closely tied to folklore and traditional customs. Many Lithuanian folk songs and stories have been passed down through generations, contributing to the rich oral tradition of the country. Learning and using the Lithuanian language allows individuals to connect with this cultural heritage and participate in the ongoing preservation of traditions.

Practice Exercises

Now, let's put your knowledge of present tense verbs to the test with some practice exercises. Conjugate the following verbs in the present tense according to the given subjects:

1. Žaisti (to play) - Aš: - Tu: - Jis/Ji: - Mes: - Jūs: - Jie/Jos:

2. Mokytis (to learn) - Aš: - Tu: - Jis/Ji: - Mes: - Jūs: - Jie/Jos:

3. Gerti (to drink) - Aš: - Tu: - Jis/Ji: - Mes: - Jūs: - Jie/Jos:

4. Daryti (to do) - Aš: - Tu: - Jis/Ji: - Mes: - Jūs: - Jie/Jos:

5. Eiti (to go) - Aš: - Tu: - Jis/Ji: - Mes: - Jūs: - Jie/Jos:

Exercise Solutions

Here are the solutions to the practice exercises:

1. Žaisti (to play) - Aš: žaidžiu - Tu: žaidi - Jis/Ji: žaidžia - Mes: žaidžiame - Jūs: žaidžiate - Jie/Jos: žaidžia

2. Mokytis (to learn) - Aš: mokausi - Tu: mokaisi - Jis/Ji: mokosi - Mes: mokomės - Jūs: mokotės - Jie/Jos: mokosi

3. Gerti (to drink) - Aš: geriu - Tu: geri - Jis/Ji: geria - Mes: geriame - Jūs: geriate - Jie/Jos: geria

4. Daryti (to do) - Aš: darau - Tu: dari - Jis/Ji: daro - Mes: darome - Jūs: darote - Jie/Jos: daro

5. Eiti (to go) - Aš: einu - Tu: eini - Jis/Ji: eina - Mes: einame - Jūs: einate - Jie/Jos: eina

Congratulations on completing the exercises! Practice conjugating verbs in different contexts to further enhance your understanding and fluency in Lithuanian.

Conclusion

In this lesson, you have learned how to conjugate and use present tense verbs in Lithuanian. Understanding the conjugation patterns and usage of present tense verbs is essential for effective communication in Lithuanian. Remember to pay attention to the subject of the sentence and the specific verb form to accurately convey your intended message.

Continue practicing and exploring the diverse world of Lithuanian verbs to expand your vocabulary and fluency. The more you engage with the language, the more comfortable and confident you will become in expressing yourself in Lithuanian.

Keep up the great work, and soon you'll be well on your way to mastering the Lithuanian language!

Table of Contents - Lithuanian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Lithuanian

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

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Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Gender and Declension
• Personal Pronouns

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

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Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Dining Out

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Describing People and Things
• Comparatives and Superlatives

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Common Prepositions
• Connecting Ideas

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Shopping and Services

• Shopping Vocabulary
• Banking and Postal Services

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Lithuanian Traditions and Customs

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Cuisine

Sources

• Lithuanian grammar - Wikipedia
• Lithuanian verb conjugator
• Verbs - Lithuanian Grammar

Other Lessons

• Genitive Case
• Adjectives
• Nouns
• Plural Forms of Nouns and Adjectives
• Singular and Plural Nouns
• Conditional Mood
• Negation
• Multipurpose Words and Suffixes
• Future Tense