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{{Lithuanian-Page-Top}}
{{Lithuanian-Page-Top}}
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Lithuanian|Lithuanian]]  → [[Language/Lithuanian/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Lithuanian/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Introduction to Lithuanian → Alphabet and Pronunciation</div>
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Lithuanian|Lithuanian]]  → [[Language/Lithuanian/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Lithuanian/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Alphabet and Pronunciation</div>
 
Welcome to our lesson on the '''Lithuanian Alphabet and Pronunciation'''! As complete beginners, understanding the alphabet is a crucial first step in your journey to mastering the Lithuanian language. The unique characters and sounds in Lithuanian can be quite different from what you may be accustomed to in English. However, fear not! With a little practice and guidance, you’ll be reading and pronouncing Lithuanian words in no time.
 
In this lesson, we will explore the following topics:
 
* '''The Lithuanian Alphabet:''' Introduction to the letters and their unique characters.
 
* '''Pronunciation Rules:''' An overview of how to pronounce each letter, including special characters.
 
* '''Examples of Words:''' Illustrative examples to help you understand how the letters sound in context.
 
* '''Practice Exercises:''' Activities to reinforce your learning and improve your pronunciation skills.
 
So, let’s dive in and unlock the beauty of the Lithuanian language together!


__TOC__
__TOC__


== Introduction ==
=== The Lithuanian Alphabet ===


Welcome to the lesson on the Lithuanian alphabet and pronunciation! In this lesson, we will explore the unique features of the Lithuanian alphabet, including its letters, special characters, and pronunciation rules. Understanding the alphabet and pronunciation is essential for improving your speaking and reading skills in Lithuanian.
The Lithuanian alphabet consists of '''32 letters''', including some special characters that you won’t find in the English alphabet. Here’s a breakdown of the alphabet:


The Lithuanian alphabet consists of 32 letters, including 12 vowels and 20 consonants. It is based on the Latin script, with a few additional characters that are specific to the Lithuanian language. In this lesson, we will learn how to pronounce each letter correctly and understand any special pronunciation rules associated with certain letter combinations.
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Letter !! Pronunciation (IPA) !! English Sound
 
|-


By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in the Lithuanian alphabet and pronunciation, which will enable you to read and pronounce words accurately. Let's get started!
| A || /a/ || "a" in "father"


== The Lithuanian Alphabet ==
|-


The Lithuanian alphabet consists of the following letters:
| Ą || /aː/ || "a" in "father" (nasalized)
 
|-
 
| B || /b/ || "b" in "bat"
 
|-
 
| C || /ts/ || "ts" in "cats"
 
|-
 
| Č || /tʃ/ || "ch" in "chocolate"
 
|-
 
| D || /d/ || "d" in "dog"
 
|-
 
| E || /ɛ/ || "e" in "bed"
 
|-
 
| Ė || /eː/ || "ay" in "say"
 
|-
 
| F || /f/ || "f" in "fish"
 
|-
 
| G || /g/ || "g" in "go"
 
|-
 
| H || /h/ || "h" in "hat"
 
|-
 
| I || /i/ || "ee" in "see"
 
|-
 
| Į || /iː/ || "ee" in "see" (long)
 
|-
 
| J || /j/ || "y" in "yes"
 
|-
 
| K || /k/ || "k" in "kite"
 
|-
 
| L || /l/ || "l" in "lamp"
 
|-
 
| M || /m/ || "m" in "man"
 
|-
 
| N || /n/ || "n" in "net"


{| class="wikitable"
! Letter !! Pronunciation !! English Sound
|-
|-
| A, a || [a] || a in "father"
 
| O || /ɔ/ || "aw" in "saw"
 
|-
|-
| Ą, ą || [ɔ̃ː] || nasalized a
 
| P || /p/ || "p" in "pen"
 
|-
|-
| B, b || [b] || b in "book"
 
| R || /r/ || "r" in "run" (rolled)
 
|-
|-
| C, c || [ts] || ts in "tsunami"
 
| S || /s/ || "s" in "snake"
 
|-
|-
| Č, č || [tʃ] || ch in "cheese"
 
| Š || /ʃ/ || "sh" in "shoe"
 
|-
|-
| D, d || [d] || d in "dog"
 
| T || /t/ || "t" in "top"
 
|-
|-
| E, e || [ɛ] || e in "bed"
 
| U || /u/ || "oo" in "food"
 
|-
|-
| Ę, ę || [ɛ̃ː] || nasalized e
 
| Ų || /uː/ || "oo" in "food" (long)
 
|-
|-
| Ė, ė || [æː] || e in "bet"
 
| V || /v/ || "v" in "van"
 
|-
|-
| F, f || [f] || f in "fun"
 
| Z || /z/ || "z" in "zebra"
 
|-
|-
| G, g || [g] || g in "go"
 
| Ž || /ʒ/ || "s" in "measure"
 
|}
 
Let’s break down some of these letters and their unique sounds:
 
* '''A''' and '''Ą''': The letter '''A''' is pronounced like “a” in “father,” while '''Ą''' is nasalized and held longer.
 
* '''C''' and '''Č''': The letter '''C''' is pronounced like “ts” in “cats,” and '''Č''' is pronounced like “ch” in “chocolate.”
 
* '''E''' and '''Ė''': '''E''' sounds like “e” in “bed,” but '''Ė''' is a longer sound similar to “ay” in “say.”
 
* '''Š''' and '''Ž''': '''Š''' is pronounced like “sh” in “shoe,” whereas '''Ž''' sounds like “s” in “measure.”
 
=== Pronunciation Rules ===
 
Understanding the pronunciation rules is essential for your speaking and reading skills. Here are some important points to consider:
 
1. '''Vowels''': In Lithuanian, vowels can be short or long, which can change the meaning of a word. For example, '''mama''' (short vowels) means "mom," while '''māma''' (with long vowels) is not a word in Lithuanian.
 
2. '''Consonants''': Some consonants can be soft or hard. For example, '''D''' is hard, while '''Į''' is soft. This can affect the pronunciation of nearby vowels.
 
3. '''Stress''': Lithuanian words often have variable stress, which may fall on different syllables. Generally, the stress tends to fall on the last syllable, but this is not a strict rule.
 
4. '''Special Characters''': Special characters like '''Č, Š, Ž, and Ą''' have distinct sounds that are crucial to proper pronunciation.
 
5. '''Diphthongs''': Lithuanian features diphthongs, which are combinations of two vowel sounds in one syllable. For example, '''ai''' in '''kai''' (meaning "when") is pronounced as a single sound.
 
=== Examples of Words ===
 
Let’s look at some examples of how these letters and sounds come together in actual words.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Lithuanian !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| H, h || [x] || ch in "loch"
 
| Mama || /mɑːmɑ/ || Mom
 
|-
|-
| I, i || [i] || i in "see"
 
| Dėdė || /ˈdɛːdɛ/ || Uncle
 
|-
|-
| Į, į || [ɪ̃ː] || nasalized i
 
| Šuo || /ʃuɔ/ || Dog
 
|-
|-
| Y, y || [ʲ] || y in "yes"
 
| Katė || /ˈkɑːtɛ/ || Cat
 
|-
|-
| J, j || [j] || y in "yes"
 
| Namas || /ˈnɑːmɑs/ || House
 
|-
|-
| K, k || [k] || k in "key"
 
| Pienas || /ˈpjɛːnɑs/ || Milk
 
|-
|-
| L, l || [l] || l in "love"
 
| Žuvis || /ˈʒuːvɪs/ || Fish
 
|-
|-
| M, m || [m] || m in "mother"
 
| Tėtis || /ˈteːtɪs/ || Dad
 
|-
|-
| N, n || [n] || n in "no"
 
| Pavasaris || /pɑˈvɑːsɑrɪs/ || Spring
 
|-
|-
| O, o || [ɔ] || o in "hot"
 
| Džiaugsmas || /ˈdʒjɑʊɡsmɑs/ || Joy
 
|-
|-
| P, p || [p] || p in "pen"
 
| Knyga || /ˈkɪŋɡɑ/ || Book
 
|-
|-
| R, r || [r] || rolled r (similar to Spanish r)
 
| Laisvė || /ˈlɑɪsʋɛ/ || Freedom
 
|-
|-
| S, s || [s] || s in "sun"
 
| Saulė || /ˈsɑʊlɛ/ || Sun
 
|-
|-
| Š, š || [ʃ] || sh in "she"
 
| Medis || /ˈmɛdɪs/ || Tree
 
|-
|-
| T, t || [t] || t in "top"
 
| Lietus || /ˈlʲɛːtʊs/ || Rain
 
|-
|-
| U, u || [u] || oo in "food"
 
| Vėjas || /ˈvɛːjɑs/ || Wind
 
|-
|-
| Ų, ų || [ʊ̃ː] || nasalized u
 
| Upė || /ˈʊpɛ/ || River
 
|-
|-
| Ū, ū || [uː] || long u
 
| Sniegas || /ˈsɲɛːɡɑs/ || Snow
 
|-
|-
| V, v || [v] || v in "vase"
 
| Sodas || /ˈsɔdɑs/ || Garden
 
|-
|-
| Z, z || [z] || z in "zebra"
 
| Jūra || /ˈjʊːrɑ/ || Sea
 
|-
|-
| Ž, ž || [ʒ] || s in "pleasure"
 
| Rūta || /ˈrʊːtɑ/ || Rue (the plant)
 
|}
|}


It's important to note that many of the vowels in Lithuanian can be nasalized, denoted by a tilde (~) above the vowel. Nasalization changes the sound of the vowel and is indicated by a longer duration. For example, Ą is nasalized A, and Ę is nasalized E.
=== Practice Exercises ===


== Pronunciation Rules ==
Now that we’ve explored the alphabet and pronunciation, let’s put your knowledge to the test with some exercises!


Now that we have familiarized ourselves with the Lithuanian alphabet, let's delve into some pronunciation rules that will help us pronounce words correctly.
==== Exercise 1: Identify the Letters ====


=== Vowel Pronunciation ===
Match the Lithuanian letters with their English sounds.


In Lithuanian, vowel sounds can vary depending on their position in a word and the surrounding consonants. Let's look at some of the key vowel pronunciation rules:
1. A


1. A: The vowel A is pronounced as [a] in most cases, like the "a" in "father." However, when followed by certain consonant clusters like "st," "sp," and "šn," it is pronounced as [ɔ]. For example, "asta" (star) is pronounced as [ɔsta].
2. Č


2. E: The vowel E is pronounced as [ɛ] in most cases, like the "e" in "bed." However, when followed by certain consonant clusters like "st," "sp," and "šn," it is pronounced as [æ], similar to the "e" in "bet." For example, "estas" (estate) is pronounced as [æstas].
3. Š


3. I: The vowel I is pronounced as [i] in most cases, like the "i" in "see." However, when followed by certain consonant clusters like "st," "sp," and "šn," it is pronounced as [ɪ]. For example, "istabos" (rooms) is pronounced as [ɪstabos].
4. Ą


4. O: The vowel O is pronounced as [ɔ] in most cases, like the "o" in "hot." However, when followed by certain consonant clusters like "st," "sp," and "šn," it is pronounced as [u]. For example, "stogas" (roof) is pronounced as [stuogas].
5. Ž


5. U: The vowel U is pronounced as [u] in most cases, like the "oo" in "food." However, when followed by certain consonant clusters like "st," "sp," and "šn," it is pronounced as [ʊ]. For example, "stumti" (to push) is pronounced as [stʊmti].
''Answers:''


6. Y: The letter Y represents a palatalized vowel, which is a sound produced with the middle of the tongue raised towards the hard palate. It is pronounced as [ʲ]. For example, "lygios" (equal) is pronounced as [ʲligʲos].
1. "a" in "father"


7. Nasalized Vowels: Nasalized vowels, denoted by a tilde (~) above the vowel, have a longer duration and a nasal quality. For example, Ą is nasalized A, and Ų is nasalized U.
2. "ch" in "chocolate"


=== Consonant Pronunciation ===
3. "sh" in "shoe"


The pronunciation of consonants in Lithuanian is generally straightforward and similar to English. However, there are a few consonant combinations and special characters that require specific pronunciation:
4. "a" in "father" (nasalized)


1. C: The letter C is always pronounced as [ts], like the "ts" in "tsunami."
5. "s" in "measure"


2. Č: The letter Č is pronounced as [tʃ], like the "ch" in "cheese."
==== Exercise 2: Pronounce the Words ====


3. H: The letter H is pronounced as [x], similar to the "ch" sound in Scottish "loch."
Read the following words aloud, paying attention to the special characters.


4. Š: The letter Š is pronounced as [ʃ], like the "sh" in "she."
* Mama


5. Ž: The letter Ž is pronounced as [ʒ], like the "s" in "pleasure."
* Katė


6. R: The letter R is rolled, similar to the Spanish "r."
* Šuo


7. Special Characters: In addition to the standard Latin alphabet, Lithuanian also includes special characters like Ą, Č, Ę, Ė, Į, Š, Ų, Ū, and Ž. These characters have their own unique pronunciation, as we have discussed earlier.
* Dėdė


It's important to note that the pronunciation of certain letters and combinations may vary slightly depending on regional accents and dialects. However, the rules outlined here provide a solid foundation for pronouncing Lithuanian words accurately.
* Žuvis


== Cultural Insights ==
''Answers:''


The Lithuanian language has a rich cultural and historical significance. It is one of the oldest living Indo-European languages and is closely related to ancient languages like Sanskrit and Ancient Greek. Lithuanian is the official language of Lithuania and is spoken by approximately three million people.
Practice pronouncing these words. Focus on the unique sounds of '''Š''' and '''Ž'''.


Lithuanian culture is deeply rooted in traditions, folklore, and the celebration of nature. The language plays a vital role in preserving and transmitting these cultural elements. Many Lithuanian folk songs and poems, known as dainos, are passed down through generations and reflect the nation's history, values, and identity.
==== Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks ====


Lithuania is also known for its unique dialects, which vary by region. These dialects have their own distinct pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar rules. For example, the Samogitian dialect spoken in western Lithuania differs from the standard Lithuanian spoken in other regions. Understanding these regional variations can provide valuable insights into the diversity of the Lithuanian language and culture.
Complete the sentences with the correct words from the list below.


== Exercises ==
* (Pienas, Knyga, Saulė)


Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Complete the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of the Lithuanian alphabet and pronunciation.
1. Aš geriu __________. (I drink...)


1. Pronunciation Practice: Listen to the audio recordings of words in Lithuanian and write down the corresponding pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
2. __________ yra šviečia. (The sun is shining.)


a) Čempionatas (championship)
3. Aš skaitau __________. (I am reading...)
b) Šuo (dog)
c) Grįžimas (return)
d) Žemė (earth)
e) Tarybinė (Soviet)


2. Fill in the Blanks: Fill in the blanks with the correct letter or special character to complete the following words.
''Answers:''


a) Kūnas (body)
1. Pienas
b) Šeši (six)
c) Mėnulis (moon)
d) Dėžė (box)
e) Žirnis (pea)


3. Translate and Pronounce: Translate the following English words into Lithuanian and write down the corresponding pronunciation.
2. Saulė


a) Love
3. Knyga
b) Flower
c) Window
d) Tree
e) Music


== Solutions ==
==== Exercise 4: Listening and Repeating ====


1. Pronunciation Practice:
Listen to a native speaker pronounce the following words and repeat after them.


a) Čempionatas: [tʃɛmpʲɪɔˈnatas]
* Tėtis
b) Šuo: [ʃʊ]
c) Grįžimas: [ɡrʲɪˈʒimas]
d) Žemė: [ʒɛˈmeː]
e) Tarybinė: [tʲarʲɪˈbʲineː]


2. Fill in the Blanks:
* Upė


a) Kūnas (body)
* Sniegas
b) Šeši (six)
c) Mėnulis (moon)
d) Dėžė (box)
e) Žirnis (pea)


3. Translate and Pronounce:
* Rūta


a) Meilė: [mɛɪˈlʲeː]
''Answers:''
b) Gėlė: [ɡʲeːˈleː]
c) Langas: [ˈlaːŋɡas]
d) Medis: [ˈmɛdʲɪs]
e) Muzika: [mʊˈzʲɪka]


== Conclusion ==
Practice until you feel confident in your pronunciation.


Congratulations! You have completed the lesson on the Lithuanian alphabet and pronunciation. By understanding the letters, special characters, and pronunciation rules, you have taken a significant step towards improving your speaking and reading skills in Lithuanian. Remember to practice regularly and listen to native speakers to further enhance your pronunciation. In the next lesson, we will explore the basic sentence structure in Lithuanian. Ačiū (thank you) and until next time!
==== Exercise 5: Create Your Own Words ====
 
Using the letters you’ve learned, create three new words. Try to use at least one special character in each word.
 
''Answers:''
 
Creativity is key! Examples might include '''Žvakė''' (candle), '''Mėnesis''' (month), or '''Kraštas''' (country).
 
==== Exercise 6: Identify the Sounds ====
 
Listen to the following sounds and identify the corresponding Lithuanian letters.
 
1. /ʃ/
 
2. /ʒ/
 
3. /ts/
 
4. /tʃ/
 
5. /ɛ/
 
''Answers:''
 
1. Š
 
2. Ž
 
3. C
 
4. Č
 
5. E
 
==== Exercise 7: Write the Alphabet ====
 
Write down the Lithuanian alphabet from memory. Include the special characters.
 
''Answers:''
 
Your alphabet should include all 32 letters.
 
==== Exercise 8: Stress the Words ====
 
Identify the stressed syllable in the following words:
 
* Mėnuo
 
* Pavasaris
 
* Džiaugsmas
 
''Answers:''
 
1. Mė'''nuo'''
 
2. Pa'''vas'''aris
 
3. Dzi'''augs'''mas
 
==== Exercise 9: Translate the Words ====
 
Translate the following Lithuanian words into English:
 
1. Medis
 
2. Laisvė
 
3. Vėjas
 
''Answers:''
 
1. Tree
 
2. Freedom
 
3. Wind
 
==== Exercise 10: Pronunciation Practice ====
 
Record yourself saying the following phrases and pay attention to your pronunciation of the special characters.
 
1. Aš myliu Lietuvą. (I love Lithuania.)
 
2. Saulė šviečia. (The sun is shining.)
 
3. Mėgstu knygas. (I like books.)
 
''Answers:''
 
Listen to your recording and compare it to native pronunciation.  
 
We hope this lesson has made you feel more confident in recognizing and pronouncing the Lithuanian alphabet! Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep revisiting these exercises and don’t hesitate to ask questions; I’m here to help you along the way!


{{#seo:
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|keywords=Lithuanian alphabet, Lithuanian pronunciation, Lithuanian language, Lithuanian vowels, Lithuanian consonants
|title=Lithuanian Grammar: Alphabet and Pronunciation
|description=Learn the Lithuanian alphabet, its letters, special characters, and pronunciation rules to improve your speaking and reading skills.
 
|keywords=Lithuanian alphabet, Lithuanian pronunciation, learn Lithuanian, Lithuanian language course, beginner Lithuanian
 
|description=In this lesson, you will learn the Lithuanian alphabet, its letters, special characters, and pronunciation rules to improve your speaking and reading skills.
 
}}
}}


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==Videos==
==Videos==

Latest revision as of 01:24, 2 August 2024

Next Lesson — Basic Sentence Structure ▶️

30EE5B94-4D56-4C8B-9796-38B1CFE1679F.png
Lithuanian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Alphabet and Pronunciation

Welcome to our lesson on the Lithuanian Alphabet and Pronunciation! As complete beginners, understanding the alphabet is a crucial first step in your journey to mastering the Lithuanian language. The unique characters and sounds in Lithuanian can be quite different from what you may be accustomed to in English. However, fear not! With a little practice and guidance, you’ll be reading and pronouncing Lithuanian words in no time.

In this lesson, we will explore the following topics:

  • The Lithuanian Alphabet: Introduction to the letters and their unique characters.
  • Pronunciation Rules: An overview of how to pronounce each letter, including special characters.
  • Examples of Words: Illustrative examples to help you understand how the letters sound in context.
  • Practice Exercises: Activities to reinforce your learning and improve your pronunciation skills.

So, let’s dive in and unlock the beauty of the Lithuanian language together!

The Lithuanian Alphabet[edit | edit source]

The Lithuanian alphabet consists of 32 letters, including some special characters that you won’t find in the English alphabet. Here’s a breakdown of the alphabet:

Letter Pronunciation (IPA) English Sound
A /a/ "a" in "father"
Ą /aː/ "a" in "father" (nasalized)
B /b/ "b" in "bat"
C /ts/ "ts" in "cats"
Č /tʃ/ "ch" in "chocolate"
D /d/ "d" in "dog"
E /ɛ/ "e" in "bed"
Ė /eː/ "ay" in "say"
F /f/ "f" in "fish"
G /g/ "g" in "go"
H /h/ "h" in "hat"
I /i/ "ee" in "see"
Į /iː/ "ee" in "see" (long)
J /j/ "y" in "yes"
K /k/ "k" in "kite"
L /l/ "l" in "lamp"
M /m/ "m" in "man"
N /n/ "n" in "net"
O /ɔ/ "aw" in "saw"
P /p/ "p" in "pen"
R /r/ "r" in "run" (rolled)
S /s/ "s" in "snake"
Š /ʃ/ "sh" in "shoe"
T /t/ "t" in "top"
U /u/ "oo" in "food"
Ų /uː/ "oo" in "food" (long)
V /v/ "v" in "van"
Z /z/ "z" in "zebra"
Ž /ʒ/ "s" in "measure"

Let’s break down some of these letters and their unique sounds:

  • A and Ą: The letter A is pronounced like “a” in “father,” while Ą is nasalized and held longer.
  • C and Č: The letter C is pronounced like “ts” in “cats,” and Č is pronounced like “ch” in “chocolate.”
  • E and Ė: E sounds like “e” in “bed,” but Ė is a longer sound similar to “ay” in “say.”
  • Š and Ž: Š is pronounced like “sh” in “shoe,” whereas Ž sounds like “s” in “measure.”

Pronunciation Rules[edit | edit source]

Understanding the pronunciation rules is essential for your speaking and reading skills. Here are some important points to consider:

1. Vowels: In Lithuanian, vowels can be short or long, which can change the meaning of a word. For example, mama (short vowels) means "mom," while māma (with long vowels) is not a word in Lithuanian.

2. Consonants: Some consonants can be soft or hard. For example, D is hard, while Į is soft. This can affect the pronunciation of nearby vowels.

3. Stress: Lithuanian words often have variable stress, which may fall on different syllables. Generally, the stress tends to fall on the last syllable, but this is not a strict rule.

4. Special Characters: Special characters like Č, Š, Ž, and Ą have distinct sounds that are crucial to proper pronunciation.

5. Diphthongs: Lithuanian features diphthongs, which are combinations of two vowel sounds in one syllable. For example, ai in kai (meaning "when") is pronounced as a single sound.

Examples of Words[edit | edit source]

Let’s look at some examples of how these letters and sounds come together in actual words.

Lithuanian Pronunciation English
Mama /mɑːmɑ/ Mom
Dėdė /ˈdɛːdɛ/ Uncle
Šuo /ʃuɔ/ Dog
Katė /ˈkɑːtɛ/ Cat
Namas /ˈnɑːmɑs/ House
Pienas /ˈpjɛːnɑs/ Milk
Žuvis /ˈʒuːvɪs/ Fish
Tėtis /ˈteːtɪs/ Dad
Pavasaris /pɑˈvɑːsɑrɪs/ Spring
Džiaugsmas /ˈdʒjɑʊɡsmɑs/ Joy
Knyga /ˈkɪŋɡɑ/ Book
Laisvė /ˈlɑɪsʋɛ/ Freedom
Saulė /ˈsɑʊlɛ/ Sun
Medis /ˈmɛdɪs/ Tree
Lietus /ˈlʲɛːtʊs/ Rain
Vėjas /ˈvɛːjɑs/ Wind
Upė /ˈʊpɛ/ River
Sniegas /ˈsɲɛːɡɑs/ Snow
Sodas /ˈsɔdɑs/ Garden
Jūra /ˈjʊːrɑ/ Sea
Rūta /ˈrʊːtɑ/ Rue (the plant)

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that we’ve explored the alphabet and pronunciation, let’s put your knowledge to the test with some exercises!

Exercise 1: Identify the Letters[edit | edit source]

Match the Lithuanian letters with their English sounds.

1. A

2. Č

3. Š

4. Ą

5. Ž

Answers:

1. "a" in "father"

2. "ch" in "chocolate"

3. "sh" in "shoe"

4. "a" in "father" (nasalized)

5. "s" in "measure"

Exercise 2: Pronounce the Words[edit | edit source]

Read the following words aloud, paying attention to the special characters.

  • Mama
  • Katė
  • Šuo
  • Dėdė
  • Žuvis

Answers:

Practice pronouncing these words. Focus on the unique sounds of Š and Ž.

Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Complete the sentences with the correct words from the list below.

  • (Pienas, Knyga, Saulė)

1. Aš geriu __________. (I drink...)

2. __________ yra šviečia. (The sun is shining.)

3. Aš skaitau __________. (I am reading...)

Answers:

1. Pienas

2. Saulė

3. Knyga

Exercise 4: Listening and Repeating[edit | edit source]

Listen to a native speaker pronounce the following words and repeat after them.

  • Tėtis
  • Upė
  • Sniegas
  • Rūta

Answers:

Practice until you feel confident in your pronunciation.

Exercise 5: Create Your Own Words[edit | edit source]

Using the letters you’ve learned, create three new words. Try to use at least one special character in each word.

Answers:

Creativity is key! Examples might include Žvakė (candle), Mėnesis (month), or Kraštas (country).

Exercise 6: Identify the Sounds[edit | edit source]

Listen to the following sounds and identify the corresponding Lithuanian letters.

1. /ʃ/

2. /ʒ/

3. /ts/

4. /tʃ/

5. /ɛ/

Answers:

1. Š

2. Ž

3. C

4. Č

5. E

Exercise 7: Write the Alphabet[edit | edit source]

Write down the Lithuanian alphabet from memory. Include the special characters.

Answers:

Your alphabet should include all 32 letters.

Exercise 8: Stress the Words[edit | edit source]

Identify the stressed syllable in the following words:

  • Mėnuo
  • Pavasaris
  • Džiaugsmas

Answers:

1. Mėnuo

2. Pavasaris

3. Dziaugsmas

Exercise 9: Translate the Words[edit | edit source]

Translate the following Lithuanian words into English:

1. Medis

2. Laisvė

3. Vėjas

Answers:

1. Tree

2. Freedom

3. Wind

Exercise 10: Pronunciation Practice[edit | edit source]

Record yourself saying the following phrases and pay attention to your pronunciation of the special characters.

1. Aš myliu Lietuvą. (I love Lithuania.)

2. Saulė šviečia. (The sun is shining.)

3. Mėgstu knygas. (I like books.)

Answers:

Listen to your recording and compare it to native pronunciation.

We hope this lesson has made you feel more confident in recognizing and pronouncing the Lithuanian alphabet! Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep revisiting these exercises and don’t hesitate to ask questions; I’m here to help you along the way!

Table of Contents - Lithuanian Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Introduction to Lithuanian


Greetings and Introductions


Nouns and Pronouns


Numbers and Time


Verbs and Tenses


Food and Dining


Adjectives and Adverbs


Travel and Transportation


Prepositions and Conjunctions


Shopping and Services


Lithuanian Traditions and Customs

Videos[edit | edit source]

Lithuanian Lesson 2 - Alphabet - YouTube[edit | edit source]

Learn Lithuanian Alphabet - Letters/ Vowels E and Ę - YouTube[edit | edit source]


Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]


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Next Lesson — Basic Sentence Structure ▶️

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