Language/Lithuanian/Grammar/Present-Tense

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Lithuanian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Present Tense

Welcome to the exciting world of Lithuanian grammar! In this lesson, we will dive deep into the present tense, a crucial building block for expressing actions happening now. Understanding how to use the present tense will help you communicate effectively in various everyday situations. Whether you're discussing your daily routine, sharing your thoughts, or simply asking questions, mastering the present tense is essential.

In this lesson, we will cover:

  • The importance of the present tense in communication.
  • Regular and irregular verb conjugations.
  • Common verb patterns in Lithuanian.
  • Practical exercises to reinforce your learning.

So, let's get started!

The Importance of the Present Tense

The present tense is fundamental in any language. It allows you to describe actions that occur in the present moment, habitual actions, or general truths. In Lithuanian, the present tense is not just about indicating what is happening now; it also serves to express routines, feelings, and ongoing situations.

For example, when you say "I eat an apple" or "She studies Lithuanian," you are using the present tense to convey a clear and immediate action.

Regular Verb Conjugations

Regular verbs in Lithuanian follow specific patterns when conjugated in the present tense. Let's look at the endings for different groups of regular verbs.

Group 1: -uoti Verbs

For verbs that end in -uoti (e.g., "dirbti" - to work), the endings are as follows:

  • I: -iu
  • You (singular): -i
  • He/She/It: -a
  • We: -ame
  • You (plural): -ate
  • They: -a

Here's an example of the verb "dirbti" (to work):

Lithuanian Pronunciation English
dirbu ˈdir.bu I work
dirbi ˈdir.bi You (singular) work
dirba ˈdir.ba He/She/It works
dirbame ˈdir.ba.me We work
dirbate ˈdir.ba.te You (plural) work
dirba ˈdir.ba They work

Group 2: -yti Verbs

For verbs ending in -yti (e.g., "šokti" - to dance), the endings change slightly:

  • I: -iu
  • You (singular): -i
  • He/She/It: -a
  • We: -iame
  • You (plural): -iate
  • They: -a

Example with "šokti" (to dance):

Lithuanian Pronunciation English
šoku ˈʃo.ku I dance
šoki ˈʃo.ki You (singular) dance
šoka ˈʃo.kɐ He/She/It dances
šokame ˈʃo.kɐ.me We dance
šokate ˈʃo.kɐ.te You (plural) dance
šoka ˈʃo.kɐ They dance

Irregular Verb Conjugations

Some verbs in Lithuanian do not follow regular patterns and are considered irregular. Here are a few key irregular verbs and their present tense forms.

Verb "būti" (to be)

Lithuanian Pronunciation English
esu eˈsu I am
esi eˈsi You (singular) are
yra iˈra He/She/It is
esame eˈsa.me We are
esate eˈsa.te You (plural) are
yra iˈra They are

Verb "turėti" (to have)

Lithuanian Pronunciation English
turiu tuˈri.u I have
turi tuˈri You (singular) have
turi tuˈri He/She/It has
turime tuˈri.me We have
turite tuˈri.te You (plural) have
turi tuˈri They have

Common Verb Patterns

Lithuanian verbs often follow certain patterns when used in sentences. Here are some key patterns:

  • Subject + Verb + Object: This is the most common structure.
  • Example: "Aš (I) valgau (eat) obuolį (an apple)."
  • Subject + Verb + Adverb: To describe how an action is performed.
  • Example: "Tu (You) šoki (dance) gražiai (beautifully)."
  • Subject + Verb + Prepositional Phrase: To indicate location or time.
  • Example: "Mes (We) dirbame (work) mokykloje (at school)."

Practical Exercises

Now that we have covered the basics of the present tense, it's time to practice! Here are some exercises for you to try.

Exercise 1: Conjugate the Verbs

Conjugate the following verbs in the present tense.

1. dirbti (to work)

2. šokti (to dance)

3. būti (to be)

4. turėti (to have)

Solutions:

1. dirbti: dirbu, dirbi, dirba, dirbame, dirbate, dirba

2. šokti: šoku, šoki, šoka, šokame, šokate, šoka

3. būti: esu, esi, yra, esame, esate, yra

4. turėti: turiu, turi, turi, turime, turite, turi

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

1. Aš (dirbti) _________ mokykloje.

2. Tu (šokti) _________ gražiai.

3. Jie (būti) _________ studentai.

4. Mes (turėti) _________ daug draugų.

Solutions:

1. dirbu

2. šoki

3. yra

4. turime

Exercise 3: Translate the Sentences

Translate the following sentences into Lithuanian.

1. I am a teacher.

2. You dance beautifully.

3. We have a dog.

4. They work at the library.

Solutions:

1. Aš esu mokytojas.

2. Tu šoki gražiai.

3. Mes turime šunį.

4. Jie dirba bibliotekoje.

Exercise 4: Create Sentences

Create sentences using the following subjects and verbs.

1. Aš (to read)

2. Tu (to play)

3. Mes (to write)

4. Jie (to study)

Solutions:

1. Aš skaitau. (I read.)

2. Tu žaidi. (You play.)

3. Mes rašome. (We write.)

4. Jie studijuoja. (They study.)

Exercise 5: Identify the Mistakes

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

1. Tu dirbti mokykloje.

2. Jie šoka gražiai.

3. Aš turime knygą.

Solutions:

1. Tu dirbi mokykloje.

2. Correct.

3. Aš turiu knygą.

Exercise 6: Match the Subjects with the Verbs

Match the subjects to the correct verb form.

1. Aš

2. Tu

3. Jie

4. Mes

a. dirba

b. dirbi

c. esame

d. turiu

Solutions:

1 - d: Aš turiu.

2 - b: Tu dirbi.

3 - a: Jie dirba.

4 - c: Mes esame.

Exercise 7: Verb Patterns

Using the given verbs, create a sentence following the subject + verb + object pattern.

1. Aš (to eat) obuolį.

2. Mes (to read) knygas.

3. Tu (to play) futbolą.

Solutions:

1. Aš valgau obuolį.

2. Mes skaitome knygas.

3. Tu žaidi futbolą.

Exercise 8: Conversation Practice

Pair up with a partner and practice a short conversation using the present tense. Use the following prompts:

1. Greet each other.

2. Ask about each other's activities.

3. Share what you have.

Example Dialogue:

  • A: Labas! Kaip tu? (Hello! How are you?)
  • B: Labas! Aš esu gerai. Tu? (Hello! I am good. And you?)
  • A: Aš dirbu. (I work.)
  • B: Aš šoku. (I dance.)

Exercise 9: Change the Verb Tense

Rewrite the sentences in the past tense.

1. Aš dirbu.

2. Tu šoki.

3. Jie turi.

Solutions:

1. Aš dirbau.

2. Tu šokai.

3. Jie turėjo.

Exercise 10: Write a Short Paragraph

Write a short paragraph about your daily routine using the present tense.

Example Solution:

Aš kas rytą keliuosi anksti. Aš valgau pusryčius ir einu į darbą. Po darbo aš sportuoju ir vakare skaitau knygą.

Congratulations on completing this lesson on the present tense! Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep using these forms in your conversations and writing. The more you use Lithuanian, the more natural it will feel!

Table of Contents - Lithuanian Course - 0 to A1


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

Lithuanian grammar (1) - Present tense - YouTube

Easy Lithuanian: Present tense Pt. 1/5 - YouTube


Sources


Other Lessons


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