Language/Lithuanian/Grammar/Pronouns
Hi Lithuanian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will focus on the pronouns used in the Lithuanian language. Pronouns are an essential part of any language, and they make communication more efficient. They replace a noun or noun phrase, making speech and writing more concise.
Personal Pronouns
Personal pronouns refer to individuals or are used to indicate possession. They can also be used as the subject or object of a sentence. In Lithuanian, personal pronouns change based on the case and gender. Below are the Lithuanian personal pronouns:
Lithuanian | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
aš | [aʃ] | I |
tu | [tu] | you (singular, informal) |
jis | [jis] | he |
ji | [ji] | she |
mes | [mɛs] | we |
jūs | [jus] | you (plural, formal) |
jie | [jɪɛ] | they (masculine or mixed gender group) |
jos | [jɔs] | they (feminine group) |
Here's an example dialogue using personal pronouns to help you understand how to use them:
- Person 1: Aš esu Jonas. (I am Jonas)
- Person 2: Laba diena, Jonas! Kaip tu? (Good day, Jonas! How are you?)
- Person 1: Labai ačiū, gerai. O kaip jūs? (Thank you very much, I'm good. And you (formal)?)
- Person 2: Mes esame gerai, ačiū. (We are good, thank you.)
Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative pronouns are used to point to specific things or persons. In Lithuanian, there are three types of demonstrative pronouns, and they change based on gender and case:
Lithuanian | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
šis | [ʃɪs] | this (masculine) |
ši | [ʃi] | this (feminine) |
tai | [tai] | this (neuter) |
tas | [tas] | that (masculine) |
ta | [ta] | that (feminine) |
tą | [tɔ́ː] | that (neuter) |
tie | [ti:ɛ] | those (masculine) |
tos | [tɔs] | those (feminine) |
Here's an example dialogue using demonstrative pronouns to help you understand how to use them:
- Person 1: Ar norite šitą ar tą? (Do you want this or that?)
- Person 2: Aš noriu šitą. (I want this.)
- Person 1: Gerai, aš duosiu jums šitą. (Okay, I will give you this.)
- Person 2: Dėkoju, tai labai malonu. (Thank you, that's very kind.)
Interrogative Pronouns
Interrogative pronouns are used to ask questions. In Lithuanian, the interrogative pronouns change based on case and gender. Here are the Lithuanian interrogative pronouns:
Lithuanian | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
kas | [kas] | who (nominative) |
ko | [kɔ] | whom (genitive) |
kam | [kam] | whom (dative) |
ką | [kaːm] | what (accusative) |
kur | [kur] | where |
kada | [ˈkaːda] | when |
Here's an example dialogue using interrogative pronouns to help you understand how to use them:
- Person 1: Kas tai yra? (What is this?)
- Person 2: Tai kavos puodelis. (It's a cup of coffee.)
- Person 1: O kam jis priklauso? (And whom does it belong to?)
- Person 2: Man. (It belongs to me.)
Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used when the object of the verb is the same as the subject. In Lithuanian, the reflexive pronoun is "save." Here's how you use it:
Lithuanian | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
aš | [aʃ] | myself |
tu | [tu] | yourself (singular, informal) |
jis | [jis] | himself |
ji | [ji] | herself |
mes | [mɛs] | ourselves |
jūs | [jus] | yourself (plural, formal) |
jie | [jɪɛ] | themselves (masculine or mixed gender group) |
jos | [jɔs] | themselves (feminine group) |
Here's an example dialogue using reflexive pronouns to help you understand how to use them:
- Person 1: Aš vairuoju save. (I'm driving myself.)
- Person 2: Puiku! Aš taip pat moku vairuoti save. (Great! I also know how to drive myself.)
Possessive Pronouns
Possessive pronouns show possession or ownership. In Lithuanian, possessive pronouns change based on gender and case. Below are the possessive pronouns:
Lithuanian | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
mano | [mɐnɒ] | my |
tavo | [tɑvɒ] | your (singular, informal) |
jo | [jɔ] | his |
jos | [jɔs] | her |
mūsų | [mu:sʉ:] | our |
jūsų | [ju:sʉ:] | your (plural, formal) |
jų | [jʊ] | their |
Here's an example dialogue using possessive pronouns to help you understand how to use them:
- Person 1: Tai yra mano automobilis. (This is my car.)
- Person 2: Jūsų? (Yours?)
- Person 1: Ne, mano. (No, mine.)
- Person 2: Ačiū. (Thank you.)
Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns refer to people, places, or things in a general or indefinite way. In Lithuanian, indefinite pronouns change based on the case and gender. Here are some Lithuanian indefinite pronouns:
Lithuanian | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
kas nors | [kɐs nɔrs] | somebody, anybody |
kažkas | [kɑʒ kɑs] | something |
niekas | [nʲɛ̂kɐs] | nobody, no one |
nieko | [nʲɛ̂kɔ] | nothing |
Here's an example dialogue using indefinite pronouns to help you understand how to use them:
- Person 1: Ar kas nors nori kavos? (Does somebody want coffee?)
- Person 2: Aš noriu kažko karšto. (I want something hot.)
- Person 1: Gerai, aš duosiu jums kavos arbatinį. (Okay, I will give you coffee or tea.)
- Person 2: Dėkoju, nieko daugiau man nereikia. (Thank you, I don't need anything else.)
I hope this lesson was helpful in understanding Lithuanian pronouns. To improve your Lithuanian Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Sources
Videos
Lithuanian Lesson 3 - Personal Pronouns - YouTube
Lithuanian grammar (3) - Personal and possessive pronouns ...
Lesson Six: Lithuanian pronouns and how to say "I am", "You are" or ...
LITHUANIAN LESSON 78 - PERSONAL PRONOUNS FOR ALL ...