Some words and cultural information to help us be friendly and sensitive.

Words and phrases in Lithuanian and some Culture Awareness

In most all cases, the Lithuanian “r” has a very slight rolling sound like in Spanish.

Hello​Svee kee’

How are you?​Cape  sa’ka  seh?  (cape sounds like scotch “tape”)

Thank you​Ah’  chu

You’re welcome​Pra’  shum

My name is​Mono  var’das

Good bye​Viso’  gah’ ro

Nice to meet you​Laba  malo’na   (or)  Su’see  pah zhen’teh

Yes​Tape  (like scotch “tape”)

No​Nyeah’ (spoken quickly in one syllable with “N” sounded)

Good morning​La’bos  ree’tas

Good night​LaBAHnakt

No problem​Yo’ Q  

Ubuntu Sister​Ubuntu  ses swah’

One, two, three​vien’es, du, tres

(Good for many uses)​icki  (means goodbye, from, to….)

Lithuanian Donut​Spoorga (A solid round ball, brown w/powdered sugar. Delish!)

Peace of Christ!​Kristos raMeebehs

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Culture Awareness

Cautions from Helen: Build relationships with the women, not the translators. Don’t shake hands on the threshold of a house/building.  Don’t whistle inside.  Don’t say “Come to see me in the U.S.” – unless you’ll buy a ticket, find a job and house a person for a long time.

Note:  Wastebaskets in bathrooms are for used toilet paper…very important, especially when at Catholic Retreat Center!

Greetings – a hug (sort of) but…while shaking hands just put cheek to cheek

Spoor’ gah: Name of delicious Lithuanian donut (shaped like a softball with pwd sugar).

Water: Order either Sparkling(with gas) or Still(without gas). Vichy is local brand, good, and cheaper.

Listen carefully and you’ll hear Lithuania pronounced:  Lith ain’ yah

Helen explained that Lithuanians have a “public face” and a “private face”.

Clothing: University students quite savy, chic.  Most all other women dress casual, easy, not fancy and may wear same thing next day.  

Best Advice: Pack light. Take a carry on to use the last days at Retreat Center.  Take umbrella.