Bedeutung
Engaging in Lithuania's national sport.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Basketball is considered the 'second religion'. It is the only sport that can bring the entire nation to a standstill during major championships. Lithuanian-Americans in Chicago and other cities played a massive role in bringing the sport back to the homeland in the 1920s and 30s. Playing basketball was a way to express national identity against the Soviet regime, especially during 'Žalgiris' vs 'CSKA' matches. Almost every neighborhood in Lithuania has a well-maintained basketball court where people of all ages gather.
The Ultimate Icebreaker
If you don't know what to talk about with a Lithuanian, mention basketball. Even if you don't play, knowing the phrase is key.
Watch the Case
Never say 'žaisti krepšinis'. It sounds very broken to a native ear. Always use the 'į' ending.
Bedeutung
Engaging in Lithuania's national sport.
The Ultimate Icebreaker
If you don't know what to talk about with a Lithuanian, mention basketball. Even if you don't play, knowing the phrase is key.
Watch the Case
Never say 'žaisti krepšinis'. It sounds very broken to a native ear. Always use the 'į' ending.
Slang Mastery
Use 'lošti kašį' only with close friends at the court. It sounds cool there, but weird in a classroom.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the noun 'krepšinis'.
Aš mėgstu žaisti _______.
The verb 'žaisti' requires the Accusative case.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural way to invite a friend.
This is the standard, grammatically correct invitation.
Complete the dialogue.
Jonas: Ką veikei vakar? Tu: Vakar aš _______ krepšinį.
The question asks about 'vakar' (yesterday), so the past tense is needed.
Match the phrase to the register.
Match 'Varau lošti kašį' to its context.
'Lošti kašį' is very casual street talk.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Ways to say 'Play'
Standard
- • žaisti krepšinį
Slang
- • lošti kašį
- • varyti kašį
Casual
- • mėtyti į krepšį
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenAš mėgstu žaisti _______.
The verb 'žaisti' requires the Accusative case.
Choose the natural way to invite a friend.
This is the standard, grammatically correct invitation.
Jonas: Ką veikei vakar? Tu: Vakar aš _______ krepšinį.
The question asks about 'vakar' (yesterday), so the past tense is needed.
Match 'Varau lošti kašį' to its context.
'Lošti kašį' is very casual street talk.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenNo, it is used for everything from a casual game in the backyard to the Olympics.
Because 'žaisti' is a transitive verb in this context that requires the object to be in the Accusative case.
Yes, 'žaisti futbolą' is the correct way to say play football.
'Žaisti' is neutral and standard. 'Lošti' often implies gambling or is used as street slang for sports.
Absolutely! Lithuania has a very strong tradition of women's basketball as well.
You say 'Aš noriu žaisti krepšinį'.
Yes, it is often called the only sport in Lithuania; others are just 'hobbies'.
It is a very common slang word for basketball, derived from 'krepšinis'.
No, that would mean 'to play using basketball' (as a tool), which is not how you describe the sport.
No, it is a long 'i' sound, similar to 'ee' in 'see'.
Arvydas Sabonis is the legendary figure most Lithuanians think of.
Yes, as an icebreaker or to discuss team-building activities.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'mesti krepšinį' can mean to quit playing basketball.
The verb conjugation is the only tricky part for beginners.
Verwandte Redewendungen
mėtyti į krepšį
similarto shoot hoops
krepšinio aikštelė
builds onbasketball court
krepšinio kamuolys
builds onbasketball (the ball)
žiūrėti krepšinį
contrastto watch basketball
lošti kašį
specialized formto play ball (slang)
