Bedeutung
Sometimes it is better to be silent.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Lithuanians are often perceived as reserved or 'šalti' (cold) by more expressive cultures. This proverb is a key to understanding that this silence is usually a sign of respect and careful thought, not unfriendliness. Similar to Estonians and Finns, Lithuanians value the 'unspoken'. There is a cultural understanding that words can sometimes diminish the importance of a moment. The word 'byla' connects the proverb to the history of Lithuanian law. It suggests that your 'defense' in the court of public opinion is strongest when you don't over-explain. In the age of oversharing on social media, many young Lithuanians are reclaiming this proverb as a 'digital detox' mantra.
Use it as a shield
When someone is trying to bait you into an argument, just smile and say 'Tyla – gera byla'. It usually ends the conflict immediately.
Don't be too silent
In Lithuania, if you are silent for too long without using this phrase, people might think you are 'pasipūtęs' (arrogant). Use the phrase to explain your silence.
Bedeutung
Sometimes it is better to be silent.
Use it as a shield
When someone is trying to bait you into an argument, just smile and say 'Tyla – gera byla'. It usually ends the conflict immediately.
Don't be too silent
In Lithuania, if you are silent for too long without using this phrase, people might think you are 'pasipūtęs' (arrogant). Use the phrase to explain your silence.
The Dash is Key
When writing, always use the long dash (—) or en-dash (–) with spaces. It makes you look like a native writer.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb.
Tyla – gera _______.
The correct word is 'byla', which means case/matter in this context.
In which situation is 'Tyla – gera byla' MOST appropriate?
Choose the best scenario:
Silence is best when you lack information or want to avoid unnecessary conflict.
What does 'byla' mean in this specific proverb?
Select the archaic meaning used here:
In this proverb, 'byla' comes from 'byloti' (to speak).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ar turėčiau jam pasakyti, ką galvoju apie jo naują šukuoseną? B: Na, jis labai jautrus... Prisimink, _______.
The standard form of the proverb fits perfectly here to advise caution.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenTyla – gera _______.
The correct word is 'byla', which means case/matter in this context.
Choose the best scenario:
Silence is best when you lack information or want to avoid unnecessary conflict.
Select the archaic meaning used here:
In this proverb, 'byla' comes from 'byloti' (to speak).
A: Ar turėčiau jam pasakyti, ką galvoju apie jo naują šukuoseną? B: Na, jis labai jautrus... Prisimink, _______.
The standard form of the proverb fits perfectly here to advise caution.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but mostly in legal or computer contexts (a file). Using it to mean 'speech' only happens in this proverb.
Yes, it is very appropriate in a professional setting to suggest that you are being cautious.
The dash is required in writing to represent the missing verb 'is'.
No, it means you should choose the *right* time to speak. It values quality over quantity.
Yes, 'Tylėjimas – auksas, o kalba – sidabras', but it's less common than the short version.
Because 'tyla' and 'byla' are feminine nouns. Adjectives must match the gender.
Not at all. It is used by all ages, from children to the elderly.
It's a bit more polite than 'Užsičiaupk' (Shut up), but it still sends a strong message to be quiet.
There isn't a direct one, but 'Kieno liežuvis ilgas, to gyvenimas trumpas' (Whose tongue is long, his life is short) is a related warning.
It's a long 'i' sound, like the 'ee' in 'see'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Tylėjimas – auksas
synonymSilence is gold
Liežuvis – mano priešas
similarThe tongue is my enemy
Iškalbinga tyla
builds onEloquent silence
Plepėti – ne malkas skaldyti
contrastChattering is not like chopping wood
