At the A1 level, you should recognize 'šakutė' as a basic vocabulary word for a fork. You need to know how to ask for one in a restaurant ('Prašau šakutę') and identify it among other cutlery like 'peilis' (knife) and 'šaukštas' (spoon). You should understand that it is a feminine noun. Simple sentences like 'Tai yra šakutė' (This is a fork) or 'Aš turiu šakutę' (I have a fork) are the building blocks. Focus on the physical object and its primary use for eating. You don't need to worry about the electrical meaning or complex declensions yet, just the nominative and accusative cases.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'šakutė' in more descriptive contexts. You can talk about the material it's made of ('metalinė šakutė', 'plastikinė šakutė') and use it with plural forms ('dvi šakutės', 'daug šakučių'). You should be able to follow simple instructions involving the word, such as 'Padėk šakutę kairėje lėkštės pusėje' (Put the fork on the left side of the plate). This level also introduces the instrumental case ('valgyti su šakute' - to eat with a fork), which is very common in daily conversation about dining habits.
At the B1 level, you can use 'šakutė' in a wider range of social situations. You might describe a table setting for a formal dinner, mentioning 'desertinė šakutė' or 'žuvies šakutė'. You should also become aware of the word's secondary meaning as an electrical plug. If someone says 'ištrauk šakutę iš lizdo' (pull the plug from the socket), you should understand the context. You can also use the word in the genitive case to express absence: 'Ant stalo nėra šakutės' (There is no fork on the table). Your understanding of the word's diminutive nature starts to provide insight into Lithuanian word formation.
At the B2 level, you handle the word 'šakutė' with ease in all seven Lithuanian cases. You can participate in discussions about kitchenware quality or electrical safety. You understand the distinction between 'šakutė' and 'šakės' (pitchfork) and can use the latter in its idiomatic sense ('Mums šakės'). You might also encounter the word in more technical or botanical descriptions in literature. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use related verbs like 'šakotis' (to branch out), which shares the same root. You can explain the cultural history of the fork's arrival in Lithuania to others.
At the C1 level, you understand the subtle nuances and stylistic choices involving 'šakutė'. You can use it in metaphorical contexts or in complex technical descriptions of electrical systems. You are aware of its etymological journey from the Proto-Indo-European root. You can appreciate wordplay or puns involving the word's multiple meanings. In writing, you use 'šakutė' and its synonyms or related terms to create precise, varied, and sophisticated prose. You might also recognize the word in historical texts where it might have slightly different connotations or spelling variations.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'šakutė' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You understand its role in the broader system of the Lithuanian language, including its relation to archaic forms and dialects. You can use the word in any register, from extremely formal technical documentation to poetic and creative writing. You are fully conversant with all idiomatic expressions and cultural references related to the word. You could even discuss the linguistic evolution of 'šaka' to 'šakutė' in an academic setting, providing detailed historical and comparative analysis.

šakutė in 30 Sekunden

  • A feminine noun meaning 'fork' (utensil) or 'plug' (electrical).
  • The word is a diminutive of 'šaka' (branch), reflecting its pronged shape.
  • Essential for dining, restaurant visits, and basic household electrical tasks.
  • Follows the 5th declension (-ė) and is used with the instrumental case for 'eating with'.
The Lithuanian word šakutė is a fundamental noun that every beginner must master. At its most basic level, it refers to the common eating utensil known in English as a fork. However, its linguistic roots and modern applications extend far beyond the dining table. The word is a diminutive form of šaka, which means 'branch.' This connection is visually intuitive: just as a tree branch splits into smaller twigs, a fork splits into several tines. In daily life, you will use this word every time you set the table, order food in a restaurant, or look for kitchen supplies. Beyond the culinary world, šakutė is also the standard term for an electrical plug in Lithuania, reflecting the 'pronged' nature of the device. This dual meaning is essential to grasp to avoid confusion in hardware stores or when discussing home appliances.
Culinary Context
Used to describe the three or four-pronged tool used for spearing food. It is part of the 'stalo įrankiai' (cutlery) set.
Technical Context
Refers to an electrical plug (kištukas) that goes into a socket. While 'kištukas' is technically more accurate, 'šakutė' is very common in colloquial speech.
Botanical Context
A small branch or a twig on a plant, often used in gardening or descriptive literature.

Paduok man, prašau, šakutę, nes noriu valgyti salotas.

Ši sidabrinė šakutė yra sena šeimos relikvija.

Elektros šakutė netelpa į šį lizdą.

Maža medžio šakutė nukrito ant žemės.

Vaikas mokosi valgyti su šakute.

When discussing history, the fork was not always common in Lithuania. It arrived through the influence of the Italian Renaissance, specifically through Queen Bona Sforza in the 16th century. Before that, Lithuanians mostly used knives and spoons. Thus, the word 'šakutė' carries a legacy of cultural transformation and the modernization of dining etiquette in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Understanding this word is not just about vocabulary; it is about grasping a piece of daily Lithuanian life that bridges the gap between the natural world (branches) and human civilization (dining and electricity). Whether you are sitting down for a bowl of 'balandėliai' or trying to charge your laptop in a Vilnius café, the word 'šakutė' will be your constant companion. It is a versatile, essential, and historically rich term that serves as a perfect entry point into the beauty of the Lithuanian language.
Using šakutė correctly requires an understanding of Lithuanian noun declension. As a feminine noun ending in '-ė', it follows the fifth declension pattern. This means the ending changes depending on its role in the sentence. For example, in the nominative case (subject), it is 'šakutė'. In the genitive case (possession or absence), it becomes 'šakutės'. If you are using it with a preposition like 'su' (with), you use the instrumental case: 'su šakute'. This grammatical flexibility allows for precise communication. Let's explore how to integrate this word into various sentence structures, from simple requests to descriptive narratives.
Direct Object (Accusative)
When you are doing something to the fork, use 'šakutę'. Example: 'Aš plaunu šakutę' (I am washing the fork).
Location (Locative)
To describe something on the fork, use 'šakutėje'. Example: 'Maistas įstrigo šakutėje' (Food got stuck in the fork).
Plural Forms
If you have many, it's 'šakutės'. Example: 'Padėk šakutes ant stalo' (Put the forks on the table).

Man reikia šakutės desertui.

Kur yra visos šakutės?

Jis valgo tortą su mažyte šakute.

Beyond simple nouns, you can pair šakutė with adjectives like 'metalinė' (metal), 'plastikinė' (plastic), or 'auksinė' (golden). In formal dining, you might specify a 'desertinė šakutė' (dessert fork) or a 'žuvies šakutė' (fish fork). The diminutive nature of the word itself (ending in -utė) already implies a certain level of smallness or endearment, which is very typical of the Lithuanian language's expressive nature. If you were to use the base word 'šaka' (branch), it would sound very strange at a dinner table! Always stick to 'šakutė' for the utensil. Practice these cases by describing your kitchen: 'Mano stalčiuje yra penkios šakutės' (In my drawer, there are five forks). This repetition helps cement the relationship between the object and its grammatical transformations.
The word šakutė is ubiquitous in Lithuanian life, echoing through various environments from the domestic to the professional. Primarily, you will hear it in the kitchen and dining room. Parents often tell their children: 'Nevalgyk rankomis, naudok šakutę' (Don't eat with your hands, use the fork). In restaurants, waiters will ask if you need extra cutlery: 'Ar jums reikia papildomos šakutės?' (Do you need an extra fork?). But the word also makes a surprising appearance in the world of technology and household maintenance. When a Lithuanian says, 'Sugedo šakutė,' they might not be talking about a bent utensil; they could be referring to a broken electrical plug on their vacuum cleaner or lamp. This dual usage makes it a common word in hardware stores (statybinių prekių parduotuvės) like Senukai or Moki-veži.
At the Restaurant
Hear it during service: 'Štai jūsų peilis ir šakutė' (Here is your knife and fork).
In the Workshop
Hear it during repairs: 'Reikia pakeisti šakutę, nes laidai atsilaisvino' (The plug needs to be changed because the wires came loose).
In Nature
Hear it from gardeners: 'Nukirpk šią sausą šakutę' (Clip this dry little branch).

Padavėja atnešė švarią šakutę.

Furthermore, if you are watching a cooking show in Lithuanian, the host will constantly refer to the 'šakutė' when whisking eggs or testing the tenderness of boiled potatoes. In schools, during craft lessons, children might use 'medinės šakutės' (wooden forks) for art projects. The word is deeply embedded in the sensory experience of Lithuanian life—the clinking of metal in a drawer, the tactile feel of a plastic fork at a summer picnic in Vingis Park, or the sight of a small branch budding in spring. Its frequency in speech is high, making it one of the 'high-yield' words for any learner. Pay attention to how the word is pronounced with a soft 'š' and a clear 'ė' at the end; this phonetic clarity is a hallmark of the Lithuanian language.
For English speakers, the most common mistake when using šakutė is confusing it with other tableware, particularly the spoon (šaukštas). Because both words start with 'šau' or 'ša', learners often mix them up in the heat of a conversation. Remember: šakutė has the 'k' sound like 'fork' (if you stretch your imagination), while šaukštas is the spoon. Another frequent error involves the gender of the noun. Lithuanian nouns are gendered, and šakutė is feminine. English speakers often forget to decline accompanying adjectives correctly. You must say 'gera šakutė' (good fork), not 'geras šakutė'.
Phonetic Confusion
Mixing up 'šakutė' (fork) with 'šaukštas' (spoon) or 'šaka' (large branch).
Case Misuse
Using the nominative 'šakutė' when the accusative 'šakutę' is required after a verb like 'turėti' (to have).
Electrical vs. Culinary
Assuming 'šakutė' only means a utensil and being confused when an electrician asks for one.

Neteisingai: Aš turiu šakutė. Teisingai: Aš turiu šakutę.

Additionally, watch out for the stress. In Lithuanian, the stress can change the meaning or simply make you sound non-native. In šakutė, the stress is on the penult (the second to last syllable: šakùtė). If you stress the first syllable, it sounds awkward. Finally, be careful with the diminutive forms. While 'šakutė' is technically a diminutive of 'šaka', it is the standard word for the utensil. Using 'šakutėlė' is an even smaller diminutive, often used when talking to children or describing a very tiny cocktail fork. Overusing diminutives can make your speech sound overly childish or sentimental, so stick to the standard 'šakutė' for most adult interactions.
While šakutė is the most common word for a fork, there are several related terms and alternatives depending on the context. Understanding these will help you navigate more complex social and technical situations. For instance, if you are at a farm or gardening, you might hear the word šakės. While it sounds similar, šakės refers to a large pitchfork used for hay or manure. Using 'šakutė' to describe a pitchfork would be quite humorous to a Lithuanian farmer! In the electrical world, while šakutė is common, the technical term is kištukas (plug). If you are reading a technical manual, you are more likely to see kištukas than šakutė.
šakės vs. šakutė
'šakės' is a large pitchfork (plural only); 'šakutė' is a small dining fork or electrical plug.
kištukas vs. šakutė
'kištukas' is the formal/technical word for a plug; 'šakutė' is the common, everyday term.
šaka vs. šakutė
'šaka' is a main branch of a tree; 'šakutė' is a small twig or a utensil.

Ūkininkas paėmė šakes, o vaikas – šakutę.

There are also specific types of forks: dvišakė (a two-pronged fork) and trišakė (a three-pronged fork, often used for Neptune's trident). If you are looking for alternatives to avoid repetition in writing, you might use 'stalo įrankis' (table utensil) or 'įrankis' (tool). However, in most cases, 'šakutė' is the most direct and natural choice. By understanding these nuances, you can choose the right word for the right setting, whether you're dining with the President at the Palace of the Grand Dukes or fixing a toaster in a garage in Kaunas.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ʃɐˈkutěː/
US /ʃɑˈkuteɪ/
The stress falls on the second syllable: ša-KÙ-tė.
Häufige Fehler
  • Stressing the first syllable (ŠA-kutė) instead of the second.
  • Pronouncing the final 'ė' as a short 'e' like in 'pet'.
  • Confusing the 'š' with a hard 's'.
  • Making the 'u' sound too much like 'u

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Tai yra maža šakutė.

This is a small fork.

Nominative case, feminine singular.

2

Aš turiu šakutę.

I have a fork.

Accusative case (direct object).

3

Kur yra šakutė?

Where is the fork?

Question with nominative case.

4

Paduok man šakutę.

Give me the fork.

Imperative verb with accusative object.

5

Šakutė yra ant stalo.

The fork is on the table.

Simple subject-verb-prepositional phrase.

6

Man reikia šakutės.

I need a fork.

Genitive case required after 'reikia'.

7

Ši šakutė yra švari.

This fork is clean.

Adjective agreement (feminine).

8

Viena šakutė nukrito.

One fork fell.

Past tense verb with feminine subject.

1

Mes valgome su šakute.

We eat with a fork.

Instrumental case after 'su'.

2

Ant stalo yra trys šakutės.

There are three forks on the table.

Plural nominative after the number 3.

3

Nupirk naują šakutę.

Buy a new fork.

Accusative case with adjective.

4

Šakutė pagaminta iš plieno.

The fork is made of steel.

Passive construction.

5

Ar galiu gauti kitą šakutę?

Can I get another fork?

Modal verb with accusative.

6

Vaikas dar nemoka naudotis šakute.

The child doesn't know how to use a fork yet.

Instrumental case after 'naudotis'.

7

Šakutės dantukai yra aštrūs.

The fork's tines are sharp.

Genitive possessive.

8

Padėk šakutes į stalčių.

Put the forks into the drawer.

Accusative plural.

1

Elektros šakutė yra sulūžusi.

The electrical plug is broken.

Usage of 'šakutė' in a technical context.

2

Desertinė šakutė yra mažesnė už paprastą.

The dessert fork is smaller than a regular one.

Comparative adjective construction.

3

Ištrauk šakutę iš rozetės.

Pull the plug out of the socket.

Colloquial use for 'plug'.

4

Ji pasidėjo šakutę dešinėje lėkštės pusėje.

She placed the fork on the right side of the plate.

Reflexive verb 'pasidėjo'.

5

Ši šakutė priklauso senam rinkiniui.

This fork belongs to an old set.

Dative case after 'priklauso'.

6

Padavėjas pamiršo atnešti šakutes.

The waiter forgot to bring the forks.

Infinitive verb with plural object.

7

Ar ši šakutė tinka skalbyklei?

Does this plug fit the washing machine?

Dative case for suitability.

8

Mes radome sidabrinę šakutę sode.

We found a silver fork in the garden.

Locative case for 'sode'.

1

Šakutė yra ne tik įrankis, bet ir dizaino objektas.

The fork is not just a tool, but also a design object.

Complex sentence with 'ne tik... bet ir'.

2

Pakeiskite elektros šakutę, jei ji kaista.

Replace the electrical plug if it is heating up.

Conditional clause.

3

Kiekviena šakutė šiame restorane yra paženklinta logotipu.

Every fork in this restaurant is marked with a logo.

Passive participle 'paženklinta'.

4

Nerekomenduojama valgyti žuvies su paprasta šakute.

It is not recommended to eat fish with a regular fork.

Impersonal construction 'nerekomenduojama'.

5

Šakutės išradimas pakeitė Europos valgymo kultūrą.

The invention of the fork changed European dining culture.

Genitive phrase as a subject.

6

Ji atsargiai nuvalė šakutės dantis.

She carefully wiped the fork's tines.

Adverbial modifier 'atsargiai'.

7

Šakutė buvo įkišta į lizdą neteisingai.

The plug was inserted into the socket incorrectly.

Past passive participle.

8

Mes nusipirkome visą rinkinį su peiliais ir šakutėmis.

We bought a whole set with knives and forks.

Instrumental plural.

1

Šakutės etimologija glaudžiai susijusi su gamtos vaizdiniais.

The etymology of 'šakutė' is closely related to natural imagery.

Academic register.

2

Nors tai tik šakutė, jos simbolinė reikšmė gali būti didelė.

Although it's just a fork, its symbolic meaning can be significant.

Concessive clause with 'nors'.

3

Elektros šakutės standartai skiriasi įvairiose šalyse.

Electrical plug standards differ in various countries.

Plural genitive 'šakučių' implied in 'šakutės' (plural nominative).

4

Šakutė tapo aristokratijos skiriamuoju ženklu viduramžiais.

The fork became a distinguishing mark of the aristocracy in the Middle Ages.

Instrumental case for 'znak' (mark).

5

Ieškodamas gedimo, elektrikas apžiūrėjo kiekvieną šakutę.

While looking for the fault, the electrician inspected every plug.

Participle 'ieškodamas' (while searching).

6

Šakutės tines galima lengvai sulenkti, jei metalas nekokybiškas.

The fork's tines can be easily bent if the metal is of poor quality.

Modal construction with 'galima'.

7

Muziejus eksponuoja auksines šakutes iš kunigaikščių rūmų.

The museum exhibits golden forks from the ducal palace.

Accusative plural with adjective.

8

Šakutė yra neatsiejama šiuolaikinio etiketo dalis.

The fork is an inseparable part of modern etiquette.

Adjective 'neatsiejama' (inseparable).

1

Lietuvių kalbos žodyne 'šakutė' apibrėžiama per jos funkcinę ir morfologinę kilmę.

In the Lithuanian dictionary, 'šakutė' is defined through its functional and morphological origin.

Passive voice 'apibrėžiama'.

2

Šakutės metafora literatūroje dažnai žymi pasirinkimo momentą.

The metaphor of the fork in literature often marks a moment of choice.

Abstract usage of the noun.

3

Techninėje dokumentacijoje šakutė įvardijama kaip kištukinis jungties elementas.

In technical documentation, the plug is identified as a plug-in connection element.

Highly formal/technical terminology.

4

Bona Sforza atnešta šakutė sukėlė tikrą revoliuciją LDK dvaro buityje.

The fork brought by Bona Sforza caused a real revolution in the lifestyle of the GDL court.

Complex historical narrative sentence.

5

Šakutės konstrukcija turi atitikti griežtus ergonomikos reikalavimus.

The construction of the fork must meet strict ergonomic requirements.

Genitive subject 'konstrukcija'.

6

Net ir pati paprasčiausia šakutė gali tapti archeologiniu radiniu.

Even the simplest fork can become an archaeological find.

Superlative 'paprasčiausia'.

7

Šakutės dantukų konfigūracija lemia jos paskirtį – mėsai ar desertui.

The configuration of the fork's tines determines its purpose – for meat or dessert.

Complex genitive chain.

8

Lietuvių tarmėse šakutė gali būti vadinama ir kitais, lokaliais vardais.

In Lithuanian dialects, 'šakutė' may be called by other, local names.

Locative plural 'tarmėse'.

Synonyme

kištukas šakutėlė įrankis dvišakė trišakė šakės šakelė stalo įrankis

Gegenteile

peilis šaukštas lizdas kamienas

Häufige Kollokationen

sidabrinė šakutė
plastikinė šakutė
elektros šakutė
desertinė šakutė
žuvies šakutė
šakutės dantis
įkišti šakutę
ištraukti šakutę
medinė šakutė
sulaužyti šakutę

Häufige Phrasen

Peilis ir šakutė

— The standard set of utensils for a meal. Used together in almost every dining context.

Padėk peilį ir šakutę.

Valgyti su šakute

— The act of using a fork to consume food. Essential for etiquette.

Jis jau moka valgyti su šakute.

Šakutė į lizdą

— Refers to plugging something into an electrical outlet.

Ar įkišai šakutę į lizdą?

Vienkartinė šakutė

— A disposable fork, usually made of plastic or wood.

Mums reikia vienkartinių šakučių.

Maža šakutė

— Often refers to a dessert fork or a child's fork.

Paimk tą mažą šakutę.

Švari šakutė

— A clean fork, as opposed to a dirty one.

Ar yra švarių šakučių?

Metalinė šakutė

— A standard metal fork found in most homes.

Metalinė šakutė geriau nei plastikinė.

Sena šakutė

— An old or antique fork.

Tai labai sena šakutė.

Pamesti šakutę

— To lose a fork, often in a kitchen or during a move.

Aš pamečiau vieną šakutę.

Nuplauti šakutę

— To wash a fork after use.

Nepamiršk nuplauti šakutės.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Lipti ant šakių"

— To get into trouble or face negative consequences. Note: uses 'šakės' (large fork).

Jis vėl užlipo ant šakių su savo melu.

Informal
"Mums šakės"

— We are in big trouble / We are finished. Uses 'šakės'.

Jei pavėluosime, mums šakės!

Slang
"Kaip su šakėm ant vandens rašyta"

— Something very uncertain or unlikely to happen. Uses 'šakės'.

Tavo pažadai kaip su šakėm ant vandens rašyti.

Colloquial
"Šakutė viena nevalgo"

— A literal saying meaning you need food to use a fork, often used to encourage eating.

Valgyk, juk šakutė viena nevalgo.

Child-friendly
"Nuleisti šakes"

— To give up or surrender. Uses 'šakės'.

Jis per anksti nuleido šakes.

Informal
"Sėdėti kaip ant šakių"

— To be very nervous or uncomfortable. Uses 'šakės'.

Laukdamas egzamino jis sėdėjo kaip ant šakių.

Idiomatic
"Šakutės dantis"

— Not an idiom, but often used metaphorically to describe something sharp or pointed.

Kalnas aštrus kaip šakutės dantis.

Literary
"Auksinė šakutė"

— Symbol of extreme wealth or luxury.

Jis gimė su auksine šakute burnoje.

Metaphorical
"Šakutė ir peilis"

— Sometimes used to describe a person who is very refined or 'proper'.

Jis visas toks 'šakutė ir peilis'.

Slang/Humorous
"Ištraukti šakutę"

— Sometimes used metaphorically to mean 'cutting the power' or 'ending a project'.

Direktorius nusprendė ištraukti šakutę šiam projektui.

Business Slang
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