Signification
Used as an intensifier like 'extremely'.
Contexte culturel
Among Gen Z and Millennials in Vilnius and Kaunas, 'žiauriai' is used as a linguistic filler, much like 'literally' in English. It signals coolness and urbanity. Lithuanians living in the UK or Norway often keep 'žiauriai' as a core part of their vocabulary, as it helps maintain a sense of 'authentic' modern identity away from home. Modern Lithuanian ads for snacks or telecom services often use 'žiauriai' to appeal to a younger demographic, breaking the traditional formal rules of advertising. Some older Lithuanians (60+) may find the word offensive or 'trashy' because they associate it only with its literal meaning of cruelty.
The 'Žiauriai' Response
If someone tells you a crazy story, just say 'Žiauriai!' with a shocked face. It works for both good and bad news.
The Grandma Rule
Never use 'žiauriai' with your Lithuanian grandmother unless you want a lecture on proper language.
Signification
Used as an intensifier like 'extremely'.
The 'Žiauriai' Response
If someone tells you a crazy story, just say 'Žiauriai!' with a shocked face. It works for both good and bad news.
The Grandma Rule
Never use 'žiauriai' with your Lithuanian grandmother unless you want a lecture on proper language.
Social Media King
Check Lithuanian Instagram comments. You will see 'Žiauriai gražu' on almost every photo.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with 'žiauriai' to make the sentence more informal.
Šitas pyragas yra ______ skanus!
While 'labai' is correct, 'žiauriai' makes it informal and high-intensity.
Which sentence is appropriate for a job interview?
A) Man žiauriai patinka šis darbas. B) Man labai patinka šis darbas.
'Žiauriai' is slang and should be avoided in professional settings.
Match the Lithuanian slang phrase with its English equivalent.
1. Žiauriai gerai, 2. Žiauriai šalta, 3. Žiauriai brangu
Match the intensifier with the correct adjective.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Draugas: 'Laimėjau bilietus į koncertą!' Tu: '_______!'
As a standalone exclamation of excitement, 'Žiauriai!' is the most natural slang response.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Intensity Scale
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesŠitas pyragas yra ______ skanus!
While 'labai' is correct, 'žiauriai' makes it informal and high-intensity.
A) Man žiauriai patinka šis darbas. B) Man labai patinka šis darbas.
'Žiauriai' is slang and should be avoided in professional settings.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Match the intensifier with the correct adjective.
Draugas: 'Laimėjau bilietus į koncertą!' Tu: '_______!'
As a standalone exclamation of excitement, 'Žiauriai!' is the most natural slang response.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it's not a swear word. It's just very informal slang. It's safe to use with friends.
Yes! In fact, it's more common for positive things now, like 'žiauriai geras' (extremely good).
No. As an adverb, 'žiauriai' never changes its form.
'Labai' is 'very'. 'Žiauriai' is 'extremely/insanely'. 'Žiauriai' is much stronger and more casual.
Expressions liées
labai
synonymvery
baisiai
similarterribly/awfully
žiauru
builds onthat's brutal/crazy
nerealiai
similarunreally/insanely
