Signification
Asking for permission.
Contexte culturel
In Lithuania, it is considered polite to ask 'Ar galima?' even if you are fairly sure the answer is yes. It shows you respect the other person's domain. In formal business meetings, using 'Ar būtų galima...' followed by a suggestion is a way to be assertive without being aggressive. When dining at a Lithuanian home, always ask 'Ar galima padėti?' (May I help?) after the meal. Even if the host says no, the offer is expected. On public transport, 'Ar galima praeiti?' is much more polite than just saying 'Atsiprašau' (Excuse me) while pushing through.
The Magic Word
If you forget every other Lithuanian word, 'Ar galima?' plus pointing at something will get you through 90% of travel situations.
Don't be too blunt
Avoid saying just 'Galima!' as a question. It can sound demanding. Always include the 'Ar' for politeness.
Signification
Asking for permission.
The Magic Word
If you forget every other Lithuanian word, 'Ar galima?' plus pointing at something will get you through 90% of travel situations.
Don't be too blunt
Avoid saying just 'Galima!' as a question. It can sound demanding. Always include the 'Ar' for politeness.
The Genitive Rule
When asking for things (coffee, water, help), always use the genitive case. It makes you sound like a native speaker instantly.
Eye Contact
When asking 'Ar galima?', make brief eye contact and give a small nod. It reinforces the politeness of the phrase.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to ask if you can enter the room.
Ar _______ užeiti?
'Galima' is the standard impersonal form for asking permission.
Which is the most polite way to ask for coffee?
Choose the best option:
Adding 'būtų' (would be) makes the request more conditional and therefore more polite.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You want to take a photo of a street artist.
'Nufotografuoti' means to take a photo.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ar galima čia atsisėsti? B: ________, čia užimta.
If the seat is taken (užimta), the polite response starts with 'Atsiprašau' (Sorry).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Common Objects with Ar Galima
Food/Drink
- • Kavos (Coffee)
- • Vandens (Water)
- • Sąskaitą (Bill)
Actions
- • Užeiti (Enter)
- • Paklausti (Ask)
- • Atsisėsti (Sit)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAr _______ užeiti?
'Galima' is the standard impersonal form for asking permission.
Choose the best option:
Adding 'būtų' (would be) makes the request more conditional and therefore more polite.
Situation: You want to take a photo of a street artist.
'Nufotografuoti' means to take a photo.
A: Ar galima čia atsisėsti? B: ________, čia užimta.
If the seat is taken (užimta), the polite response starts with 'Atsiprašau' (Sorry).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it's perfectly fine! It sounds polite and well-mannered. For a more relaxed vibe, you can just say 'Galima?'.
'Ar galima?' asks if an action is permitted or possible in general. 'Ar galiu?' asks if I personally have the ability or permission. 'Galima' is usually safer and more polite.
If yes, say 'Taip, prašom' (Yes, please) or 'Galima'. If no, say 'Atsiprašau, negalima' (Sorry, it's not possible).
It is neutral. It works in both formal and informal settings. To make it very formal, use 'Ar būtų galima?'.
Absolutely. 'Ar galima kavos?' is a very common and polite way to order.
'Galima' is the neuter form. In Lithuanian, impersonal statements (where there is no 'he', 'she', or 'I' as the subject) always use the neuter gender.
It means 'It is forbidden' or 'It is not possible'. You will see this on signs (e.g., 'Rūkyti negalima' - No smoking).
Not directly. You would say 'Ar galima paklausti, kiek dabar valandų?' (May I ask what time it is?).
Yes, often shortened to 'Galima?' or even 'Gal?' in very casual slang, though 'Gal?' usually means 'Maybe?'.
Yes, it functions exactly like the Russian 'Можно?' (Mozhno?), but the words are not etymologically related.
Expressions liées
Ar būtų galima?
specialized formWould it be possible?
Negalima
contrastIt is not allowed / impossible
Ar laisva?
similarIs it free?
Prašom
builds onPlease / You're welcome
Galiu?
similarCan I?
