Signification
Asking for repetition of speech.
Contexte culturel
Directness is valued. If you don't understand, it's better to ask immediately than to nod and pretend. Lithuanians appreciate the honesty. Heritage speakers might use 'Gali pakartoti?' more loosely across generations, but in Lithuania, the formal/informal split remains strict. In modern tech startups in Vilnius, 'Gali' is becoming more common among colleagues, but 'Galite' remains the safe default for clients. Students always use 'Galite pakartoti?' with professors. Using 'Gali' would be a significant social faux pas.
The 'Ar' trick
Add 'Ar' at the beginning (Ar gali pakartoti?) to sound more like a textbook, which is helpful if you're nervous.
The 'Jūs' Rule
When in doubt, always use 'Galite'. It's never wrong to be too polite in Lithuania.
Signification
Asking for repetition of speech.
The 'Ar' trick
Add 'Ar' at the beginning (Ar gali pakartoti?) to sound more like a textbook, which is helpful if you're nervous.
The 'Jūs' Rule
When in doubt, always use 'Galite'. It's never wrong to be too polite in Lithuania.
Combine with 'Lėčiau'
If they repeat it too fast again, say: 'Gali pakartoti lėčiau?' (Can you repeat slower?)
Teste-toi
You are speaking to your Lithuanian grandmother. Which phrase should you use?
Močiute, ... ?
Grandparents deserve the formal 'Galite' as a sign of respect.
Complete the phrase with the correct prefix.
Atsiprašau, ar gali ...kartoti?
The prefix 'pa-' is used for a single, completed action of repeating.
Match the phrase to the context.
1. Gali pakartoti? 2. Galite pakartoti? 3. Ką sakai?
Formal for boss, neutral/informal for sibling, slangy/informal for best friend.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Rytoj bus dešimt laipsnių šilumos. B: ... ? A: Sakau, kad rytoj bus dešimt laipsnių.
B didn't hear the weather forecast and is asking for a repetition.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMočiute, ... ?
Grandparents deserve the formal 'Galite' as a sign of respect.
Atsiprašau, ar gali ...kartoti?
The prefix 'pa-' is used for a single, completed action of repeating.
1. Gali pakartoti? 2. Galite pakartoti? 3. Ką sakai?
Formal for boss, neutral/informal for sibling, slangy/informal for best friend.
A: Rytoj bus dešimt laipsnių šilumos. B: ... ? A: Sakau, kad rytoj bus dešimt laipsnių.
B didn't hear the weather forecast and is asking for a repetition.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. However, with strangers, 'Galite pakartoti?' is preferred.
Only with very close friends. It's like saying 'What?' and can sound aggressive.
'Kartoti' is the process; 'pakartoti' is the single act of repeating once.
Gali pakartoti man?
People often just say 'A?' or 'Ką sakai?' in very casual settings.
No, 'Gali' already implies 'tu' (you). Adding it is optional.
Say 'Atsiprašau, vis tiek nesuprantu' (Sorry, I still don't understand).
Yes, but usually in the formal 'Galite' form.
Yes, 'Gali pakartoti dainą?' (Can you repeat the song?)
It is long, like in 'store'.
Expressions liées
Ką sakėte?
synonymWhat did you say?
Dar kartą, prašau
similarOne more time, please
Prašau lėčiau
builds onSlower, please
Nesuprantu
similarI don't understand
Klausau?
specialized formI'm listening? / Yes?
