Signification
Asking someone to repeat themselves.
Contexte culturel
Eye contact is important when saying 'Ką tu sakei?'. Looking away can make it seem like you aren't actually interested in the answer. In rural areas, people might use the diminutive 'Ką tu sakėlei?' which sounds much softer and more affectionate, though it's rare in cities. Using 'Ką?' alone is very common among youth but can be seen as 'kaimiška' (country-like/uncouth) by older urbanites. Lithuanians often use this phrase to 'buy time' to think of a response, even if they heard the question perfectly.
Drop the 'tu'
In casual speech, just say 'Ką sakei?'. It sounds more natural and native-like.
Watch the 'ą'
Don't forget the hook on 'Ką' when writing. It's a common spelling error for beginners.
Signification
Asking someone to repeat themselves.
Drop the 'tu'
In casual speech, just say 'Ką sakei?'. It sounds more natural and native-like.
Watch the 'ą'
Don't forget the hook on 'Ką' when writing. It's a common spelling error for beginners.
Intonation matters
Use a rising intonation at the end to make it a clear question.
The 'Atsiprašau' buffer
Adding 'Atsiprašau' (Sorry) before the phrase makes it much softer even in informal settings.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to ask a friend what they said.
Ką ___ sakei?
The verb 'sakei' is the second-person singular form, which corresponds to 'tu'.
Which form is the most appropriate to use with your boss?
Asking for repetition in a meeting:
'Jūs' is the formal 'you', and 'sakėte' is the corresponding verb form.
Match the Lithuanian phrase with its English meaning.
Phrases:
Matching the correct tense and formality is key.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Rytoj bus saulėta. B: ____? Negirdėjau.
This is the standard way to ask for repetition when you didn't hear someone.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKą ___ sakei?
The verb 'sakei' is the second-person singular form, which corresponds to 'tu'.
Asking for repetition in a meeting:
'Jūs' is the formal 'you', and 'sakėte' is the corresponding verb form.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Matching the correct tense and formality is key.
A: Rytoj bus saulėta. B: ____? Negirdėjau.
This is the standard way to ask for repetition when you didn't hear someone.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot with friends or family, but it is considered rude with strangers or elders. Use 'Ką jūs sakėte?' instead.
'Sakei' is past tense (What did you say?), while 'Sakai' is present tense (What are you saying?).
Yes, but it's very blunt. It's like saying 'What?' instead of 'Pardon?' in English.
Because 'what' is the object of the verb 'to say'. In Lithuanian, objects take the accusative case, which is 'Ką'.
Use the plural form: 'Ką jūs sakėte?'.
No, in modern Lithuanian, it's just a long 'a' sound. The nasal pronunciation is extinct.
Only in a very informal email to a close friend. Otherwise, use more formal phrasing.
You can say 'Ką sakei apie [word]?' (What did you say about [word]?).
Young people often just say 'Ką?' or 'A?' (like 'Huh?').
No, the past simple second-person singular 'sakei' is the same for all genders.
Expressions liées
Ką sakai?
similarWhat are you saying?
Atsiprašau?
synonymExcuse me?
Pakartok
builds onRepeat (imperative)
Negirdėjau
similarI didn't hear
Ką jūs sakėte?
specialized formWhat did you (formal) say?
