Signification
Describing a tiny canine pet.
Contexte culturel
In cities like Vilnius, having a 'mažas šuo' is often associated with the 'hipster' or 'yuppie' lifestyle. Many cafes have 'Dog Friendly' stickers specifically welcoming these small companions. In villages, a 'mažas šuo' was traditionally a 'skalikas' or a ratter. While big dogs guarded the yard, small dogs were often allowed closer to the house to keep pests away. Small dogs in folk tales are often depicted as cleverer than their larger counterparts, often outsmarting wolves or bears through speed and wit. Lithuanian Instagram culture is obsessed with 'maži šunys'. The hashtag #šuo is one of the most popular in the country, often featuring small breeds in scenic locations like Nida.
Use Diminutives
If you want to sound like a local, use 'šunelis' instead of 'šuo' when the dog is cute. It shows you know the culture!
Watch the Case
Don't forget that 'šuo' changes to 'šunį' when it's the object of your sentence. 'Aš myliu mažą šunį!'
Signification
Describing a tiny canine pet.
Use Diminutives
If you want to sound like a local, use 'šunelis' instead of 'šuo' when the dog is cute. It shows you know the culture!
Watch the Case
Don't forget that 'šuo' changes to 'šunį' when it's the object of your sentence. 'Aš myliu mažą šunį!'
The Proverb Trick
Use the 'mažas šuo iki senatvės šuniukas' proverb to compliment older Lithuanians. They will be very impressed by your language skills.
Dog Friendly Vilnius
Many places in Vilnius are dog-friendly. If you have a 'mažas šuo', you can take it almost anywhere!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'mažas šuo' in the accusative case.
Aš matau ______ (mažas šuo) gatvėje.
The object of the verb 'matau' (I see) must be in the accusative case.
Which sentence uses the proverb correctly?
Choose the correct proverb about age.
This is the standard Lithuanian proverb meaning small things stay youthful.
Match the Lithuanian case to its English translation for 'mažas šuo'.
Match the following:
1: A small dog (subject), 2: Of a small dog, 3: To a small dog, 4: With a small dog.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Size Comparison
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesAš matau ______ (mažas šuo) gatvėje.
The object of the verb 'matau' (I see) must be in the accusative case.
Choose the correct proverb about age.
This is the standard Lithuanian proverb meaning small things stay youthful.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
1: A small dog (subject), 2: Of a small dog, 3: To a small dog, 4: With a small dog.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is masculine. The feminine word for dog is 'kalė'.
The plural is 'maži šunys'.
Yes, but 'šuniukas' is more common for a puppy.
Yorkshire Terriers and Pomeranians are very popular in cities.
No, it is a neutral, descriptive phrase.
It is 'šuns'. Note the 'u' becomes short and the 'o' disappears.
Sometimes people say 'fūflekas' or 'kišeninis', but these are very informal.
No, for a cat you would say 'maža katė'.
Because it is an ancient word that preserved an old Indo-European declension pattern.
It means that someone who is small or has a certain spirit will always look or act young.
Expressions liées
didelis šuo
contrastA big dog
mielas šuniukas
similarA cute puppy
piktas šuo
specialized formAn angry/mean dog
kišeninis šuo
specialized formA pocket dog
benamis šuo
specialized formA homeless/stray dog
