Signification
Telling someone not to interfere.
Contexte culturel
Lithuanians value 'asmeninė erdvė' (personal space). While they might seem cold at first, it is simply a way of respecting boundaries. Using this phrase is a very clear signal that a boundary has been crossed. During the Soviet era, privacy was hard to come by. Today, the phrase 'Ne tavo reikalas' is often used with a sense of pride in one's newfound individual freedom and right to keep secrets from the 'collective'. Among teenagers, the phrase is often shortened or combined with English words, like 'Ne tavo reikalas, bro'. In big cities like Vilnius, this phrase is used more sharply. In small villages, people might use more indirect ways to say the same thing to avoid long-term grudges with neighbors.
Watch your tone
If said with a flat tone, it's very rude. If said with a smile, it can be a joke.
Use 'Jūsų' for groups
If multiple people are being nosy, say 'Ne jūsų reikalas'.
Signification
Telling someone not to interfere.
Watch your tone
If said with a flat tone, it's very rude. If said with a smile, it can be a joke.
Use 'Jūsų' for groups
If multiple people are being nosy, say 'Ne jūsų reikalas'.
The 'Privacy' Shield
Lithuanians use this phrase to protect their 'vaduoklė' (inner self). Don't take it personally if a local says it to you; they are just setting a boundary.
Teste-toi
Which is the most natural way to tell a nosy friend to stop asking about your salary?
Kiek tu uždirbi?
'Ne tavo reikalas' is the standard idiom. 'Verslas' is for companies, and 'Ne tavo nosis' is slightly wrong (should be 'Ne tavo nosiai').
Fill in the missing word in this common idiom.
Ne ____ reikalas.
The genitive case 'tavo' is required to show possession of the 'reikalas'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your boss asks for a status update on a project.
You should never use 'Ne tavo reikalas' with a boss. It is unprofessional and rude.
Complete the dialogue between two siblings.
Marius: 'Kas tau parašė žinutę?' Lina: '__________'
Lina wants to protect her privacy, so she uses the negative form.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKiek tu uždirbi?
'Ne tavo reikalas' is the standard idiom. 'Verslas' is for companies, and 'Ne tavo nosis' is slightly wrong (should be 'Ne tavo nosiai').
Ne ____ reikalas.
The genitive case 'tavo' is required to show possession of the 'reikalas'.
Situation: Your boss asks for a status update on a project.
You should never use 'Ne tavo reikalas' with a boss. It is unprofessional and rude.
Marius: 'Kas tau parašė žinutę?' Lina: '__________'
Lina wants to protect her privacy, so she uses the negative form.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is not a swear word, but it is considered rude or 'grubus' in many contexts.
Only if you have a very informal and open relationship. Generally, it's better to avoid it to show respect.
You can say 'Nenorėčiau apie tai kalbėti' (I wouldn't want to talk about that) or 'Tai asmeniška' (That is personal).
Because the 'reikalas' (matter) belongs to 'you'. In Lithuanian, possession is shown with the genitive case.
Yes. 'Ne tavo reikalas' is a statement ('None of your business'), while 'Koks tavo reikalas' is a rhetorical question ('What business is it of yours?'). The latter is usually more aggressive.
It is possible but much less common. The singular 'reikalas' is the standard idiomatic form.
You can say 'Žiūrėk savo reikalų' (Look at your own matters).
Almost never. It is too informal. In business, you would say 'Tai nesusiję su šiuo klausimu' (That is not related to this question).
It literally means 'Not for your nose'. It's a more colorful way of saying the same thing, implying the person is 'poking their nose' into your business.
Only in a very informal email to a close friend. Avoid it in any professional or semi-formal correspondence.
Expressions liées
Koks tavo reikalas?
similarWhat is it your business?
Ne tavo nosiai
idiomNot for your nose.
Tai mano reikalas
contrastThat is my business.
Nesikišk
synonymDon't interfere.
