Signification
To be sad or disappointed.
Contexte culturel
Lithuanians often use nature metaphors for emotions. A 'hanging nose' is seen as a temporary cloud that will pass, reflecting the country's changeable weather. In Baltic folklore, the nose was sometimes associated with one's life force. A 'fallen' nose could symbolically mean a loss of energy or 'kvapas' (breath/spirit). In Lithuanian social media, the 😔 emoji is often paired with the text 'nukabinau nosį' to show a relatable, non-serious disappointment. Teachers in Lithuania frequently use this phrase to encourage students who are struggling with difficult subjects like math or Lithuanian grammar.
Use with 'ko'
In questions, it's very common to start with 'Ko' (Why/What for) instead of 'Kodėl'. Example: 'Ko nukabinai nosį?'
The 'į' is important
Don't forget the little tail on the 'į' in 'nosį'. It marks the accusative case, which is required here.
Signification
To be sad or disappointed.
Use with 'ko'
In questions, it's very common to start with 'Ko' (Why/What for) instead of 'Kodėl'. Example: 'Ko nukabinai nosį?'
The 'į' is important
Don't forget the little tail on the 'į' in 'nosį'. It marks the accusative case, which is required here.
Diminutives for empathy
Use 'noselę' if you want to sound extra sweet or comforting, especially to children or pets.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the word 'nosis'. Remember the negation rule!
Nenukabink ______, viskas bus gerai!
In negative sentences ('nenukabink'), the object must be in the genitive case ('nosies').
Which situation is best for using 'nukabinti nosį'?
Choose the correct context:
The idiom is used for disappointment or sadness.
Match the Lithuanian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
Nukabinti = sad, Riesti = proud, Kišti = meddle.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Negavau bilietų į koncertą. B: ___________, galbūt jų dar bus rytoj!
B is trying to encourage A not to be sad.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNenukabink ______, viskas bus gerai!
In negative sentences ('nenukabink'), the object must be in the genitive case ('nosies').
Choose the correct context:
The idiom is used for disappointment or sadness.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Nukabinti = sad, Riesti = proud, Kišti = meddle.
A: Negavau bilietų į koncertą. B: ___________, galbūt jų dar bus rytoj!
B is trying to encourage A not to be sad.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is not rude. It is a sympathetic and common way to describe sadness, though it is informal.
Yes! You can say 'Aš nukabinau nosį' to express that you are feeling down.
There is almost no difference in meaning. 'Nukabinti' is slightly more idiomatic, while 'nuleisti' is more literal (to lower).
You say 'Nenukabinkite nosių' (plural imperative + plural genitive).
Only in very casual business settings among close colleagues. Avoid it in formal meetings.
Yes, it is the closest Lithuanian equivalent to the English 'Why the long face?'.
Yes, if your dog looks sad, you can say 'Šuo nukabino nosį'. It's quite cute!
Yes, without 'nosį', the verb 'nukabinti' just means 'to unhook' something (like a picture from a wall).
The opposite is 'riesti nosį' (to be proud/arrogant) or 'pralinksmėti' (to cheer up).
Yes, it has been used for centuries and is found in many old Lithuanian folk tales.
Expressions liées
Nuleisti nosį
synonymTo lower the nose (to be sad).
Riesti nosį
contrastTo turn up the nose (to be arrogant).
Nukabinti ausis
similarTo hang the ears.
Būti be nuotaikos
similarTo be without mood.
