Signification
Complimenting a meal.
Contexte culturel
It is common to say 'Skanaus!' to anyone you see eating, even strangers in a cafeteria. It is the equivalent of 'Bon Appétit'. Complimenting the host's food is essential. If you don't say 'Skanus maistas' at least once, the host might think you didn't like it. Traditional Lithuanian food is heavy (potatoes, meat, rye). Complimenting it often implies you appreciate the 'heartiness' of the meal. During the 12-dish Christmas Eve dinner (Kūčios), people comment on the 'skanumas' (tastiness) of each dish to bring good luck.
The Neuter Shortcut
If you forget the gender of the food, just point and say 'Skanu!' It's always correct as a general exclamation.
Don't be too quiet
Lithuanian hosts expect to hear compliments. Silence can be interpreted as 'the food is just okay'.
Signification
Complimenting a meal.
The Neuter Shortcut
If you forget the gender of the food, just point and say 'Skanu!' It's always correct as a general exclamation.
Don't be too quiet
Lithuanian hosts expect to hear compliments. Silence can be interpreted as 'the food is just okay'.
Add 'Labai'
Adding 'labai' (very) before 'skanus' makes the compliment feel much more sincere and enthusiastic.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing adjective to say 'Tasty food'.
_______ maistas.
'Maistas' is masculine, so we use the masculine ending '-us'.
How do you say 'The food is very tasty'?
Select the best option:
The adjective must agree with the masculine subject 'maistas'.
Match the Lithuanian words with their English meanings.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the phrase and its context.
Complete the dialogue at a dinner party.
Host: 'Ar norite dar?' You: 'Ne, ačiū, jau pilnas. Buvo labai _______ _______.'
You are complimenting the meal you just finished.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Adjective vs Neuter
Banque d exercices
4 exercices_______ maistas.
'Maistas' is masculine, so we use the masculine ending '-us'.
Select the best option:
The adjective must agree with the masculine subject 'maistas'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core components of the phrase and its context.
Host: 'Ar norite dar?' You: 'Ne, ačiū, jau pilnas. Buvo labai _______ _______.'
You are complimenting the meal you just finished.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but remember to change the ending if the drink is feminine (e.g., 'skani arbata' - tasty tea). For masculine drinks like 'vanduo' (water), use 'skanus vanduo'.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or in a fancy restaurant.
'Skanus' is the everyday word. 'Gardus' is slightly more elevated, often used in writing or for gourmet food.
Use the past tense of 'to be': 'Maistas buvo skanus'.
No, that would be very strange and likely misunderstood. It is only for food and drinks.
Yes, 'maistas' is a masculine noun in Lithuanian.
Add 'labai' before the adjective: 'Labai skanus maistas'.
No, Lithuanian does not have articles like 'a' or 'the'.
It is the genitive form of 'skanus', used as a standalone wish meaning 'Enjoy your meal!'.
Yes, word order is flexible. 'Skanus maistas' is a phrase, 'Maistas skanus' is a sentence.
Expressions liées
Skanaus!
specialized formEnjoy your meal!
Gardus maistas
synonymDelicious food
Skanumėlis
similarYum / Tastiness
Skani kava
builds onTasty coffee
Neskanus maistas
contrastUntasty food
