Signification
To procrastinate or delay something.
Contexte culturel
In Lithuanian basketball, 'tempti laiką' is a respected tactical move. If a player does it well, the crowd might even applaud the cleverness of the delay. There is a common stereotype that government offices 'tempia laiką' with paperwork. This has led to a cultural appreciation for 'konkretumas' (being direct). Lithuanian students often use 'gumos tempimas' to describe a teacher who talks about irrelevant things to avoid starting a difficult lesson. In rural areas, life is naturally slower, but 'tempti laiką' is still used negatively if someone is avoiding helping with the harvest or chores.
Use it for kids
If your kids are taking too long to get ready, 'Netempk laiko!' is the most natural thing to say.
Don't use it for 'spending time'
Remember, 'tempti' is usually negative. If you had a good time, use 'gerai praleidau laiką'.
Signification
To procrastinate or delay something.
Use it for kids
If your kids are taking too long to get ready, 'Netempk laiko!' is the most natural thing to say.
Don't use it for 'spending time'
Remember, 'tempti' is usually negative. If you had a good time, use 'gerai praleidau laiką'.
The 'Guma' variation
Use 'tempti gumą' only with people you know well. It can sound a bit aggressive with strangers.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'tempti'.
Nustok ____ laiką ir eik dirbti!
After 'Nustok' (Stop), we use the infinitive form of the verb.
Which situation best describes 'tempti laiką'?
Kuri situacija yra 'laiko tempimas'?
Stalling (tempti laiką) involves intentional delay to avoid something.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ar jau baigei darbą? B: Dar ne, man reikia dar valandos... A: Man atrodo, tu tiesiog _______.
'Tempi laiką' fits the context of someone making excuses to delay finishing work.
Match the phrase variation to the register.
1. Vilkinti procesą, 2. Tempti gumą, 3. Tempti laiką
'Vilkinti' is formal, 'Guma' is informal, and 'Laikas' is neutral.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNustok ____ laiką ir eik dirbti!
After 'Nustok' (Stop), we use the infinitive form of the verb.
Kuri situacija yra 'laiko tempimas'?
Stalling (tempti laiką) involves intentional delay to avoid something.
A: Ar jau baigei darbą? B: Dar ne, man reikia dar valandos... A: Man atrodo, tu tiesiog _______.
'Tempi laiką' fits the context of someone making excuses to delay finishing work.
1. Vilkinti procesą, 2. Tempti gumą, 3. Tempti laiką
'Vilkinti' is formal, 'Guma' is informal, and 'Laikas' is neutral.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsUsually, yes, because it implies you are avoiding work. However, in sports, it is a neutral or even positive tactical term.
No. Use 'lėtas internetas'. 'Tempti laiką' requires a person making a choice to be slow.
'Atidėlioti' is to postpone a task. 'Tempti laiką' is to perform an action slowly to delay the end of it.
You would say 'Prašome nevilkinti' or 'Prašome paskubėti'.
Expressions liées
tempti gumą
informalTo stall (more informal/annoyed)
vilkinti
specialized formTo protract or delay formally
atidėlioti
similarTo procrastinate
skubėti
contrastTo hurry
