Signification
Referring to the end of the day.
Contexte culturel
In Lithuania, 'vėlai vakare' is the prime time for 'virtuvės pokalbiai' (kitchen talks)—deep, philosophical conversations with friends over tea or beer. During the winter, because it gets dark so early, 'vėlai vakare' can feel much later than it actually is, leading to a very quiet atmosphere in residential areas. Lithuanian television often schedules its most popular talk shows or 'adult' dramas for the 'vėlai vakare' slot, usually starting after 9 PM. In the summer, especially during the Midsummer festival (Joninės), 'vėlai vakare' is when the main celebrations, like jumping over bonfires, begin.
The Locative Rule
Always remember the '-e' ending for times of day (ryte, vakare, naktį - though naktį is an exception using the old locative/instrumental form).
Don't say 'vėlu vakare'
Even though 'vėlu' means 'it is late', you must use the adverb 'vėlai' when it's part of this phrase.
Signification
Referring to the end of the day.
The Locative Rule
Always remember the '-e' ending for times of day (ryte, vakare, naktį - though naktį is an exception using the old locative/instrumental form).
Don't say 'vėlu vakare'
Even though 'vėlu' means 'it is late', you must use the adverb 'vėlai' when it's part of this phrase.
Summer vs Winter
Be aware that 'vėlai' is subjective. In the dark Lithuanian winter, 8 PM might feel like 'vėlai vakare' to some!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I study late in the evening'.
Aš mokausi vėlai _______.
We use the locative case 'vakare' to indicate when an action happens.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural Lithuanian sentence:
'Vėlai vakare' is the standard adverbial phrase for 'late in the evening'.
Match the Lithuanian phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
These are all common time expressions in Lithuanian.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
Marius: Ar nori susitikti 18:00? Lina: Ne, aš dar dirbu. Susitikime _______, apie 22:00.
22:00 is considered 'vėlai vakare' in Lithuania.
In which situation would you most likely use 'vėlai vakare'?
Select the best context:
10:30 PM falls perfectly within the 'vėlai vakare' window.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Times of Day in Lithuanian
Morning
- • ryte
- • anksti ryte
Day
- • dieną
- • per pietus
Evening
- • vakare
- • vėlai vakare
Night
- • naktį
- • vidurnaktį
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesAš mokausi vėlai _______.
We use the locative case 'vakare' to indicate when an action happens.
Choose the natural Lithuanian sentence:
'Vėlai vakare' is the standard adverbial phrase for 'late in the evening'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all common time expressions in Lithuanian.
Marius: Ar nori susitikti 18:00? Lina: Ne, aš dar dirbu. Susitikime _______, apie 22:00.
22:00 is considered 'vėlai vakare' in Lithuania.
Select the best context:
10:30 PM falls perfectly within the 'vėlai vakare' window.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, if the context of 'evening' is already clear. For example: 'Kodėl grįžai taip vėlai?' (Why did you return so late?)
'Vakare' means 'in the evening' (point in time). 'Vakarą' is used for duration or as a direct object, e.g., 'Aš praleidau vakarą su šeima' (I spent the evening with family).
Not exactly. 'Vakare' is before you go to bed; 'naktį' is usually when you are already in bed or it's very late (after midnight).
Add 'labai' at the beginning: 'labai vėlai vakare'.
Yes, to describe late shifts or late meetings. 'Susitikimas įvyks vėlai vakare.'
No, for that use 'vėlai po pietų'.
'Anksti ryte' (early in the morning).
Lithuanian uses the locative case for 'in/at' a time. 'Vakaru' would be instrumental case, which means 'by means of evening'.
Not for the phrase itself, but you might hear 'vėlai naktelę' in folk songs or very informal poetic speech.
Yes, it's very common. 'Būsiu vėlai vakare, lauk!'
No, adverbs and locative nouns do not change based on the gender of the speaker.
Expressions liées
vėlai naktį
similarLate at night (usually after midnight)
anksti ryte
contrastEarly in the morning
vakarop
specialized formTowards evening
iki vėlumos
builds onUntil late
vėlyvas
similarLate (adjective)
