When you're just starting out in Lithuanian, like at the A1 level, you'll want to be able to do basic things like asking about the cost of items. This word, kaina, meaning 'price,' is super useful for that.
You'll encounter it when shopping, asking how much something is, or understanding simple labels. It's a fundamental word for everyday interactions and getting by in a Lithuanian-speaking environment.
When discussing the price of something in Lithuanian, you'll most commonly encounter the word kaina. It's a feminine noun and, like many nouns, it changes its ending depending on its role in a sentence. For example, if you're asking "What is the price?" you'd use Kokia kaina?
You'll also hear it in phrases like aukšta kaina (high price) or žema kaina (low price). Understanding its declension will be key to forming grammatically correct sentences as you advance in your Lithuanian studies. For now, focus on recognizing it and using it in simple questions about cost.
When discussing the concept of 'price' (kaina) in Lithuanian at a C2 level, it's important to understand its nuanced usage beyond a simple monetary value. While 'kaina' fundamentally refers to the cost of goods or services, at an advanced level, you'd delve into its metaphorical extensions and specific economic contexts. Consider how 'kaina' can be associated with value, sacrifice, or consequence in idiomatic expressions. For example, one might speak of the 'price of freedom' (laisvės kaina) or the 'price of a mistake' (klaidos kaina), where it signifies more than just money. Understanding these broader applications allows for a richer and more precise use of the word in sophisticated conversations and writing.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
Let's talk about the Lithuanian word kaina. It's an important one, and you'll hear it often. Kaina means 'price' in English. Simple as that. You use it exactly when you'd use 'price' in English: when you're talking about how much something costs.
- Definition
- Price
Think about everyday situations. You're in a shop, buying food or clothes. You're asking how much something is. You're talking about the cost of a service, like a haircut or a bus ticket. In all these cases, kaina is the word you need.
It's a foundational word for shopping, making purchases, or even just discussing the value of things. If you're planning to visit Lithuania, this word will be your best friend when you're out and about.
Kokia šios knygos kaina? (What is the price of this book?)
Here, 'knygos' means 'book' (in a specific grammatical form we'll get to later). 'Kokia' means 'what kind/what'. So, literally, 'What kind of price is this book's?'. But it's understood as 'What is the price of this book?'.
Šiandien gera kaina! (Today, a good price!)
You'll hear this often in shops, especially when there's a sale. 'Šiandien' means 'today' and 'gera' means 'good'.
When you're comparing items, or discussing budgets, kaina is the key word. For instance, if you're looking at two different sweaters, you might ask about the kaina of each to decide which one to buy.
Ar kaina didelė? (Is the price high?)
Here, 'Ar' is like a question word, 'kaina' is 'price', and 'didelė' means 'big' or 'high'. So, 'Is the price big?' which translates to 'Is the price high?'
You can also use it to express that something is cheap or expensive. While there are other words for 'cheap' and 'expensive', understanding 'kaina' helps you grasp the core concept.
- When asking how much something costs: 'Kokia kaina?' (What's the price?)
- When talking about a good deal: 'Gera kaina!' (Good price!)
- When discussing if something is affordable: 'Aukšta kaina.' (High price.) or 'Žema kaina.' (Low price.)
So, in short, kaina is fundamental for any transaction or discussion about cost. It's a simple word with a powerful application in everyday Lithuanian. Make sure you learn it well, as it will open up many basic conversations for you.
How Formal Is It?
"Kaina nurodyta su PVM. (The price is indicated with VAT.)"
"Kokia kaina? (What is the price?)"
"Kiek paklojai? (How much did you shell out?)"
"Kiek tai kainuoja? (How much does it cost?)"
"Kokia čia kaina? (What's the damage here?)"
Exemples par niveau
Kokia yra prekės kaina?
What is the price of the item?
Šios knygos kaina yra dešimt eurų.
The price of this book is ten euros.
Ar kaina didelė?
Is the price high?
Manau, kad kaina per didelė.
I think the price is too high.
Kaina priklauso nuo dydžio.
The price depends on the size.
Aš noriu sužinoti kainą.
I want to know the price.
Kaina yra gera.
The price is good.
Prašau pasakyti galutinę kainą.
Please tell me the final price.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYou pronounce 'kaina' as KAI-na. The 'ai' sounds like 'eye' in English, and the 'a' at the end is like the 'a' in 'father'.
Kaina means price in English. It's a very useful word to know when you're shopping in Lithuania.
Not really. Kaina specifically refers to the monetary value of something. You wouldn't use it to talk about the 'price' of fame, for example.
The plural of kaina is kainos. So, if you're talking about multiple prices, you'd use 'kainos'.
To ask 'What is the price?' you can say Kokia kaina? or Kokia kaina? (literally 'What price?').
Kaina is a feminine noun. This means it will affect how other words in the sentence agree with it, but don't worry about that too much at A1 level.
You can use kaina in phrases to describe things as expensive or cheap. For example, Aukšta kaina means 'high price' (expensive), and Žema kaina means 'low price' (cheap).
Yes, a common phrase is Kaina derinama, which means 'Price is negotiable'. You might see this on ads for items for sale.
No, at its core, kaina means 'price'. You might encounter it in slightly different contexts, but the meaning of monetary value remains.
Kaina is very important! It's one of the first words you'll want to learn, especially if you plan on buying anything in Lithuania. It's an A1 word for a reason!
Teste-toi 18 questions
Kokia šios knygos ___?
We are asking about the cost of the book, so 'kaina' (price) is the correct word.
Aš norėčiau sužinoti, kokia yra šios mašinos ___.
To inquire about the cost of the car, 'kaina' (price) is the appropriate choice.
Ar galite pasakyti, kokia yra šio sūrio ___ už kilogramą?
When asking about the cost per kilogram of cheese, 'kaina' (price) is the correct word.
Restorane patiekalų ___ buvo per didelė.
If the cost of the dishes in the restaurant was too high, 'kaina' (price) is the correct fit.
Kokios yra tavo mėgstamo vaisiaus ___?
To ask about the cost of your favorite fruit, 'kaina' (price) is the correct term.
Mes ieškome geros ___ ir geros kokybės.
We are looking for a good price and good quality, so 'kainos' (price, in genitive case) is correct here.
What is the price of the item?
I want to know the price.
Is the price high?
Read this aloud:
Kokia yra šio obuolio kaina?
Focus: kai-na
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Ar ši kaina yra gera?
Focus: ge-ra
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Aš norėčiau sužinoti kainą.
Focus: su-ži-no-ti
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a market in Lithuania. Ask a vendor in Lithuanian about the price of apples and how much a kilogram costs. Also, ask if there is a discount if you buy more.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Laba diena! Kokia obuolių kaina? Kiek kainuoja kilogramas? Ar yra nuolaida, jei perku daugiau?
Imagine you are writing a short email to a friend about a new item you bought. Mention the item, its price, and whether you think the price was fair. Use 'kaina' at least twice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Sveikas! Noriu papasakoti apie naują knygą, kurią pirkau. Jos kaina buvo 15 eurų. Manau, kad ši kaina buvo visai gera už tokią knygą.
Describe a situation where the price of something was unexpectedly high or low. Explain how you reacted. Use 'kaina' and related vocabulary.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Vakar parduotuvėje pamačiau kavos kainą. Ji buvo labai aukšta! Buvau nustebęs, nes paprastai kava nėra tokia brangi. Nusprendžiau nepirkti.
Kodėl žmonės džiaugėsi parduotuvėje?
Read this passage:
Parduotuvėje buvo didelės nuolaidos. Daugelis prekių kainavo daug pigiau. Žmonės džiaugėsi, nes galėjo sutaupyti pinigų. Viena moteris pasakė: „Kaina yra nuostabi! Pasiimsiu tris.“
Kodėl žmonės džiaugėsi parduotuvėje?
Tekste rašoma, kad 'daugelis prekių kainavo daug pigiau', o moteris pasakė: 'Kaina yra nuostabi!' Tai reiškia, kad žmonės džiaugėsi dėl gerų kainų.
Tekste rašoma, kad 'daugelis prekių kainavo daug pigiau', o moteris pasakė: 'Kaina yra nuostabi!' Tai reiškia, kad žmonės džiaugėsi dėl gerų kainų.
Kas buvo svarbu Domanto mamai, kai ji ieškojo automobilio?
Read this passage:
Domanto mama ieškojo naujo automobilio. Ji peržiūrėjo daug skelbimų ir lygino skirtingų modelių kainas. Jai buvo svarbu, kad automobilio kaina atitiktų biudžetą ir kad automobilis būtų patikimas.
Kas buvo svarbu Domanto mamai, kai ji ieškojo automobilio?
Tekste aiškiai nurodyta: 'Jai buvo svarbu, kad automobilio kaina atitiktų biudžetą ir kad automobilis būtų patikimas.'
Tekste aiškiai nurodyta: 'Jai buvo svarbu, kad automobilio kaina atitiktų biudžetą ir kad automobilis būtų patikimas.'
Ką rodo tai, kad bilietų kaina buvo aukšta, bet visos vietos buvo išparduotos?
Read this passage:
Nors bilietų kaina į koncertą buvo gana aukšta, visos vietos buvo išparduotos labai greitai. Tai rodo, kad atlikėjas yra labai populiarus ir žmonės nori jį pamatyti gyvai, nepaisant kainos.
Ką rodo tai, kad bilietų kaina buvo aukšta, bet visos vietos buvo išparduotos?
Tekste teigiama, kad 'nors bilietų kaina į koncertą buvo gana aukšta, visos vietos buvo išparduotos labai greitai. Tai rodo, kad atlikėjas yra labai populiarus ir žmonės nori jį pamatyti gyvai, nepaisant kainos.'
Tekste teigiama, kad 'nors bilietų kaina į koncertą buvo gana aukšta, visos vietos buvo išparduotos labai greitai. Tai rodo, kad atlikėjas yra labai populiarus ir žmonės nori jį pamatyti gyvai, nepaisant kainos.'
/ 18 correct
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