Meaning
Expression of disbelief or shock.
Cultural Background
In Lithuania, showing too much emotion can sometimes be seen as 'un-Baltic,' but 'Eik sau!' is the socially accepted valve for releasing that pressure. Younger Lithuanians use 'Eik sau' almost as a filler word in stories to keep the listener engaged. On Lithuanian Facebook or Instagram, 'Eik sau!' is often used in comments under impressive travel photos. In villages, you might hear the more literal 'Eik tu sau' used with a slightly more aggressive tone, while in cities it's purely an exclamation.
The 'Tu' Factor
Add 'tu' (Eik tu sau) to sound 100% more like a local. It adds a nice rhythmic flow to the exclamation.
Watch the Face
If you say 'Eik sau' with a straight face and no emotion, people might think you are actually telling them to leave.
Meaning
Expression of disbelief or shock.
The 'Tu' Factor
Add 'tu' (Eik tu sau) to sound 100% more like a local. It adds a nice rhythmic flow to the exclamation.
Watch the Face
If you say 'Eik sau' with a straight face and no emotion, people might think you are actually telling them to leave.
The Sarcastic Eik Sau
You can use it sarcastically if someone tells a very boring 'surprise.' Just say it flatly: 'Eik sau...'
Pairing with Oho
You can combine them: 'Oho, eik sau!' for maximum impact.
Test Yourself
Choose the best response to: 'Aš laimėjau loterijoje!' (I won the lottery!)
Aš laimėjau loterijoje!
'Eik sau!' is the perfect reaction to shocking good news.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a car that costs 500,000 Euros.
Use 'Eik sau' to express shock at high prices.
Complete the emphatic version of the phrase.
Eik ___ sau!
'Eik tu sau!' is the most common emphatic variation.
Fill in the missing reaction.
A: Ar matei? Jis nušoko nuo tilto į vandenį! B: ____, koks jis drąsus!
The speaker is reacting to a shocking/brave act.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal Surprise
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAš laimėjau loterijoje!
'Eik sau!' is the perfect reaction to shocking good news.
You see a car that costs 500,000 Euros.
Use 'Eik sau' to express shock at high prices.
Eik ___ sau!
'Eik tu sau!' is the most common emphatic variation.
A: Ar matei? Jis nušoko nuo tilto į vandenį! B: ____, koks jis drąsus!
The speaker is reacting to a shocking/brave act.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNot inherently, but it is very informal. It's like 'No way!' in English—fine with friends, not with your boss.
Yes, but only for 'shocking' bad news (like a high price), not for 'tragic' bad news (like a death).
It is the dative form of the reflexive pronoun, meaning 'to/for oneself.'
Not a direct one. Use 'Tai neįtikėtina' (That's unbelievable) instead.
You can, but it sounds more like a literal command to 'go away.' Better to stick to 'Eik sau!' as a fixed idiom.
Yes, it is a universal Lithuanian idiom used in all regions.
Two words: Eik (space) sau. Don't forget the exclamation mark!
It's very common in both, especially in texting and social media comments.
Yes, it's perfectly safe for children to use.
No, it is a completely secular phrase.
Usually confirmation, like 'Rimtai!' (Seriously!) or 'Tikrai!' (Really!).
Yes! Lithuanians love it when foreigners use their idioms correctly.
Related Phrases
Oho!
similarWow!
Rimtai?
similarSeriously?
Negali būti!
synonymIt can't be!
Nerealu!
similarUnreal!
Eik tu namo
specialized formGo home / Get out of here
