Signification
Expressing possibility.
Contexte culturel
Lithuanians are known for being cautious with their words. Using 'Gali būti' instead of a firm 'Yes' is often seen as being realistic rather than indecisive. In Lithuanian business meetings, 'Gali būti' can be a 'soft no'. If a proposal is met with this phrase and no further enthusiasm, it might mean they are skeptical. There is an old belief that saying something will definitely happen might attract bad luck. 'Gali būti' is a way to stay humble before fate. Younger Lithuanians often shorten it to 'Gali būt' in all contexts, reflecting a general trend toward shortening infinitives in the Baltic languages.
The 'Kad' Connection
When you want to say 'It's possible that...', always use 'Gali būti, kad...' and don't forget the comma!
Permission vs. Possibility
Never use 'Gali būti' to ask if you are allowed to do something. Use 'Galima' instead.
Signification
Expressing possibility.
The 'Kad' Connection
When you want to say 'It's possible that...', always use 'Gali būti, kad...' and don't forget the comma!
Permission vs. Possibility
Never use 'Gali būti' to ask if you are allowed to do something. Use 'Galima' instead.
Sound like a native
Drop the final 'i' in 'būti' when chatting with friends: 'Gali būt'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'It's possible that he is at home.'
Gali ______, kad jis yra namuose.
The phrase always uses the infinitive 'būti' after 'gali'.
How do you say 'No way!' or 'It can't be!'?
Select the correct exclamation:
'Negali būti' is the standard way to express disbelief.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Ar rytoj bus šilta? B: ________, sinoptikai žada saulę.
'Gali būti' fits the context of speculating about the weather.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are 70% sure your friend is coming to the party.
'Gali būti' expresses that 50-70% range of possibility.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGali ______, kad jis yra namuose.
The phrase always uses the infinitive 'būti' after 'gali'.
Select the correct exclamation:
'Negali būti' is the standard way to express disbelief.
A: Ar rytoj bus šilta? B: ________, sinoptikai žada saulę.
'Gali būti' fits the context of speculating about the weather.
You are 70% sure your friend is coming to the party.
'Gali būti' expresses that 50-70% range of possibility.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from a casual chat to a news report.
Yes, it is one of the most common ways to say 'maybe' in Lithuanian.
'Galbūt' is an adverb often used at the start of sentences, while 'Gali būti' is a verb phrase that can stand alone.
Use 'Negali būti'. It's also used to mean 'No way!'
In the phrase 'Gali būti' (meaning 'It is possible'), 'gali' stays in the 3rd person. If you mean 'I can be', then it's 'Aš galiu būti'.
No, but adding a reason makes it friendlier. E.g., 'Gali būti, nes mačiau jį ten.'
Yes, 'Galėjo būti' means 'It could have been'.
The shortened 'Gali būt' is the most common informal version.
Lithuanian grammar requires a comma to separate the main clause from the subordinate clause.
Not directly. It's more about logical possibility. For hope, use 'Tikiuosi' (I hope).
Expressions liées
Galbūt
synonymMaybe / Perhaps
Tikriausiai
similarProbably
Vargu ar
contrastHardly / Unlikely
Kas žino
similarWho knows
Gali pasitaikyti
specialized formIt might happen
