Signification
Doing something late is okay.
Contexte culturel
In Lithuania, this phrase is often used with a self-deprecating smile. Lithuanians value modesty and acknowledging one's faults. In international business contexts in Vilnius, this phrase is used to maintain relationships after a deadline has passed. Lithuanian professors might use this when a student submits a thesis after many years of delay. Commonly used as a hashtag #geriauvėliauneguniekada for 'throwback' posts.
Use it for Birthdays
It is the perfect way to save face if you forget a friend's birthday by a day or two.
Don't be Sarcastic
Be careful with your tone; if said too quickly or sharply, it can sound like you don't care about the delay.
Signification
Doing something late is okay.
Use it for Birthdays
It is the perfect way to save face if you forget a friend's birthday by a day or two.
Don't be Sarcastic
Be careful with your tone; if said too quickly or sharply, it can sound like you don't care about the delay.
The 'Nei' Variation
Use 'nei' instead of 'negu' to sound slightly more sophisticated or literary.
Punctuality Matters
Even though this phrase exists, Lithuanians generally value being on time. Use this as a cure, not a habit.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Geriau ______ negu niekada.
The proverb requires the comparative adverb 'vėliau'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Geriau vėliau negu niekada'?
A friend finally calls you after 3 months.
The phrase is used for things that happen after a delay.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Atsiprašau, kad pavėlavau į tavo gimtadienį. B: Nieko tokio, ______.
This is the standard polite response to a late birthday wish.
Match the Lithuanian words with their English meanings.
1. Geriau, 2. Vėliau, 3. Niekada
Geriau = Better, Vėliau = Later, Niekada = Never.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Late vs. Never
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGeriau ______ negu niekada.
The proverb requires the comparative adverb 'vėliau'.
A friend finally calls you after 3 months.
The phrase is used for things that happen after a delay.
A: Atsiprašau, kad pavėlavau į tavo gimtadienį. B: Nieko tokio, ______.
This is the standard polite response to a late birthday wish.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Geriau = Better, Vėliau = Later, Niekada = Never.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also with a boss if you have a good relationship.
No, that sounds like 'Better late' (adverb) rather than 'Better later'. It is grammatically incorrect in the proverb.
Yes, often to apologize for a late reply or a delayed delivery.
They both mean 'than'. 'Negu' is more common in speech, 'nei' is more common in literature.
It might sound a bit dramatic for 5 minutes. Just say 'Atsiprašau, kad vėluoju'.
Not really, but you can just say 'Geriau vėliau...' and people will know the rest.
No, it is almost always positive, focusing on the fact that something finally happened.
It's 'Vay-lyow'. The 'ė' is like the 'a' in 'gate' but held longer.
Yes, many Lithuanian pop songs use this phrase to talk about love or returning home.
Absolutely! It's a favorite phrase for adult learners.
No, it is a traditional proverb.
Then you can't use the phrase! It requires the action to be completed.
Expressions liées
Geriau vėliau nei niekad
variationBetter late than never (using 'nei')
Svarbu rezultatas
similarThe result is important
Laikas – pinigai
contrastTime is money
Viskam savas laikas
similarEverything has its time
