Meaning
Talking to someone who won't listen.
Cultural Background
Peas are a symbol of fertility and prosperity in Lithuanian folklore, but in this idiom, their hardness is what matters. Most Lithuanian idioms are derived from farm life (horses, grain, forest animals), reflecting the country's late urbanization. Lithuanians can be direct but often prefer metaphors to express negative emotions like frustration to avoid direct conflict. In Lithuanian schools, this phrase is often used by teachers to describe a class that is not paying attention, emphasizing the value of 'klausymas' (listening).
Use with 'Jam/Jai'
Always remember to use the Dative case for the person who isn't listening. It makes you sound much more native.
Don't use with Bosses
It can sound a bit disrespectful if used directly to a superior. Use it *about* them to a colleague instead.
Meaning
Talking to someone who won't listen.
Use with 'Jam/Jai'
Always remember to use the Dative case for the person who isn't listening. It makes you sound much more native.
Don't use with Bosses
It can sound a bit disrespectful if used directly to a superior. Use it *about* them to a colleague instead.
The 'Sigh' Factor
This idiom is best delivered with a small sigh or a shrug of the shoulders to convey the true feeling of resignation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Mano patarimai jam – kaip _______ į sieną.
The traditional idiom specifically uses 'žirniai' (peas).
Which case should the person who is NOT listening be in?
____ (Jis) sakyti – kaip žirniai į sieną.
The Dative case (Jam) is used to indicate to whom the action is directed or for whom the situation exists.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the idiom.
A friend keeps buying expensive things they can't afford despite your warnings.
This idiom perfectly describes ignored advice.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ar pasakei tėčiui, kad nesėdėtų prie kompiuterio tiek ilgai? B: Taip, bet jam...
The context implies the father ignored the advice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMano patarimai jam – kaip _______ į sieną.
The traditional idiom specifically uses 'žirniai' (peas).
____ (Jis) sakyti – kaip žirniai į sieną.
The Dative case (Jam) is used to indicate to whom the action is directed or for whom the situation exists.
A friend keeps buying expensive things they can't afford despite your warnings.
This idiom perfectly describes ignored advice.
A: Ar pasakei tėčiui, kad nesėdėtų prie kompiuterio tiek ilgai? B: Taip, bet jam...
The context implies the father ignored the advice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is very much alive. While young people might use more English loanwords, this idiom remains a staple of Lithuanian frustration.
No, that would change the meaning. Stones might break the wall; peas just bounce off harmlessly, which is the point of the idiom.
It is 'į sieną'. 'Prie sienos' means 'by the wall' or 'against the wall' (standing), which doesn't fit the 'throwing' metaphor.
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship with the recipient. Otherwise, it's too casual.
Related Phrases
Kaip vanduo nuo žąsies
similarLike water off a goose.
Sakyti sienai
synonymTo talk to the wall.
Kurtas kaip blynas
similarDeaf as a pancake.
Atsimušti į sieną
builds onTo hit a wall.
