Meaning
Asking about someone's occupation.
Cultural Background
Asking about work is a very common 'second' question after names. It is not considered rude or overly materialistic. The 'tu' vs 'Jūs' distinction is vital. When in doubt, use 'Jūs' (Kuo Jūs dirbate?) to avoid sounding uneducated or rude. Younger Lithuanians in the tech sector almost exclusively use 'tu', even with bosses, reflecting a shift toward Western corporate culture. Work-life balance is becoming more important, so you might hear people answer with their hobbies if you ask 'Kuo užsiimi?'.
The Answer Rule
Always remember to change the ending of your job title to -u (masculine) or -a/-e (feminine) when answering.
The 'Tu' Trap
Don't use 'tu' with your Lithuanian teacher or a doctor unless they are your close friend!
Meaning
Asking about someone's occupation.
The Answer Rule
Always remember to change the ending of your job title to -u (masculine) or -a/-e (feminine) when answering.
The 'Tu' Trap
Don't use 'tu' with your Lithuanian teacher or a doctor unless they are your close friend!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the question word.
____ tu dirbi?
The verb 'dirbti' requires the instrumental case 'Kuo'.
Choose the correct answer to the question 'Kuo tu dirbi?'.
Kuo tu dirbi?
The answer must use the instrumental case 'mokytoju'.
Match the profession to its instrumental form.
Professions matching
These are the correct instrumental mappings for masculine and feminine professions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Labas, aš Tomas. B: Labas, aš Aistė. A: ____? B: Dirbu daktare.
The answer 'Dirbu daktare' directly answers a question about profession.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ tu dirbi?
The verb 'dirbti' requires the instrumental case 'Kuo'.
Kuo tu dirbi?
The answer must use the instrumental case 'mokytoju'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the correct instrumental mappings for masculine and feminine professions.
A: Labas, aš Tomas. B: Labas, aš Aistė. A: ____? B: Dirbu daktare.
The answer 'Dirbu daktare' directly answers a question about profession.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsLithuanian uses the instrumental case for roles and professions after the verb 'dirbti'. 'Kuo' is the instrumental form of 'Kas'.
You can say 'Aš dabar nedirbu' (I am not working right now) or 'Aš ieškau darbo' (I am looking for a job).
Related Phrases
Kuo užsiimi?
similarWhat do you occupy yourself with?
Ką veiki?
similarWhat are you doing?
Kokia tavo profesija?
synonymWhat is your profession?
Kur tu dirbi?
builds onWhere do you work?
