Meaning
A young toddler.
Cultural Background
Lithuanians often use the word 'vaikas' to refer to their offspring even when they are 40 years old, but they would never use 'mažas' in that case. There is a popular belief that 'maži vaikai' can see things adults cannot, like 'kaukai' (mythological spirits). Naming traditions: In the past, a 'mažas vaikas' might not be officially named until they survived their first year, though this is no longer practiced.
Use Diminutives
If you want to sound more like a native, use 'vaikelis' instead of 'vaikas' when talking to the parents.
Gender Matters
Remember that 'vaikas' is masculine. If you know the child is a girl, 'maža mergaitė' is more specific.
Meaning
A young toddler.
Use Diminutives
If you want to sound more like a native, use 'vaikelis' instead of 'vaikas' when talking to the parents.
Gender Matters
Remember that 'vaikas' is masculine. If you know the child is a girl, 'maža mergaitė' is more specific.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'mažas vaikas'.
Aš matau ______ (Accusative) parke.
The verb 'matau' (I see) requires the Accusative case.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I am with a small child'?
The preposition 'su' (with) requires the Instrumental case.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Someone is crying because they lost a game.
This is the common metaphorical use for immature behavior.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Stages of Childhood in Lithuanian
Infant
- • Kūdikis
Toddler
- • Mažas vaikas
- • Mažylis
Student
- • Mokinys
Practice Bank
3 exercisesAš matau ______ (Accusative) parke.
The verb 'matau' (I see) requires the Accusative case.
How do you say 'I am with a small child'?
The preposition 'su' (with) requires the Instrumental case.
Someone is crying because they lost a game.
This is the common metaphorical use for immature behavior.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, that would be considered strange or insulting. Use 'paauglys' (teenager) or just 'vaikas'.
No, 'vaikas' is grammatically masculine but refers to children of any gender.
Related Phrases
Mažylis
synonymA toddler or 'little one'.
Kūdikis
similarAn infant/baby.
Didelis vaikas
contrastA big child.
