Signification
Expressing a feeling of embarrassment or shame.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'gėdos stulpas' (shame pole) was historically used in towns to punish criminals publicly. This historical memory contributes to the weight of the word 'gėda' today. Lithuanians use 'Man gėda' to describe 'cringe' content online. It is the standard translation for the feeling of watching something painfully awkward. Parents often use 'Gėda!' as a mild scolding for children who are misbehaving in public, emphasizing social conformity from a young age. In Lithuania, admitting 'Man gėda' for a professional mistake is often seen as more honorable than making excuses, as it shows 'sąžiningumas' (honesty/integrity).
Use it to soften apologies
Adding 'man gėda' to 'atsiprašau' makes your apology feel much more sincere to Lithuanians.
Avoid 'Aš gėda'
This is the most common beginner mistake. Remember: Emotions in Lithuanian are often things you *have* or that are *to you*.
Signification
Expressing a feeling of embarrassment or shame.
Use it to soften apologies
Adding 'man gėda' to 'atsiprašau' makes your apology feel much more sincere to Lithuanians.
Avoid 'Aš gėda'
This is the most common beginner mistake. Remember: Emotions in Lithuanian are often things you *have* or that are *to you*.
The 'Už' trick
Use 'Man gėda už [ką nors]' to talk about 'cringe' moments or being embarrassed for your friends.
Modesty is key
Lithuanians appreciate it when you admit embarrassment; it shows you aren't arrogant.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of 'I' to complete the sentence: '____ gėda.'
____ gėda.
The phrase 'Man gėda' always requires the dative case 'Man'.
Fill in the past tense of 'to be' to say 'I was embarrassed.'
Man ____ gėda vakar.
'Buvo' is the third-person past tense of 'būti', used in impersonal constructions.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You forgot your best friend's birthday.
'Prieš tave' (in front of you) is used when you feel shame directly towards someone you've wronged.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kodėl tu neraudonuoji? B: Nes man visai ____.
Adding 'ne-' to 'gėda' negates the feeling.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Shame vs. Shyness
Banque d exercices
4 exercices____ gėda.
The phrase 'Man gėda' always requires the dative case 'Man'.
Man ____ gėda vakar.
'Buvo' is the third-person past tense of 'būti', used in impersonal constructions.
Situation: You forgot your best friend's birthday.
'Prieš tave' (in front of you) is used when you feel shame directly towards someone you've wronged.
A: Kodėl tu neraudonuoji? B: Nes man visai ____.
Adding 'ne-' to 'gėda' negates the feeling.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, that sounds like you are calling yourself 'Shame' as a name. Always use 'Man gėda'.
'Gėda' is shame/embarrassment. 'Nemalonu' just means 'unpleasant' or 'uncomfortable'.
Use 'Man gėda už tave'.
Young people often use the English word 'cringe' or say 'Kokia gėda'.
It's better to use 'Aš droviuosi' for shyness. 'Man gėda' implies you did something wrong.
Man buvo taip gėda.
Yes, it always implies a negative social or moral feeling.
Yes, if you are admitting a past mistake and showing what you learned.
The opposite is 'garbė' (honor) or 'pasididžiavimas' (pride).
It is a noun meaning 'shame'.
It's a long, tense 'e' sound, like the 'e' in 'café' but held longer.
Expressions liées
Kokia gėda!
similarWhat a shame!
Gėdytis
builds onTo feel ashamed (verb)
Sąžinės graužatis
specialized formRemorse / Pangs of conscience
Raudonuoti
similarTo blush / turn red
Gėdinga
builds onShameful
