Meaning
Stating that you are hungry.
Cultural Background
Lithuanians often express hunger directly. It is not considered impolite to say 'Noriu valgyti' even shortly after arriving at someone's house. In the Samogitian dialect, the pronunciation might shift, but the hospitality remains the same—expect a lot of butter and sour cream. In cities like Vilnius, 'Noriu valgyti' is the trigger for using apps like Bolt Food or Wolt. Hunger was historically tied to the harvest. The phrase was a serious call to the table after a day in the fields.
The 'Išalkau' Alternative
If you want to sound more like a native, use 'Išalkau' (I became hungry) when you suddenly realize you need food.
Avoid 'Ėsti'
We cannot stress this enough: 'ėsti' is for pigs, cows, and dogs. Using it for humans is a major faux pas.
Meaning
Stating that you are hungry.
The 'Išalkau' Alternative
If you want to sound more like a native, use 'Išalkau' (I became hungry) when you suddenly realize you need food.
Avoid 'Ėsti'
We cannot stress this enough: 'ėsti' is for pigs, cows, and dogs. Using it for humans is a major faux pas.
The Grandma Rule
Never say 'Noriu valgyti' at a Lithuanian grandmother's house unless you have at least two hours to spend eating everything she owns.
Adding 'Labai'
Add 'labai' (very) before 'noriu' to say you are starving: 'Labai noriu valgyti!'
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'norėti'.
Aš ____ valgyti.
The first person singular form of 'norėti' is 'noriu'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'We want to eat'?
'Mes' requires the 'norime' form, and the second verb must be the infinitive 'valgyti'.
Match the Lithuanian phrase with its English translation.
Match the following:
This tests your knowledge of tenses and negation.
Complete the dialogue.
Jonas: Ar tu ____ valgyti? Lina: Taip, labai ____.
Jonas asks 'tu' (nori) and Lina answers 'aš' (noriu).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAš ____ valgyti.
The first person singular form of 'norėti' is 'noriu'.
How do you say 'We want to eat'?
'Mes' requires the 'norime' form, and the second verb must be the infinitive 'valgyti'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
This tests your knowledge of tenses and negation.
Jonas: Ar tu ____ valgyti? Lina: Taip, labai ____.
Jonas asks 'tu' (nori) and Lina answers 'aš' (noriu).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly neutral and polite in almost all situations.
Yes, it applies to any meal. You can also be specific: 'Noriu pusryčiauti' (I want to have breakfast).
'Noriu valgyti' is 'I want to eat' (action-oriented), while 'Esu alkanas' is 'I am hungry' (state-oriented). Both are common.
Simply say 'Nenoriu valgyti' or 'Nesiu alkanas'.
No, the verb ending '-u' in 'noriu' already tells us it is 'I'. Lithuanians often omit the pronoun.
Yes, 'Pilvas groja maršus' (Stomach is playing marches) is a popular way to say you're hungry.
Yes, if you are suggesting a lunch break, it is fine.
Use 'Noriu užkąsti' (I want to have a snack).
Ask 'Ar nori valgyti?' (informal) or 'Ar norite valgyti?' (formal/plural).
It is long, like the 'ee' in 'see'.
Related Phrases
Esu alkanas
similarI am hungry
Išalkau
similarI got hungry
Noriu gerti
builds onI want to drink
Noriu užkąsti
specialized formI want a snack
Skanaus
relatedBon appétit
