Meaning
A command to cease movement or action.
Cultural Background
Lithuanians value personal space. A 'Sustok!' used to stop someone from entering your personal space is very effective and socially understood. While 'STOP' signs are international, the verbal command in driving schools is strictly 'Sustokite'. Instructors emphasize the 'su-' for a full stop. In many old tales, a hero must say 'Sustok!' to a magical object or animal to gain control over it. In Vilnius or Kaunas, you might see 'Sustok' used in creative advertising, often telling people to stop and enjoy a coffee or a view.
The Power of the 'K'
Make the final 'k' very sharp. A soft 'k' makes the command sound like a suggestion rather than an order.
Don't Overuse
Using 'Sustok!' too much in casual conversation can make you sound bossy. Use 'Palauk' or 'Klausyk' (Listen) to get attention instead.
Meaning
A command to cease movement or action.
The Power of the 'K'
Make the final 'k' very sharp. A soft 'k' makes the command sound like a suggestion rather than an order.
Don't Overuse
Using 'Sustok!' too much in casual conversation can make you sound bossy. Use 'Palauk' or 'Klausyk' (Listen) to get attention instead.
The Plural Rule
When in doubt, use 'Sustokite'. It is never wrong to be too polite in Lithuania.
Test Yourself
You are walking with your Lithuanian grandmother. You want her to stop so you can take a photo. What do you say?
Močiute, ... , aš noriu nufotografuoti.
Even with family, 'sustokite' is a sign of respect for elders in many Lithuanian families, though 'sustok' is also used. However, 'sustokite' is the safest 'correct' answer for a learner.
Fill in the missing letters to complete the command for a group of people.
Visi, su____ite!
The full word is 'Sustokite'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Sustok! 2. Sustokite, prašau. 3. Liaukis!
Sustok is for emergencies/children, Sustokite is for formal service, Liaukis is for behavior.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ar man dar bėgti? B: Ne, ... !
B is giving a command to A.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMočiute, ... , aš noriu nufotografuoti.
Even with family, 'sustokite' is a sign of respect for elders in many Lithuanian families, though 'sustok' is also used. However, 'sustokite' is the safest 'correct' answer for a learner.
Visi, su____ite!
The full word is 'Sustokite'.
1. Sustok! 2. Sustokite, prašau. 3. Liaukis!
Sustok is for emergencies/children, Sustokite is for formal service, Liaukis is for behavior.
A: Ar man dar bėgti? B: Ne, ... !
B is giving a command to A.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on the tone. In an emergency, it's necessary. In a store, it's rude. Use 'Sustokite' to be safe.
Yes, but 'Nustok kalbėti' or 'Tylėk' is more specific. 'Sustok' is quite abrupt for conversation.
'Sustok' implies a complete stop. 'Stok' is more about the act of standing or starting to stop.
You can say 'Sustokite čia' (Stop here) to a driver.
Younger people might say 'Stopink' (from English 'stop'), but it's not proper Lithuanian.
Yes, 'Sustok!' or 'Stovėk!' are both used for pets.
Not exactly. 'Gana' or 'Užteks' means enough. 'Sustok' means cease movement.
It is a long 'o' [oː].
Only if you are very close to the person and being dramatic. Otherwise, no.
'Eik' (Go) or 'Važiuok' (Drive/Go).
Related Phrases
Palauk!
similarWait!
Gana!
similarEnough!
Liaukis!
similarStop it! / Quit it!
Stovėk!
contrastStay! / Stand!
Nustok!
specialized formStop (doing something)!
