Meaning
Used to celebrate someone's success.
Cultural Background
When congratulating someone in person, it is customary to shake hands and look them in the eye. If you bring flowers, ensure there is an odd number (1, 3, 5, etc.). Name days (Vardadienis) are often celebrated with as much enthusiasm as birthdays. It is very polite to say 'Sveikinu su vardadieniu!' During a toast, the person giving the toast will often start with 'Sveikinu...' and then give a short speech before everyone clinks glasses. Lithuanians can be modest. When you say 'Sveikinu', they might say 'Ai, čia nieko tokio' (Oh, it's nothing), but they still appreciate the gesture.
Keep it simple
If you forget the grammar, just saying 'Sveikinu!' with a big smile is always correct and appreciated.
Case matters
If you add 'su', make sure the next word ends in '-u' or '-ia' (Instrumental case).
Meaning
Used to celebrate someone's success.
Keep it simple
If you forget the grammar, just saying 'Sveikinu!' with a big smile is always correct and appreciated.
Case matters
If you add 'su', make sure the next word ends in '-u' or '-ia' (Instrumental case).
Social Media
On Facebook, 'Sveikinimai!' is often used as a more general comment than 'Sveikinu'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word for a birthday wish.
Sveikinu ___ gimtadieniu!
In Lithuanian, 'Sveikinu' is followed by 'su' when mentioning the occasion.
Choose the correct way to congratulate a friend (informal).
How do you say 'I congratulate you'?
'Tave' is the informal accusative form of 'you'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your friend just got married.
This is the specific way to congratulate someone on their wedding.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Sveikinu!
Life Events
- • Birthdays
- • Weddings
- • New Baby
Success
- • Exams
- • Promotions
- • Sports Wins
Practice Bank
3 exercisesSveikinu ___ gimtadieniu!
In Lithuanian, 'Sveikinu' is followed by 'su' when mentioning the occasion.
How do you say 'I congratulate you'?
'Tave' is the informal accusative form of 'you'.
Situation: Your friend just got married.
This is the specific way to congratulate someone on their wedding.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's more common to say 'Sveikiname' (plural) if you are with a partner, or 'Sveikinu su vestuvėmis'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Sveikinu' is 'I congratulate' (verb), while 'Sveikinimai' is 'Congratulations' (noun).
No, the '-u' ending already tells people that 'I' am the one speaking.
The standard way is 'Sveikinu su gimtadieniu!'.
No! For a sneeze, say 'Į sveikatą!' (To health).
Yes, 'Sveikinu su Šv. Kalėdomis' is common.
The plural is 'Sveikiname' (We congratulate).
Yes, 'Sveikinu susilaukus kūdikio!'
Simply say 'Ačiū' (Thank you).
Related Phrases
Sveikinimai
similarCongratulations (noun)
Valio
similarHooray
Šaunuolis
builds onGood job / Well done
Sėkmės
contrastGood luck
Užuojauta
contrastCondolences
