Welcome to Lesson 2 of the Lithuanian course for English speakers. In this lesson, we will explore the fundamental verb būti (to be), one of the most essential verbs in the Lithuanian language. For a complete index of lessons and course materials, please visit the course index.
Definition: The Lithuanian verb būti corresponds to the English verb "to be" and is used to express existence, state, identity, and location. It is an irregular verb that forms the foundation of many Lithuanian expressions and grammatical constructions.
In this lesson, you will encounter būti in its various conjugated forms: esu (I am), esi (you are), yra (he/she/it is), esame (we are), esate (you plural are), and yra (they are). The examples progress from simple statements to more complex sentences, demonstrating how this essential verb functions in everyday Lithuanian.
Key Takeaways: -
Būti is the Lithuanian equivalent of English "to be" -
It is an irregular verb with unique conjugation patterns -
The third person singular and plural share the same form: yra -
Unlike English, Lithuanian often omits the verb "to be" in the present tense in certain contexts -
Word order in Lithuanian is more flexible than in English due to the case system
FAQ SchemaQuestion: What does būti mean in Lithuanian? Answer: Būti is the Lithuanian infinitive form of the verb "to be." It is used to express existence, identity, characteristics, and states of being, just like the English verb "to be." The verb conjugates as: esu (I am), esi (you are), yra (he/she/it is), esame (we are), esate (you plural are), yra (they are).
Educational Schema@context: https://schema.org/ @type: EducationalMaterial name: Lithuanian Lesson 2: The Verb būti (to be) description: A comprehensive lesson teaching the Lithuanian verb būti (to be) for English speakers educationalLevel: Beginner learningResourceType: Language lesson inLanguage: en, lt teaches: Lithuanian verb conjugation, basic sentence structure typicalAgeRange: 14+ author: Latinum Institute
2.1 Aš I esu am studentas student
2.2 Ji She yra is mokytoja teacher mūsų our mokykloje school-in
2.3 Ar [question particle] tu you esi are pavargęs tired šiandien today
2.4 Mes We esame are laimingi happy čia here
2.5 Knyga Book yra is ant on stalo table
2.6 Jūs You (plural) esate are labai very malonūs kind
2.7 Vaikai Children yra are parke park-in dabar now
2.8 Mano My brolis brother yra is gydytojas doctor
2.9 Rytoj Tomorrow bus will-be graži beautiful diena day
2.10 Ar [question particle] jie they buvo were namie home-at vakar yesterday
2.11 Oras Weather šiandien today yra is šaltas cold
2.12 Tu You būsi will-be geras good inžinierius engineer
2.13 Aš I buvau was labai very užimtas busy praeitą last savaitę week
2.14 Jos They (feminine) yra are geriausios best draugės friends
2.15 Kur Where yra is mano my telefonas phone
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2.1 Aš esu studentas. I am a student.
2.2 Ji yra mokytoja mūsų mokykloje. She is a teacher in our school.
2.3 Ar tu esi pavargęs šiandien? Are you tired today?
2.4 Mes esame laimingi čia. We are happy here.
2.5 Knyga yra ant stalo. The book is on the table.
2.6 Jūs esate labai malonūs. You (plural) are very kind.
2.7 Vaikai yra parke dabar. The children are in the park now.
2.8 Mano brolis yra gydytojas. My brother is a doctor.
2.9 Rytoj bus graži diena. Tomorrow will be a beautiful day.
2.10 Ar jie buvo namie vakar? Were they at home yesterday?
2.11 Oras šiandien yra šaltas. The weather today is cold.
2.12 Tu būsi geras inžinierius. You will be a good engineer.
2.13 Aš buvau labai užimtas praeitą savaitę. I was very busy last week.
2.14 Jos yra geriausios draugės. They are best friends.
2.15 Kur yra mano telefonas? Where is my phone?
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2.1 Aš esu studentas.
2.2 Ji yra mokytoja mūsų mokykloje.
2.3 Ar tu esi pavargęs šiandien?
2.4 Mes esame laimingi čia.
2.5 Knyga yra ant stalo.
2.6 Jūs esate labai malonūs.
2.7 Vaikai yra parke dabar.
2.8 Mano brolis yra gydytojas.
2.9 Rytoj bus graži diena.
2.10 Ar jie buvo namie vakar?
2.11 Oras šiandien yra šaltas.
2.12 Tu būsi geras inžinierius.
2.13 Aš buvau labai užimtas praeitą savaitę.
2.14 Jos yra geriausios draugės.
2.15 Kur yra mano telefonas?
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The verb būti is one of the most important and frequently used verbs in Lithuanian. Unlike English, which has multiple forms of "to be" (am, is, are), Lithuanian uses a more systematic conjugation pattern.
Present Tense Conjugation: -
aš esu - I am -
tu esi - you are (singular, informal) -
jis/ji yra - he/she is -
mes esame - we are -
jūs esate - you are (plural or formal singular) -
jie/jos yra - they are (masculine/feminine)
Past Tense Conjugation: -
aš buvau - I was -
tu buvai - you were -
jis/ji buvo - he/she was -
mes buvome - we were -
jūs buvote - you were -
jie/jos buvo - they were
Future Tense Conjugation: -
aš būsiu - I will be -
tu būsi - you will be -
jis/ji bus - he/she will be -
mes būsime - we will be -
jūs būsite - you will be -
jie/jos bus - they will be
Common Mistakes: -
Using the wrong person form - English speakers often confuse yra (3rd person) with other forms. Remember that both "he/she is" and "they are" translate to yra in Lithuanian. -
Forgetting question words - In Lithuanian, questions often begin with ar (a question particle with no English equivalent). Don't forget to use it: Ar tu esi...? (Are you...?) -
Word order confusion - While Lithuanian word order is more flexible than English due to its case system, the basic order for statements with būti is typically Subject + Verb + Complement. -
Omitting the verb - Unlike some Slavic languages, Lithuanian generally requires the verb būti to be expressed in the present tense. Don't drop it as you might in Russian. -
Gender agreement - When using adjectives with būti, remember they must agree in gender and number with the subject: Jis yra geras (He is good) vs. Ji yra gera (She is good).
Comparison with English:
Unlike English, which uses different forms (am/is/are), Lithuanian maintains more regularity in its conjugation patterns. The most notable difference is that the third person singular and plural share the same form (yra), which can initially confuse English speakers who expect different forms for "is" and "are."
Step-by-Step Guide to Using būti: -
Identify your subject (who or what) -
Choose the correct form of būti based on person and tense -
Add any complement (adjective, noun, or location) -
Ensure adjectives agree with the subject in gender and number -
For questions, add ar at the beginning
Grammatical Summary:
The verb būti is irregular but follows predictable patterns. It serves the same functions as English "to be": linking subjects with predicates, indicating existence, and forming progressive tenses (though less commonly than in English). The infinitive form būti is used after modal verbs and in certain constructions where English would use "to be."
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Understanding the verb būti in Lithuanian culture goes beyond mere grammar. Lithuanians often use this verb in philosophical and poetic contexts that reflect their cultural values and worldview.
Cultural Expressions:
The phrase būti ar nebūti (to be or not to be) carries the same philosophical weight as in English, showing the shared European literary heritage. However, Lithuanians have unique expressions using būti that reflect their culture: -
Būk sveikas/sveika (Be healthy) - a common greeting or farewell -
Būti savimi (To be oneself) - highly valued in Lithuanian culture -
Kas bus, tas bus (What will be, will be) - reflecting a philosophical acceptance of fate
Social Context:
When using būti with professions or identities, Lithuanians often express pride in their roles. Saying Aš esu lietuvis/lietuvė (I am Lithuanian) carries deep cultural significance, especially given Lithuania's history of maintaining its identity despite foreign occupations.
Formality Levels:
The distinction between tu esi (informal) and jūs esate (formal) is crucial in Lithuanian social interactions. Using the wrong form can be seen as either too familiar or unnecessarily distant. Younger Lithuanians tend toward informality quicker than older generations.
Historical Note:
The preservation of the verb būti and its forms showcases Lithuanian's status as one of the most archaic Indo-European languages. These forms have remained relatively unchanged for centuries, making Lithuanian valuable for linguistic research and a source of national pride.
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From "Metai" (The Seasons) by Kristijonas Donelaitis (1714-1780):
"Jau saulelė vėl atkopdama budino svietą; Ir žmonės, ir žvėrys, ir paukščiai iš miego keldamies, Kad jau jų buvo laikas, linksmi šokinėjo. Tiktai vienas tinginis be darbo valkiojas, Kursai vasaros laike sau valgio nebuvo pasirūpinęs."
Jau Already saulelė sun-diminutive vėl again atkopdama climbing-up budino awakened svietą world Ir And žmonės people ir and žvėrys beasts ir and paukščiai birds iš from miego sleep keldamies rising Kad That jau already jų their buvo was laikas time linksmi happy šokinėjo jumped-about Tiktai Only vienas one tinginis lazy-person be without darbo work valkiojas wanders Kursai Who vasaros summer's laike time-in sau for-himself valgio food nebuvo not-was pasirūpinęs provided
"Jau saulelė vėl atkopdama budino svietą; Ir žmonės, ir žvėrys, ir paukščiai iš miego keldamies, Kad jau jų buvo laikas, linksmi šokinėjo. Tiktai vienas tinginis be darbo valkiojas, Kursai vasaros laike sau valgio nebuvo pasirūpinęs."
"Now the sun, climbing up again, awakened the world; And people, and beasts, and birds, rising from sleep, Since it was already their time, jumped about happily. Only one lazy person wanders without work, Who in summer time had not provided food for himself."
This excerpt from Donelaitis's epic poem uses buvo (was) twice, demonstrating the past tense of būti. The first instance (jų buvo laikas - "it was their time") shows how būti expresses temporal existence. The second instance (nebuvo pasirūpinęs - "had not provided") shows the negative past form used in a compound tense construction.
Donelaitis, writing in the 18th century, captured rural Lithuanian life and values. The contrast between the industrious creatures and the lazy person reflects Lithuanian cultural values of hard work and preparation.
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buvo - 3rd person singular past tense of būti, used here impersonally -
nebuvo - negative past form (ne + buvo) -
Kad jau jų buvo laikas - demonstrates Lithuanian word order flexibility -
The construction nebuvo pasirūpinęs forms a compound past tense (pluperfect)
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2.16 Rytą Morning-in aš I esu am anksti early keliuosi rise-I ir and einu go-I į to virtuvę kitchen
2.17 Mano My pusryčiai breakfast visuomet always yra is ant on stalo table septintą seventh valandą hour
2.18 Šeima Family jau already yra is susirinkusi gathered kai when aš I ateinu come-I
2.19 Mama Mother yra is linksma cheerful ir and ruošia prepares kavą coffee visiems everyone-for
2.20 Tėtis Father dar still nėra not-is pabudęs awakened nes because jis he dirbo worked vėlai late
2.21 Po After pusryčių breakfast mes we esame are pasiruošę ready eiti to-go į to savo our darbus works
2.22 Mano My sesuo sister yra is studentė student universitete university-in ir and jos her paskaitos lectures prasideda begin devintą ninth
2.23 Autobusas Bus paprastai usually yra is pilnas full žmonių people-of ryte morning-in
2.24 Aš I esu am darbovietėje workplace-in nuo from devynių nine iki until penkių five
2.25 Pietų Lunch pertrauka break yra is nuo from dvylikos twelve iki until vienos one
2.26 Kolegos Colleagues yra are draugiški friendly ir and mes we dažnai often kalbamės talk-we
2.27 Popietė Afternoon paprastai usually yra is užimta busy susitikimais meetings-with
2.28 Vakare Evening-in aš I esu am pavargęs tired bet but laimingas happy
2.29 Vakarienė Dinner yra is šeimos family laikas time kai when visi everyone esame are kartu together
2.30 Prieš Before miegą sleep aš I esu am pratęs accustomed skaityti to-read knygą book
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2.16 Rytą aš anksti keliuosi ir einu į virtuvę. In the morning I get up early and go to the kitchen.
2.17 Mano pusryčiai visuomet yra ant stalo septintą valandą. My breakfast is always on the table at seven o'clock.
2.18 Šeima jau yra susirinkusi kai aš ateinu. The family is already gathered when I come.
2.19 Mama yra linksma ir ruošia kavą visiems. Mother is cheerful and prepares coffee for everyone.
2.20 Tėtis dar nėra pabudęs nes jis dirbo vėlai. Father is not yet awake because he worked late.
2.21 Po pusryčių mes esame pasiruošę eiti į savo darbus. After breakfast we are ready to go to our jobs.
2.22 Mano sesuo yra studentė universitete ir jos paskaitos prasideda devintą. My sister is a student at university and her lectures begin at nine.
2.23 Autobusas paprastai yra pilnas žmonių ryte. The bus is usually full of people in the morning.
2.24 Aš esu darbovietėje nuo devynių iki penkių. I am at work from nine to five.
2.25 Pietų pertrauka yra nuo dvylikos iki vienos. Lunch break is from twelve to one.
2.26 Kolegos yra draugiški ir mes dažnai kalbamės. Colleagues are friendly and we often talk.
2.27 Popietė paprastai yra užimta susitikimais. The afternoon is usually busy with meetings.
2.28 Vakare aš esu pavargęs bet laimingas. In the evening I am tired but happy.
2.29 Vakarienė yra šeimos laikas kai visi esame kartu. Dinner is family time when we are all together.
2.30 Prieš miegą aš esu pratęs skaityti knygą. Before sleep I am accustomed to reading a book.
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2.16 Rytą aš anksti keliuosi ir einu į virtuvę.
2.17 Mano pusryčiai visuomet yra ant stalo septintą valandą.
2.18 Šeima jau yra susirinkusi kai aš ateinu.
2.19 Mama yra linksma ir ruošia kavą visiems.
2.20 Tėtis dar nėra pabudęs nes jis dirbo vėlai.
2.21 Po pusryčių mes esame pasiruošę eiti į savo darbus.
2.22 Mano sesuo yra studentė universitete ir jos paskaitos prasideda devintą.
2.23 Autobusas paprastai yra pilnas žmonių ryte.
2.24 Aš esu darbovietėje nuo devynių iki penkių.
2.25 Pietų pertrauka yra nuo dvylikos iki vienos.
2.26 Kolegos yra draugiški ir mes dažnai kalbamės.
2.27 Popietė paprastai yra užimta susitikimais.
2.28 Vakare aš esu pavargęs bet laimingas.
2.29 Vakarienė yra šeimos laikas kai visi esame kartu.
2.30 Prieš miegą aš esu pratęs skaityti knygą.
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Using būti in Daily Routine Descriptions:
When describing daily routines, the verb būti appears frequently to indicate states, locations, and times. Notice these patterns:
Time Expressions with būti: -
Pietų pertrauka yra nuo dvylikos - Lunch break is from twelve -
yra septintą valandą - is at seven o'clock -
Lithuanian uses yra with time expressions where English might use different verbs
States and Conditions: -
esu pavargęs - I am tired -
yra užimta - is busy -
esame pasiruošę - we are ready -
Past participles with būti forms describe resulting states
Habitual Actions: -
esu pratęs skaityti - I am accustomed to reading -
paprastai yra - usually is -
visuomet yra - always is
Negative Forms: -
nėra (is not) = ne + yra -
dar nėra pabudęs - is not yet awake -
The negative particle ne combines with būti forms
Location Expressions: -
esu darbovietėje - I am at work (locative case) -
yra ant stalo - is on the table -
Location is expressed using būti + locative case or preposition
Common Daily Routine Constructions: -
Time + subject + yra + state/location -
Subject + yra + adjective describing routine state -
Būti + past participle for completed states -
Būti + pratęs/įpratęs + infinitive for habitual actions
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