labas ir sveiki atvykę
In Lithuanian, 'hello and welcome' is said as labas ir sveiki atvykę.
This phrase is used as a greeting to welcome people to a place or an event. While the full phrase combines a greeting and a welcome, you can also use the component sveiki atvykę on its own to simply mean 'welcome'.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'hello and healthy arrived'. In this context, sveiki carries the sense of being healthy or whole and is used as a greeting of well-being.
How does it change in a sentence?
The portion sveiki atvykę can stand alone as a complete expression meaning 'welcome' without needing the 'hello' part.
Did you know?
- Lithuanians may use sveiki atvykę even when welcoming a single person, as the plural form is often used to show respect or address a group.
- In Lithuanian, the phrase sveiki atvykę changes based on who is being welcomed, as it is a verbal adjective that must agree with the gender and number of the guests.
- The word ir ('and') is a linguistic relative of the Ancient Greek word ἄρα ('so' or 'consequently').
Examples in context
- Labas rytas, ponas Johnson. Esu labai džiaugsmingas galėdamas Jus pasveikinti Lietuvoje.Good morning, Mr. Johnson. I am delighted to welcome you to Lithuania.
- Labas ir sveiki atvykę į mūsų seminarą.Hello and welcome to our seminar.
- Labas ir sveiki atvykę į šį vakarėtį.Hello and welcome to this party.
Example conversation
Rūta welcomes Andrius to a gallery exhibition.
- RūtaLabas ir sveiki atvykę į parodą, Andriau!Hello and welcome to the exhibition, Andrius!
- AndriusAčiū, Rūta. Labai mandagu.Thank you, Rūta. That is very kind.
- RūtaPrašome, užeikite į vidų.Please, come inside.
- AndriusAčiū, gernei matai.Thank you, I'm glad to be here.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ir, labas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
