labas
/ˈɫɑ̌ːbɐs/
The English word "hi" is translated into Lithuanian as labas. Wiktionary also lists sveikas.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Lithuanian | IPA |
|---|---|
| labas | /ˈɫɑ̌ːbɐs/ |
| sveikas |
These words are used as friendly, informal greetings. While labas acts as a general greeting, sveikas is more specifically used to address a male person directly.
What does it mean word for word?
The form sveikas literally means "healthy" or "well".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal or polite greeting, use labas rytas (good morning) or labas vakaras (good evening) instead of the informal labas.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form sveikas changes to sveika when greeting a woman, and changes to sveiki when greeting multiple people or a group of men.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɫɑ̌ːbɐs/
Did you know?
- The greeting sveikas originally described someone who 'goes or walks well'. This evolved from a description of physical mobility into a wish for health and safety.
- Lithuanian is one of the most conservative living languages, meaning labas is a cognate with words from extinct languages like Old Prussian.
- In Lithuania, using the formal 'good morning' or 'good evening' is a strict social requirement when addressing elders or superiors, making the simple labas potentially rude.
Examples in context
- Sveikas, kaip laikaisi, mano brangus drauge?Hi, how are you, my dear friend?This sentence shows how to use sveikas when greeting a male friend.Tatoeba #1662567 by fanty, translation #773144 by marloncori
- Labas! Kaip sekasi?Hi! How are you?This sentence shows how to use labas as a greeting.Tatoeba #2173742 by kotik, translation #30316 by Zifre
- Sveikas, aš esu John. Malonu susipažinti.Hello, I am John. Nice to meet you.
- Sveiki vaikinai, ką planuojate šį vakarą?Hi guys, what are your plans for tonight?
- Labas, kaip laikaisi šiandien?Hi, how are you doing today?
Example conversation
Mantas and Rūta meet at a cafe.
- MantasLabas, Rūta!Hi, Rūta!
- RūtaLabas, Mante! Koks nuoštumas.Hi, Mantas! What a surprise.
- MantasAr turi laiko kavai?Do you have time for coffee?
- RūtaTaip, mielai pavargiusi.Yes, I'd love to.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hi” translations and entries labas, sveikas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries labas, sveikas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
