prašau
The Lithuanian word for "please" is prašau.
prašau is used as an interjection to make polite requests. It also serves a dual purpose as a polite response to "Ačiū" (thank you), meaning "you're welcome". Additionally, it can be used to mean "please" in the sense of inviting someone, such as saying "please, come in".
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word prašau is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb prašyti, which literally means "I beg" or "I ask".
How does it change in a sentence?
prašau remains the most common polite interjection regardless of the listener's status.
When do people say it?
When someone says "Ačiū" (thank you) to you, it is customary to respond with prašau to mean "you're welcome".
Did you know?
- In a formal setting, if you want to say 'please' when handing something to someone, you might use the phrase štai (here/behold) instead of the verb 'to ask'.
- The word prašau can sound quite assertive if used with a certain downward intonation, almost like a command to 'proceed' or 'go ahead' rather than a gentle 'please'.
- The root of prašau is shared with other Baltic languages, reflecting a deep historical linguistic connection where 'asking' and 'begging' were combined into one concept.
Examples in context
- Prašau atidaryk čia dėžę.Please open this box.This sentence shows how to use prašau when asking someone to open something.Tatoeba #3590143 by asveja, translation #57490 by CK
- Prašau, kiaušinius padėk šaldytuve.Please put the eggs in the fridge.This sentence demonstrates using prašau to request an action regarding the fridge.Tatoeba #12210066 by glavsaltulo, translation #11831415 by CK
- Prašau atleisti už mano prastą rašyseną.Please forgive me for my poor handwriting.This sentence illustrates using prašau when asking for forgiveness.Tatoeba #11524366 by glavsaltulo, translation #11524378 by Wobbelle
- Būčiau dėkingas(-a), jei galėtumėte padėti man surasti autobusų stotelę.I would be grateful if you could help me find the bus station, please.
- 67 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrius and Gabrielė are in a cafe.
- AndriusPerduok man šaltą vandenį, prašau.Pass me the cold water, please.
- GabrielėLaikyk, štai tavo vanduo.Here, here is your water.
- AndriusAčiū labai, Gabrielė.Thank you very much, Gabrielė.
- GabrielėNėra problemos, Andriui.No problem, Andrius.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
