kalavijas
[kɐlɐˈʋʲɪjɛs]masculine
The Lithuanian word for sword is kalavijas. Wiktionary also lists kardas.
Meaning: weapon (noun)
Ways to say it
| Lithuanian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kalavijas | [kɐlɐˈʋʲɪjɛs] (narrow) | masculine |
| kardas | masculine |
Both kalavijas and kardas are nouns used to refer to a sword as a weapon.
Which one should you use?
kalavijas is the common, neutral term for a sword in modern Lithuanian. In contrast, kardas is used in more formal, poetic or archaic contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, people may use the word kalavijas for sword.
How does it change in a sentence?
To talk about more than one sword, use the plural form kalavijai for kalavijas or kardai for kardas.
Did you know?
- The ancient root of kalavijas also connects it to the Old Irish word 'claideb', which is the ancestor of the English word 'blade'.
- Because kardas is perceived as archaic or poetic, using it in a casual modern conversation might sound like you are role-playing a medieval knight.
Examples in context
- Nuo seno lietuviai naudojo kardus kovoje.Lithuanians have been using swords in battles since ancient times.
- Ar jums patinka mano naujas kardas?Do you like my new sword?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sword” translations and entries kalavijas, kardas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kalavijas, kardas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
