Welcome! If you’re looking to learn how to say “welcome” in Lithuanian, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re planning a trip to Lithuania, have Lithuanian friends, or simply want to expand your linguistic repertoire, knowing how to say “welcome” will help you make a positive impression. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to say “welcome” in Lithuanian, provide regional variations if applicable, and offer plenty of tips and examples to ensure your understanding is clear. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings
When it comes to formal greetings, Lithuanian has a few different options. While some phrases are used universally across Lithuania, regional variations also exist. Here are some formal ways to say “welcome”:
Sveiki atvykę
The most common and widely used phrase for “Welcome” in Lithuanian is “Sveiki atvykę.” This phrase is a formal expression used to greet someone who has arrived somewhere, such as a party, event, or establishment. When addressing a group, you can use the plural form: “Sveiki atvykę visi” (Welcome, everyone).
TIP: When meeting someone for the first time, it’s always a good idea to greet them with “Sveiki,” the Lithuanian equivalent of “Hello.” Then, you can follow up with “Sveiki atvykę” to make them feel welcome.
Mieli svečiai
Another formal way to welcome guests is by using the phrase “Mieli svečiai,” which translates to “Dear guests” or “Welcome, dear guests.” This phrase is often used when addressing multiple people in a more formal setting, such as a wedding, conference, or official event.
Informal Greetings
Informal greetings are commonly used among friends, family, or in casual situations. Here are a few options to say “welcome” informally:
Laukiam
The informal way to say “welcome” in Lithuanian is “Laukiam.” This phrase is mainly used when welcoming close friends or family members to your home or a casual gathering.
Šiltai sveikinu
When you want to convey an even warmer welcome, you can use the phrase “Šiltai sveikinu.” It translates to “Warmly welcome” and is perfect for close friends or informal situations where you want to make someone feel particularly welcome and appreciated.
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are generally understood throughout Lithuania, it’s important to note that regional variations do exist. Here are a few examples:
Ačiū už apsilankymą
In some regions, particularly in the western part of Lithuania, people might use the phrase “Ačiū už apsilankymą” to thank someone for visiting. Though it’s not a direct translation of “welcome,” it expresses gratitude and hospitality, making the visitor feel appreciated.
Sveiki atvykę į Lietuvą
If you specifically want to welcome someone to Lithuania, you can say “Sveiki atvykę į Lietuvą.” This phrase acknowledges their arrival in the country, adding an extra layer of warmth to your greeting.
Putting It All Together
To fully understand how to say “welcome” in Lithuanian, here’s a summary of the phrases we covered:
- Sveiki atvykę (Formal) – Welcome (universal)
- Sveiki atvykę visi (Formal) – Welcome, everyone
- Mieli svečiai (Formal) – Dear guests/Welcome, dear guests
- Laukiam (Informal) – Welcome (to friends or family)
- Šiltai sveikinu (Informal) – Warmly welcome (to close friends or informal situations)
Remember, greetings are just the beginning of welcoming someone. It’s important to accompany these phrases with a friendly smile and warm body language to make people feel truly welcome. Putting in the effort to learn a few Lithuanian greetings can go a long way in building relationships and fostering a sense of connection with Lithuanian-speaking individuals.
So go ahead, practice these phrases, and prepare to impress your Lithuanian friends or acquaintances with your hospitality and language skills. By saying “welcome” in their native language, you’ll make a lasting impression and create a warm atmosphere for everyone involved.
