Learning numbers in Lithuanian, a Baltic language spoken primarily in Lithuania, is essential for anyone looking to understand the language and engage with Lithuanian culture and society. Numbers in Lithuanian are used for a variety of everyday activities, such as shopping, telling time, discussing prices, and more. This lesson aims to provide a comprehensive guide to Lithuanian numbers, including pronunciation tips, structure explanations, and practical applications.

Introduction to Lithuanian Numerals

Lithuanian numerals follow a decimal system, similar to many other languages, but with unique linguistic features reflective of its Indo-European roots. Mastery of these numbers is crucial for various everyday contexts and for engaging more deeply with Lithuanian culture.

Basic Numbers (1-10)

Mastering numbers 1 through 10 is crucial as they form the foundation for creating larger numbers. Here are the basic Lithuanian numbers with their phonetic pronunciations:

1. Vienas [vyeh-nahs] – One (masculine), Viena [vyeh-nah] – One (feminine)
2. Du [doo] – Two
3. Trys [tree-s] – Three
4. Keturi [keh-too-ree] – Four
5. Penki [pen-kee] – Five
6. Šeši [sheh-shee] – Six
7. Septyni [sep-tee-nee] – Seven
8. Aštuoni [ahsh-too-oh-nee] – Eight
9. Devyni [deh-vee-nee] – Nine
10. Dešimt [deh-shimt] – Ten

Forming Numbers (11-19)

Numbers from 11 to 19 are relatively straightforward, each ending in “lika”:

• Vienuolika – [ˈvʲɛnuoˌlʲɪkɐ] – 11
• Dvylika – [ˈdvʲɪlʲɪkɐ] – 12
• Trylika – [ˈtrʲɪlʲɪkɐ] – 13
• Keturiolika – [kɛtuˈrʲɔlʲɪkɐ] – 14
• Penkiolika – [pɛŋˈkʲɔlʲɪkɐ] – 15
• Šešiolika – [ʃɛʃʲoˈlʲɪkɐ] – 16
• Septyniolika – [sɛpˈtʲɪnʲɔlʲɪkɐ] – 17
• Aštuoniolika – [aʃˈtuɔnʲɔlʲɪkɐ] – 18
• Devyniolika – [dɛvʲɪˈnʲɔlʲɪkɐ] – 19

Counting in Tens (20-100)

Learning to count by tens is essential for forming larger numbers:

• Dvidešimt [dvee-deh-shimt] – 20
• Trisdešimt [trees-deh-shimt] – 30
• Keturiasdešimt [keh-too-ree-ahs-deh-shimt] – 40
• Penkiasdešimt [pen-kee-ahs-deh-shimt] – 50
• Šešiasdešimt [sheh-shee-ahs-deh-shimt] – 60
• Septyniasdešimt [sep-tee-nee-ahs-deh-shimt] – 70
• Aštuoniasdešimt [ahsh-too-oh-nee-ahs-deh-shimt] – 80
• Devyniasdešimt [deh-vee-nee-ahs-deh-shimt] – 90
• Šimtas [shiim-tahs] – 100

Compound Numbers (21-99)

For numbers between 21 and 99, Lithuanian forms compound numbers by stating the tens and then adding the unit:

• Dvidešimt vienas [dvee-deh-shimt vyeh-nahs] (masc.), Dvidešimt viena [dvee-deh-shimt vyeh-nah] (fem.) – 21
• Trisdešimt du [trees-deh-shimt doo] – 32
• Keturiasdešimt trys [keh-too-ree-ahs-deh-shimt tree-s] – 43

Larger Numbers

Understanding larger numbers is essential for discussing dates, quantities, and financial transactions:

• Šimtas [shiim-tahs] – 100
• Du šimtai [doo shiim-tai] – 200
• Tūkstantis [too-kstan-tis] – 1,000
• Du tūkstančiai [doo too-kstan-chiai] – 2,000
• Dešimt tūkstančių [deh-shimt too-kstan-chyoo] – 10,000
• Šimtas tūkstančių [shiim-tahs too-kstan-chyoo] – 100,000
• Milijonas [mee-lee-yo-nahs] – 1,000,000

Practice and Exercises

1. Listening and Pronunciation Practice: Use audio resources or language learning apps to familiarize yourself with the pronunciation of Lithuanian numbers. Practice speaking them aloud.
2. Writing and Reading: Practice writing numbers in both numeral and word forms to enhance your reading and writing skills in Lithuanian.
3. Practical Application: Try to use numbers in everyday situations, such as discussing prices, dates, or quantities, to reinforce your learning.

Tips for Effective Learning

• Consistent Practice: Regular practice with numbers will help solidify your understanding and improve recall.
• Flashcards: Use flashcards with numbers on one side and their word forms on the other to test your memory.
• Language Exchange: Practice speaking with native speakers or fellow learners. Using numbers in conversation will help you become more comfortable with their pronunciation and usage.

Conclusion

Mastering numbers in Lithuanian is a crucial step towards achieving fluency in the language. By starting with the basics, gradually moving to more complex numbers, and consistently practicing, you’ll enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Lithuanian. Remember, patience and consistent practice are your best tools for learning this beautiful and historically rich language.