I'm learning lietuvių

kas — meaning in English: what

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for what
spalva
saldus
neapibrėžtumas
kas
transcendencija
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Lithuanian for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 'kas' in everyday conversations, such as asking questions about objects or situations. For example, when someone sees an unfamiliar item, they might ask, 'Kas tai?' which means 'What is this?' It’s also frequently used in formal settings when seeking clarification, like during a lecture or meeting.
Synonyms & nuances
'Kas' primarily means 'what,' but it can be used interchangeably with 'koks,' which means 'what kind' in specific contexts. You'd choose 'kas' when inquiring about an object or idea generally, while 'koks' is more suited for asking about specific qualities or types.
Culture
'Kas' is an integral part of Lithuanian questioning, stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root *kʲo, which also gave rise to similar words in other languages, such as 'qui' in French and 'qui' in Latin. This word not only serves a grammatical purpose but also reflects the Lithuanian language's connection to its ancient roots, making it a fascinating topic for linguists and enthusiasts alike.
FAQ
Q.What does 'kas' mean in English?
'Kas' translates to 'what' in English and is used for asking questions about objects, ideas, or situations.
Q.How do you use 'kas' in a sentence?
You can use 'kas' at the beginning of a question, like 'Kas yra tavo mėgstamiausias filmas?' which means 'What is your favorite movie?'
Q.Are there common mistakes with 'kas'?
A common mistake is using 'kas' in situations that require a more specific inquiry. Remember to use 'koks' when you're asking about types or categories.
Learn lithuanian with Maspeak →
Lithuanian Vocabulary