labas — meaning in English: hello

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

Guess the translation for hello

nuo

transcendencija

jaustis

šventė

labas

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

informal very common

Usage

Native speakers use 'labas' as a casual greeting among friends, family, or acquaintances at any time of the day. You might hear it when entering a café, starting a conversation on the street, or even when answering a phone call from someone you know.

Synonyms & nuances

'Labas' is the most commonly used informal greeting in Lithuania, while 'sveiki' is another variation used to greet multiple people or in a slightly more formal context. You’d typically choose 'labas' when addressing a single friend or peer, whereas 'sveiki' would be suitable when addressing a group.

Culture

'Labas' is derived from the Old Lithuanian word 'labas', which means 'good' or 'well'. This greeting reflects the warmth and friendliness of Lithuanian culture, where starting a conversation with a simple 'hello' can set a positive tone for interactions. It's interesting to note that in Lithuanian, greetings often carry the essence of a well-wishing sentiment.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 'labas'?

'Labas' is pronounced as 'lah-bahs'. The emphasis is on the first syllable, and the 'a' sounds like the 'a' in 'father'.

Q.Can 'labas' be used at any time of the day?

'Labas' is typically used during the day, as it translates to 'hello'. In the evening, you might switch to 'labas vakaras' for 'good evening'.

Q.Is there a formal way to say hello in Lithuanian?

While 'labas' is informal, you can use 'sveiki' to sound a bit more formal or respectful, especially when addressing elders or in more serious situations.

Learn lithuanian with Maspeak →

Lithuanian Vocabulary