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lietuvių
sugebėti — meaning in English: to be able to
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to be able to
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers use 'sugebėti' in various contexts, particularly when discussing abilities or capabilities. For example, a parent might say, 'Mano vaikas sugebėjo laimėti varžybas,' which means 'My child was able to win the competition,' highlighting a moment of pride and achievement.
Synonyms & nuances
'Sugebėti' is often compared to 'gali,' which simply means 'can' or 'to be able to' in a more general sense. While 'gali' focuses on permission or possibility, 'sugebėti' conveys a sense of skill and mastery, making it the preferred choice when discussing proficiency in a task.
Culture
The word 'sugebėti' is derived from the root 'gebėti,' which means 'to be able,' combined with the prefix 'su-' that enhances the meaning. In Lithuanian culture, the ability to demonstrate skill or competence is highly valued, especially in educational and professional settings, which can be traced back to the emphasis on personal achievement in the Soviet era.
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