Dalykas

Dalykas is a Lithuanian noun with several closely related meanings that depend on context. In its most common sense it denotes the subject or topic of discussion or study. In education, dalykas is used to identify a school subject or course, for example mathematics or biology, which a student studies as part of the curriculum.

Beyond education, dalykas can refer to a matter, issue, or topic that is being dealt with in conversation or in writing. It can also describe a tangible or intangible object or thing, especially in everyday speech, where it can mean a specific item or a characteristic of something. The exact sense is determined by surrounding words and the speaker’s intent.

The word appears in various idiomatic expressions and can carry a slightly informal or colloquial tone. For instance, phrases such as koks dalykas or šis dalykas can refer to something noteworthy or surprising. In plural form it becomes dalykai and is used when listing several subjects, matters, or items.

Dalykas is often contrasted with related terms such as tema (topic, theme), objektas (object, entity), and daiktas (thing, object) depending on nuance. Its versatility allows it to cover both academic contexts and everyday descriptions, making it a common word in Lithuanian speech and writing.