Privalomi

Privalomi is a Lithuanian adjective meaning "mandatory" or "obligatory." It describes requirements, actions, or elements that must be fulfilled or included due to law, regulation, policy, or formal agreement. The base form is privalomas (masculine singular); feminine singular is privaloma; masculine plural is privalomi; feminine plural is privalomos. The form of the adjective agrees with the noun it modifies.

Etymology and sense: The word derives from the verb privalėti, meaning "to have to" or "must," signaling obligation. As such, privalomi items are contrasted with things that are optional or voluntary.

Usage: Privalomi is widely used in legal, educational, administrative, and corporate language. Examples include privalomi dokumentai (mandatory documents), privalomi kursai (mandatory training), and privalomi mokyklos dalykai (mandatory school subjects). In education, some subjects are privalomi, while others are laikomi pasirinktiniais (elective) or neprivalomi (not mandatory).

Context and nuance: The term often appears in official texts, checklists, and policy statements to indicate requirements that recipients must comply with. It can apply to procedures, conditions, deadlines, or qualifications defined by law or internal rules.

Related terms: The opposite concept is neprivalomi (not mandatory) or refers to items that are optional, elective, or discretionary depending on the context.