galima

Galima is a common Lithuanian word that expresses possibility or permission, roughly translating to "it is possible" or "you may" in English. It functions as an impersonal predicative element, typically used without an explicit subject and often followed by an infinitive or a describing clause to say what is allowed or possible. The form derives from the verb galėti, “to be able,” and appears in the present tense as galima. The negative counterpart is negalima, meaning “not allowed” or “it is not permitted.”

Grammatical use and construction: Galima is usually placed before an infinitive to specify what is permitted or possible, for example, "Tau galima valgyti ledus" (You may eat ice cream). It is also employed in more general statements about what is permissible in a given context, particularly in signs, guidelines, and instructional text. The construction is impersonal, so it does not require a grammatical subject in the clause.

Related forms and usage notes: The verb’s broader family includes galėti ("to be able"), and its conditional form galima can appear in polite or hypothetical contexts as gali būti or galėtų būti in other constructions. The common negation is negalima ("it is not allowed"). In everyday language, galima and negalima contrast frequently to indicate permissions or prohibitions.

Usage context: Galima is widely found in everyday speech, signs, rules, manuals, and public communications where permissions or possibilities need to be stated clearly and concisely.