Albanian, or Shqip, is the official language of Albania and is also spoken in Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and parts of Italy and Greece.
With two main dialects, Gheg (spoken in the north) and Tosk (spoken in the south), Basic Albanian Words To Know is one of Europe’s oldest languages.
While learning the full language takes time, knowing a few keywords and phrases will be extremely helpful when traveling.
Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions, or greeting locals.
This article covers the most useful Albanian words and expressions for travelers.
Many Albanians speak English, but trying their language can spark meaningful conversations.
If you have to explore Europe’s other countries then Travel To Destination can help you to explore all European destinations.
Table of Contents
1. Common Albanian Greetings
- Hello – Përshëndetje
- Hi – Tungjatjeta (Tung – informal)
- Good morning – Mirëmëngjes
- Good afternoon – Mirëdita
- Good evening – Mirëmbrëma
- Goodbye – Mirupafshim
- How are you? – Si jeni? (formal) / Si je? (informal)
- I’m fine, thank you – Jam mirë, faleminderit
- What’s your name? – Si quheni? (formal) / Si e ke emrin? (informal)
- My name is… – Unë quhem…
How do Albanian men greet each other? It’s warm and friendly! Usually, they shake hands firmly and maintain good eye contact.
Close friends or relatives often hug and exchange cheek kisses—usually two or three quick kisses starting from the left cheek.
They typically say greetings like “Si je?” (How are you?) or “Ç’kemi?” (What’s up?). Albanians are very welcoming, so expect genuine smiles and a warm welcome!
Tip: In casual settings, many Albanians simply say “Tung” (Hi), especially in northern Albania.
2. Courtesy Phrases
- Please – Ju lute
- Thank you – Faleminderit
- You’re welcome – S’ka përse
- Excuse me / Sorry – Më file
- Yes – Po
- No – Jo
- I don’t understand – Nuk up to
- Do you speak English? – Flisni anglisht?
Tip: Saying “Faleminderit” (Thank you) is highly appreciated and shows respect to the locals.
3. Numbers in Albanian
- One – Një
- Two – Dy
- Three – Tre
- Four – Katër
- Five – Pesë
- Six – Gjashtë
- Seven – Shtatë
- Eight – Tetë
- Nine – Nëntë
- Ten – Dhjetë
Tip: Learning numbers is useful for bargaining in markets, ordering food, and asking for prices.
4. Getting Around: Transportation Phrases
- Where is…? – Ku është…?
- Where is the bus station? – Ku është stacioni i autobusëve?
- Where is the taxi stand? – Ku mund të gjej një taksi?
- How much is the fare? – Sa kushton udhëtimi?
- I want to go to… – Dua të shkoj në…
- Stop here, please – Ndal këtu, ju lutem
Tip: Taxis in Albania don’t always use meters, so agree on a price before starting your ride.
5. Dining and Ordering Food
- I’m hungry – Jam i writer
- I’d like to order… – Do të doja të porosis…
- What do you recommend? – Çfarë më sugjeroni?
- Water, please – Ujë, ju lutem
- The bill, please – Llogarinë, ju lutem
- This is delicious – Kjo është shumë e shijshme
- Do you have vegetarian options? – Keni ushqime vegjetariane?
Tip: Try Byrek (savory pastry) and Tave Kosi (baked lamb with yogurt)—two traditional Albanian dishes.
6. Shopping and Bargaining
- How much does this cost? – Sa Rushton ko?
- Too expensive – Shumë e shtrenjtë
- Can you lower the price? – A mund të ulni çmimin?
- I’ll take it – Do ta marr
- I’m just looking – Po shiko
Tip: Bargaining is common in local markets, but not in supermarkets or restaurants.
7. Emergency Phrases
- Help! – Ndihmë!
- Call the police! – Thirrni policinë!
- I need a doctor – Më duhet një mjek
- Where is the hospital? – Ku është spitali?
- I feel sick – Ndihem keg
- I lost my passport – Kam number pasaportën
Tip: The emergency number in Albania is 112 for police, fire, and medical assistance.
8. Fun and Useful Phrases
- Cheers! – Gëzuar!
- Beautiful! – E bukur!
- Let’s go! – Hajde!
- I love Albania! – Unë e dua Shqipërinë!
Tip: Albanians are very friendly, and locals will appreciate even a small effort to speak their language!
Read More: Is Albania Safe for Women? 4 Key Things to Consider
FAQs:
How do you say hello in Albania?
Përshëndetje (formal) or Tungjatjeta / Tung (informal).
What does Ju lutem mean?
“Ju lutem” means “Please” in Albanian.
How do Albanians say yes?
Albanians say “Po” for yes.
How to be polite in Albania?
Use “Faleminderit” (Thank you), and “Ju lutem” (Please), and greet people with “Mirëdita” (Good afternoon).
How do you say no in Albania?
Albanians say “Jo” for no.
How to respond to thank you in Albanian?
Say “S’ka përse” (You’re welcome) or “Me kënaqësi” (With pleasure).
How to greet someone in Albanian?
Say “Përshëndetje” (Hello), “Tungjatjeta” (Hi, informal), or “Mirëdita” (Good afternoon).
Read More: 5 Best Party Places in Albania: A Nightlife Guide
Conclusion: Basic Albanian Words To Know
Learning essential Basic Albanian Words and phrases will significantly improve your travel experience.
This makes navigating the country easier, communicating with locals, and immersing yourself in the culture.
Basic Albanian Words To Know, especially in tourist areas, speak English, Italian, or Greek, using even a few simple phrases like “Faleminderit” (Thank you) or “Mirëdita” (Good afternoon) shows respect and appreciation for their language.
Locals often welcome travelers who make an effort to speak Albanian, making interactions warmer and more enjoyable.
Simple greetings like “Përshëndetje” (Hello) or “Faleminderit” (Thank you) go a long way in creating positive experiences.
