Yes, no and the essentials in Albanian
The small words that carry half of every conversation, and the ones that rescue it. Play the ten Albanian words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Albanian phrases in this lesson
- Popo
- Yes
- Joyo
- No
- Në rregullne REH-gool
- Okay
- Nuk kuptojnook koop-TOY
- I don't understand
- Flisni anglisht?FLIS-ni ANG-lisht
- Do you speak English?
- Mund ta përsërisni?moond ta per-se-REES-ni
- Can you repeat that?
- Më ngadalë, ju lutemme nga-DA-le yoo LOO-tem
- Slowly, please
- Çfarë është kjo?CHFA-re ESH-te kyo
- What is this?
- Më duhet...me DOO-het
- I need...
- Mund të më ndihmoni?moond te me ndeeh-MO-ni
- Can you help me?
Short, clear, and unmistakable. Unlike some Balkan countries, Albanians do not reverse head gestures, so a nod means yes, just as you would expect.
Pronounced like the English name "yo." A firm but friendly tone works well. Albanians respect a clear no and will not push hard if you use it politely.
Literally "in order" or "alright." You will also hear the borrowed English "okay" used casually, especially among younger Albanians in cities.
Say this slowly and clearly. Most Albanians in tourist areas speak some Italian or English and will switch to help you out. It is not an admission of failure, just an invitation to try again.
Albania has a high rate of emigration so many people have relatives abroad and pick up languages quickly. In Tirana and coastal resorts, English is widely spoken by younger people.
Polite plural form, right for strangers.
Literally "slower, please".
Point at any dish or pastry. Byrek, the flaky pie, is a likely answer.
Literally "it is needed for me": "më duhet një mjek", I need a doctor.
Albanian hospitality is famous, so expect real help and maybe a coffee.