Best Essential Words & Phrases in Albanian – Whether you’re visiting Tirana, hiking in the Alps, or relaxing in Ksamil, knowing a few words of Albanian (Shqip) goes a long way. Albanians are proud of their language and incredibly warm toward foreigners who try to speak it — even if it’s just “hello” or “thank you.”
This guide will give you the most useful phrases for everyday situations, plus a simple pronunciation guide to help you speak with confidence.
Best Essential Words & Phrases in Albanian
Basic Greetings & Polite Words
| English | Albanian | How to Say It |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Përshëndetje | per-shən-DEH-tyeh |
| Hi (informal) | Tungjatjeta / Tung | TOONG-ya-TYEH-ta / TOONG |
| Good morning | Mirëmëngjes | meer-muhn-JESS |
| Good evening | Mirëmbrëma | meer-m-BRER-mah |
| Goodbye | Mirupafshim | mee-roo-PAHF-sheem |
| See you later | Shihemi më vonë | SHEE-heh-mee muh VOH-neh |
| Thank you | Faleminderit | fah-leh-min-DEH-reet |
| You’re welcome | Ju lutem | you LOO-tem |
| Please | Ju lutem | you LOO-tem |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Më falni | muh FAHL-nee |
| Yes / No | Po / Jo | poh / yoh |
Introducing Yourself in Albanian
| English | Albanian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| What’s your name? | Si e ke emrin? | see eh keh EM-reen |
| My name is… | Unë quhem… | oon CHOO-hem… |
| Nice to meet you | Gëzohem që ju takova | guh-ZOH-hem chuh yoo tah-KOH-vah |
| Where are you from? | Nga je? | nga yeh? |
| I’m from [country] | Jam nga [emri i vendit] | yahm nga… |
Asking for Help / Directions in Albanian
| English | Albanian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the hotel? | Ku është hoteli? | koo USHT hot-EL-ee |
| How do I get to the beach? | Si shkoj në plazh? | see shkoy nuh PLAZH |
| Can you help me? | Mund të më ndihmoni? | moond tuh muh ndee-HMOH-nee |
| I’m lost | Jam humbur | yahm HOOM-boor |
| I don’t understand | Nuk kuptoj | nook koop-TOY |
| Do you speak English? | Flisni anglisht? | FLEES-nee ang-LEESHT |
Eating & Drinking
| English | Albanian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I’m hungry | Jam i uritur | yahm ee oo-REE-toor |
| I’d like [this/that] | Dua këtë / atë | DOO-ah KUH-tuh / AH-tuh |
| The menu, please | Menunë, ju lutem | meh-NOO-nuh, you LOO-tem |
| What do you recommend? | Çfarë më sugjeroni? | CHFAH-ruh muh soo-jair-OH-nee |
| The bill, please | Faturën, ju lutem | fah-TOO-ren, you LOO-tem |
| Water | Ujë | oo-yuh |
| Wine | Verë | VEH-ruh |
| Beer | Birrë | BEER-ruh |
Shopping & Money
| English | Albanian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| How much does it cost? | Sa kushton? | sah koo-SHTON? |
| Too expensive! | Shumë shtrenjtë! | shoom sh-TREN-yuh |
| Do you accept card? | Pranoni kartë? | prah-NOH-nee kahrt? |
| I want to pay in cash | Dua të paguaj me lekë | DOO-ah tuh pah-GOO-ai meh LEK-uh |
Emergencies & Essentials
| English | Albanian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | Ndihmë! | NDEEH-muh! |
| I’m sick | Jam i sëmurë | yahm ee suh-MOOR-uh |
| Call a doctor | Thirrni një mjek | THEER-nee nyuh MEEK |
| Where is the pharmacy? | Ku është farmacia? | koo USHT fahr-mah-SEE-ah |
| I need a taxi | Më duhet një taksi | muh DOO-heht nyuh TAK-see |
Friendly Extras
| English | Albanian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Cheers! | Gëzuar! | guh-ZOO-ar! |
| Beautiful! | E bukur! | eh BOO-koor! |
| Very good! | Shumë mirë! | shoom MEER! |
| I love Albania! | E dua Shqipërinë! | eh DOO-ah shchip-uh-REE-neh |
Pro Tip: Start with Just 5–10 Phrases
You don’t need to learn the whole language — just a few key expressions can make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Focus first on:
- Hello / Goodbye
- Please / Thank you
- Yes / No
- I don’t understand
- How much does it cost?
Then build up slowly. Albanians will always help you if they see you trying!
Learning a few words of Albanian isn’t just helpful — it’s a sign of respect, and Albanians notice that. With this phrase guide in your pocket (or on your phone), you’ll be ready to handle meals, directions, shopping, and maybe even a friendly chat.
And remember: Faleminderit që po përpiqesh!
