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.
