Ever heard the time period Rrush E Kumbulla? It’s an Albanian idiom meaning “losing cash on pointless issues.” Probably the most fascinating a part of the Albanian language is the unending idioms and proverbs utilized in on a regular basis life which are each amusing and insightful. Foreigners, nevertheless, would possibly discover themselves being fully clueless with surprising twists of phrases that don’t appear to make a lot sense.
If that is you, then you definitely’ve come to the appropriate place. On this information, we’ll discover a number of the hottest Albanian idioms. So, when you’re , preserve scrolling to discover ways to navigate the language and tradition on a deeper stage.
Albanian Idioms
Here’s a number of the preferred Albanian idioms utilized in on a regular basis conversations:
1. Grapes And Plumps – Rrush E Kumbulla
Which means: Losing cash on pointless issues
This can be a phrase that you simply’ll hear so much throughout your conversations with Albanian mates as a result of, in our tradition, losing cash on pointless issues is an unforgiving sin. That is what Albanian mother and father say after they accuse their youngsters of being irresponsible with their cash and preserve asking for extra.
2. Not Even Canine Eats The Cash – Paret Nuk I Ha As Qeni
Which means: It’s best to take pleasure in life when you can, with out worrying about cash.
Speak about combined messages. This phrase is so fashionable that it’s utilized in music lyrics as effectively. The which means behind “Not even a canine eats the cash” (Paret nuk i ha as qeni) is that there are extra vital issues in life than simply cash. Having fun with your time with household and mates, having enjoyable, and hobbies are priceless. Accumulating piles of cash with out spending them is meaningless when you finish your life with none reminiscences. That is your signal to go forward and e-book that journey to Albania you could have been fascinated about.
3. Bread And Cheese – Bukë E Djathë
Which means: It’s as simple to do as making ready a meal with solely bread and cheese.
Getting ready a easy snack with solely bread and cheese, which is widespread in any Albanian family, may be very easy, even when you can’t prepare dinner in any respect. That’s why this idiom is commonly used to explain one thing that may be very simple to do.
4. Get On Or I Kill You, Get Off Or I Kill You – Hip Se Të Vrava, Zbrit Se Të Vrava
Which means: Being caught between two unattainable selections
Think about being caught between two fires, the place it doesn’t matter what you do or say, it’s possible a mistake or can have penalties. Effectively, that is the case the place you should use this Albanian proverb to freely complain about your unattainable selections. You won’t discover a resolution, however no less than you’ll have some understanding and compassion out of your Albanian mates.
5. Could You Have Your self Round Your Neck – Paç Veten Në Qafë
Which means: Let him/her cope with the implications of their motion.
You’ve got tried to elucidate the state of affairs to your pals and warned them repeatedly concerning the penalties. However both means, they refuse to pay attention or settle for your assist. Effectively, it’s time to allow them to maintain themselves round their neck, or as we are saying in Albanian, paç veten në qafë. The which means of this phrase is that everybody ought to cope with the results of their actions, eventually, since you can not carry them ceaselessly.
6. The Thoughts Left Him – E La Mendja
Which means: He has misplaced his thoughts.
There are just a few Albanian sayings which are as harsh as this one. That is used to explain somebody’s erratic and illogical habits that appears to come back out of nowhere. Therefore, the expression “the thoughts left him/her” (e la mendja) to let others know that the irrationality got here out of nowhere.
7. It Is Wooden To Reduce – Është Dru Me Pre
Which means: Has the communication abilities of a chunk of wooden
This metaphor refers to an individual who lacks communication abilities and is as unyielding as a chunk of wooden. Coping with them looks like an infinite effort as a result of they refuse to pay attention or adapt. Like wooden left apart till it’s lower for the fireplace, they’re seen as unproductive or unhelpful.
8. He Has Some Planks Lacking – I Ka Ca Dërrasa Mangët
Which means: He/she makes irrational choices or is definitely indignant.
Once you seek advice from somebody as having some planks lacking, i.e., ka ca dërrasa mangët, it signifies that the individual will get indignant very simply, making irrational choices or saying hurtful issues they don’t imply. When utilizing this expression, you aren’t essentially offending somebody’s intelligence, solely questioning their judgment. Generally, skilled psychological assist may be a lot wanted.
9. For Eyes And Cheeks – Sa Për Sy E Faqe
Which means: Doing issues only for present or to avoid wasting face
This idiom is used to explain actions which are meant just for present, to keep away from criticism, and to avoid wasting face. The intentions aren’t real or heartfelt however are carried out just for the sake of getting a great picture.
10. My Mom Ship Me To Wash The Mouth – E Çoi Nëna Me La Gojën
Which means: Saying issues with out real intentions
This idiom originates from an outdated Albanian proverb a couple of mom who sends her son to ask her sister-in-law to dinner regardless of understanding she wouldn’t come. The mom’s intention wasn’t honest; she solely needed to increase the invitation for appearances. She instructed her son, “Your aunt received’t come, however I’ll ship you simply to scrub my mouth,” which means to satisfy the formality of inviting her. In response to the story, when the boy delivered the message, his harmless honesty led him to say, “My mom despatched me simply to scrub my mouth and inform you to come back over for dinner” (Me coi nëna me la gojën e me të ftuar për darkë)
11. He/She Has The Pig’s Hair – Ka Qimen E Derrit
Which means: It’s very unfortunate
It’s true that everybody can create their very own fortune in life; nevertheless, some folks appear to be affected by fixed misfortunes. In Albanian tradition, having the pig’s hair symbolizes unhealthy luck. The pig, typically related to greed and negativity, is used as a metaphor for somebody experiencing repeated bouts of misfortune.
12. Could It Be Far – Qoftë Larg
Which means: Wishing to maintain unhealthy issues or misfortunes away
Spend a day or two in Albania, and also you’ll be taught this phrase earlier than getting accustomed to widespread greetings. This phrase is usually used to chase away disagreeable occasions like sickness or demise. Folks might even use ‘qoftelargu‘ as an Albanian noun to seek advice from the satan, symbolizing a want for it to stay removed from their lives.
13. Desires In The Solar – Ëndrra Në Diell
Which means: Unrealistic or unpractical objectives
This idiom refers to all of these unrealistic concepts, objectives, or desires which are most unlikely to come back to fruition. It’s not meant to disgrace somebody for having an enormous ambition; nevertheless, it’s a good reminder to remain grounded in actuality and within the realm of potentialities.
14. Watch And Write – Shih E Shkruaj
Which means: One thing is so surprising and unbelievable that it ought to be documented.
The phrase is commonly used sarcastically to focus on conditions the place nothing is occurring, or the story is so absurd it have to be documented to be believed. Its which means relies upon largely on the context of the dialog.
15. What The Eye Sees, The Hand Does – Ça Sheh Syri Ja Bën Dora
Which means: He/She is extraordinarily gifted and resourceful.
This expression is used as reward and a praise in the direction of somebody who is extremely gifted and resourceful. It means that, just like the hand following the attention’s lead, nothing is just too laborious for you so long as you place your thoughts to it.
16. We Grew to become A Trigger For Longing – U Bëmë Për Mall
Which means: One thing that’s deeply missed or longed for.
When mentioning somebody you deeply miss or a spot you’re nostalgic too, in Albanian vocabulary you say u bëmë për mall.
17. The Mountain Was Pregnant, However It Gave Delivery To A Mouse – U Mbars Mali E Polli Një Mi
Which means: They fell in need of expectations.
This Albanian saying is used when the outcomes are underwhelming and the result much less vital than promised. The mountain is an emblem of resilience and majesty within the Albanian language, so producing one thing so small as a mouse means the outcomes are deeply disappointing.
18. Makes A Single Hair A Beam – E Bën Qimen, Tra
Which means: Overreacts or exaggerates one thing.
That is a type of phrases that can be utilized for varied causes. Often, it signifies that somebody is overreacting to a state of affairs or making an attempt to magnify issues to an excessive diploma.
19. Has Caught The Sky With The Arms – Ka Kapur Qiellin Me Dorë
Which means: To be overjoyed or turn into smug.
After a stroke of fine fortune or an enormous success, it’s widespread to catch the sky with the palms, which in Albanian interprets as të kapësh qiellin me dorë. This saying signifies that somebody is overcome by pleasure and feels on prime of the world. Nonetheless, relying on the context, it may possibly additionally imply somebody has turn into smug and proud.
20. The Blood Does Not Turn into Water – Nuk Bëhet Gjaku Ujë
Which means: Household ties are unbreakable.
This saying is identical as “blood is thicker than water” in English. Household relationships have been crucial in Albanian tradition for generations. This saying highlights that the bond between relations surpasses any problem or disagreement. It additionally reassures the concept household will at all times be there for you, it doesn’t matter what.
21. My Blood Turns into Water – Mu Bë Gjaku, Ujë
Which means: I obtained very scared.
This expression describes a state of affairs when somebody turns into extraordinarily frightened, particularly within the face of hazard. The concept is that concern makes you are feeling as in case your blood has turned to water, symbolizing an entire lack of braveness or composure.
22. Rely Flies – Numëron Miza
Which means: Losing time on meaningless issues
This phrase is used as a criticism in the direction of lazy folks, who waste their time on meaningless issues and act as if they’re allergic to laborious work. Somebody who spends their day counting flies (duke numeruar miza) is mainly ineffective.
23. Lies Even To God – Gënjen Dhe Zotin
Which means: Lies to an excessive; is a fraud
The interpretation of this phrase sounds dramatic and may throw folks off, however take this as a warning. This idiom is reserved just for fraudulent people who find themselves dishonest and lie continually. Not at all are they to be trusted.
24. Has A Soul Of Gold – E Ka Shpirtin Flori
Which means: Is an efficient individual.
The idea behind this phrase is simply because it sounds; it’s used to reward somebody for being variety, beneficiant, selfless, and pure-hearted. An individual with a “soul of gold” is at all times prepared to assist and assist others, is light, and at all times has the perfect intentions. You may simply put your religion on this individual with out fearing disappointment.
25. The Mouth Can’t Shut – Nuk I Mbyllet Goja
Which means: Talks an excessive amount of
This actually signifies that somebody speaks an excessive amount of and, subsequently, is overbearing to others. That is typically used as an insult as a result of gossiping, complaining, or yapping is frowned upon amongst Albanians. The much less you communicate, the extra folks will respect you.
26. Exploded – Plasa
Which means: Feeling overwhelmed
This idiom can be utilized in several conditions when strain is excessive and issues can transform mentally and bodily overstimulating. It may well elevate totally different feelings: crying (place duke qarë), rage (place nga in), and even being too sizzling (place nga vape).
27. The Level Fell On Me – Më Ra Pika
Which means: I used to be bewildered or shocked.
This phrase suggests that you’ve got been caught off guard and left confused and bewildered by a state of affairs or surprising information. The component of shock is so robust that you’re perplexed; that’s why you are feeling like a degree has fallen on you (më ra pika).
Different Albanian Sayings
The Albanian language is wealthy in idioms and proverbs that may match each state of affairs and circumstance. Let’s see extra examples:
How Do You Say “Idioms” In Albanian?
In Albanian, “idioms” translate as shprehje frazeologjike.
FAQs About Albanian Idioms
1. What Are Some Of The Most In style Idioms Of The Albanian Language?
Among the hottest idioms of the Albanian language are “a degree fell on me” (më ra pika), grapes and plums (rrush e kumbulla), and a golden soul (e ka shpirtin flori).
2. Are There Albanian Idioms That Have Direct Translations Or Equivalents In English?
Albanian idioms which have equivalents in English are the blood doesn’t turn into water (nuk behët gjaku, ujë), which has the identical which means as blood is thicker than water.
3. How Can Studying Idioms Enhance My Understanding Of On a regular basis Albanian Conversations?
Studying Albanian idioms which are widespread in on a regular basis conversations may also help you elevate your talking and listening abilities, in addition to enable you to have a deeper understanding of the tradition.
Let’s Summarize Albanian Idioms
Albanian idioms and proverbs supply a glimpse into the nation’s tradition and mind-set. Most of those phrases have formed the language and are deeply rooted in Albanian traditions and historical past. They may seem to be so much at first sight, however when you begin having primary conversations with locals, the idioms will enable you to precise your self higher.
Ensure to take a look at Ling’s Albanian language weblog for extra insights. To observe the language, I counsel trying out the Ling app for interactive classes created by language studying consultants in collaboration with Albanian native audio system.