One of the most interesting aspects of the Albanian language is the never-ending idioms and proverbs used in everyday life that can be both amusing and insightful. Non-Albanian speakers, however, can find themselves completely clueless with unexpected words that don’t make much sense when translated.
For example, did you know that the Albanian phrase rrush e kumbulla means “wasting money on unnecessary things,” even though the literal translation is “grapes and plums”? There are many Albanian idioms like this, and in this guide, we’ll go through a lot of them, so you can start using them in everyday conversations.
Most Common Everyday Albanian Idioms
Here are the most popular Albanian idioms used in everyday conversations:
1. Grapes And Plums – Rrush E Kumbulla
Meaning: Wasting money on unnecessary things.
This is a phrase that you’ll hear a lot during your conversations with Albanians because, in our culture, wasting money on unnecessary things is an unforgivable sin. This is what Albanian parents say when they accuse their children of being irresponsible with their money and keep asking for more.
2. Not Even The Dog Eats The Money – Paret Nuk I Ha As Qeni
Meaning: You should enjoy life while you can, without worrying about money.
The meaning behind this idiom is that there are more important things in life than just money. Enjoying your time with family and friends, having fun, and hobbies are priceless. Accumulating piles of money without spending them is meaningless if you end your life without any memories. This is your sign to go ahead and book that trip to Albania you have been thinking about.
3. Bread And Cheese – Bukë E Djathë
Meaning: It’s as easy to do as preparing a meal with only bread and cheese.
Preparing a simple snack with only bread and cheese, which is common in any Albanian household, is simple, even if you can’t cook at all. That’s why this idiom is often used to describe something that is very easy to do.
4. Get On Or I Kill You, Get Off Or I Kill You – Hip Se Të Vrava, Zbrit Se Të Vrava
Meaning: Being stuck between two impossible choices.
Imagine being caught between two fires, where no matter what you do or say, it’s likely to be a mistake or have consequences. Well, this is the case where you can use this Albanian proverb to freely complain about your impossible choices. You might not find a solution, but at least you’ll have some understanding and compassion from your friends.
5. May You Have Yourself Around Your Neck – Paç Veten Në Qafë
Meaning: Let him/her deal with the consequences of their actions.
You have tried to explain the situation to your friends and warned them repeatedly about the consequences. But either way, they refuse to listen or accept your help. Well, it’s time to let them hold themselves around their neck, or as we say in Albanian, paç veten në qafë.
The meaning of this phrase is that everyone should deal with the result of their actions, sooner or later, because you cannot carry them forever.
6. The Mind Left Him – E La Mendja
Meaning: He has lost his mind.
There are a few Albanian sayings that are as harsh as this one. This is used to describe someone’s erratic and illogical behavior that seems to come out of nowhere. Hence, the expression “the mind left him/her” (e la mendja) to let others know that the irrationality came out of nowhere.
7. It Is Wood To Cut – Është Dru Me Pre
Meaning: Someone having the communication skills of a piece of wood.
This metaphor refers to a person who lacks communication skills and is as unyielding as a piece of wood. Dealing with them feels like an enormous effort because they refuse to listen or adapt. Like wood left aside until it’s cut for the fire, they are seen as unproductive or unhelpful.
8. He Has Some Planks Missing – I Ka Ca Dërrasa Mangët
Meaning: He/she makes irrational decisions or is easily angered.
When you refer to someone as having some planks missing in Albanian, it means that the person gets angry very easily, making irrational decisions or saying hurtful things they don’t mean. When using this expression, you are not necessarily offending someone’s intelligence, only questioning their judgment.
9. For Eyes And Cheeks – Sa Për Sy E Faqe
Meaning: Doing things just for show or to save face.
This Albanian idiom is used to describe actions that are meant only for show, to avoid criticism, and to save face. The intentions are not genuine or heartfelt but are performed only for the sake of having a good image.
10. My Mother Sent Me To Wash The Mouth – E Çoi Nëna Me La Gojën
Meaning: Saying things without genuine intentions.
This idiom originates from an old Albanian proverb about a mother who sends her son to invite her sister-in-law to dinner despite knowing she wouldn’t come. The mother’s intention wasn’t sincere; she only wanted to extend the invitation for appearances. She told her son, “Your aunt won’t come, but I’ll send you just to wash my mouth,” meaning to fulfill the formality of inviting her.
According to the story, when the boy delivered the message, his innocent honesty led him to say, “My mother sent me just to wash my mouth and tell you to come 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
Meaning: It’s very unlucky.
It’s true that everyone can create their own fortune in life; however, some people seem to be plagued by constant misfortunes. In Albanian culture, having the pig’s hair symbolizes bad luck. The pig, often associated with greed and negativity, is used as a metaphor for someone experiencing repeated bouts of misfortune.
12. May It Be Far – Qoftë Larg
Meaning: Wishing to keep bad things or misfortunes away.
Spend a day or two in Albania, and you’ll learn this phrase sooner than getting familiar with common greetings. This phrase is commonly used to ward off unpleasant events like illness or death. People may even use qoftelargu as an Albanian noun to refer to the devil, symbolizing a wish for it to remain far from their lives.
13. Dreams In The Sun – Ëndrra Në Diell
Meaning: Unrealistic or impractical goals.
This idiom refers to all of those unrealistic ideas, goals, or dreams that are very unlikely to come to fruition. It’s not meant to shame someone for having ambition; however, it’s a good reminder to stay grounded in reality and in the realm of possibilities.
14. Watch And Write – Shih E Shkruaj
Meaning: Something is so shocking and unbelievable that it should be documented.
The phrase is often used sarcastically to highlight situations where nothing is happening, or the story is so absurd that it must be documented to be believed. Its meaning depends largely on the context of the conversation.
15. What The Eye Sees, The Hand Does – Ça Sheh Syri Ja Bën Dora
Meaning: He/She is extremely talented and resourceful.
This expression is used as praise and a compliment towards someone who is highly talented and resourceful. It suggests that, like the hand following the eye’s lead, nothing is too hard for you as long as you put your mind to it.
16. We Became A Cause For Longing – U Bëmë Për Mall
Meaning: Something that is deeply missed or longed for.
When mentioning someone you deeply miss or a place you are nostalgic for in Albanian, you say u bëmë për mall.
17. The Mountain Was Pregnant, But It Gave Birth To A Mouse – U Mbars Mali E Polli Një Mi
Meaning: They fell short of expectations.
This Albanian saying is used when the results are underwhelming, and the outcome is less significant than promised. The mountain is a symbol of resilience and majesty in the Albanian language, so producing something so small as a mouse means the results are deeply disappointing.
18. Makes A Single Hair A Beam – E Bën Qimen, Tra
Meaning: Overreacts or exaggerates something.
This is one of those phrases that can be used for various reasons. Usually, it means that someone is overreacting to a situation or trying to exaggerate things excessively.
19. Has Caught The Sky With The Hands – Ka Kapur Qiellin Me Dorë
Meaning: To be overjoyed or become arrogant.
After a stroke of good fortune or a big success, it’s common to catch the sky with the hands, which in Albanian translates as të kapësh qiellin me dorë. This saying means that someone is overcome by joy and feels on top of the world. However, depending on the context, it can also mean that someone has become arrogant and proud.
20. Blood Does Not Become Water – Nuk Bëhet Gjaku Ujë
Meaning: Family ties are unbreakable.
This saying is the same as “blood is thicker than water” in English. Family relationships have been very important in Albanian culture for generations. This saying highlights that the bond between family members surpasses any challenge or disagreement. It also reinforces the idea that family will always be there for you, no matter what.
21. My Blood Becomes Water – Mu Bë Gjaku, Ujë
Meaning: I got very scared.
This expression describes a situation when someone becomes extremely frightened, especially in the face of danger. The idea is that fear makes you feel as if your blood has turned to water, symbolizing a complete loss of courage or composure.
22. Count Flies – Numëron Miza
Meaning: Wasting time on meaningless things
This phrase is used as a criticism towards lazy people, who waste their time on meaningless things and act as if they are allergic to hard work. Someone who spends their day counting flies (duke numeruar miza) is basically useless.
23. Lies Even To God – Gënjen Dhe Zotin
Meaning: Lies to an extreme; is a fraud.
The translation of this phrase sounds dramatic and can throw people off, but take this as a warning. This idiom is reserved only for fraudulent people who are dishonest and lie constantly. Under no circumstances are they to be trusted.
24. Has A Soul Of Gold – E Ka Shpirtin Flori
Meaning: Is a good person.
The concept behind this phrase is just as it sounds; it’s used to praise someone for being kind, generous, selfless, and pure-hearted. A person with a “soul of gold” is always willing to help and support others, is gentle, and always has the best intentions. You can easily put your faith in this person without fearing disappointment.
25. The Mouth Cannot Close – Nuk I Mbyllet Goja
Meaning: Talks too much
This means that someone speaks too much and, therefore, is overbearing to others. This is often used as an insult because gossiping, complaining, or yapping is frowned upon among Albanians. The less you speak, the more people will respect you.
26. Exploded – Plasa
Meaning: Feeling overwhelmed.
This idiom can be used in different situations when pressure is high and things can become mentally and physically overstimulating. It can elevate different emotions: crying (place duke qarë), rage (place nga in), or even being too hot (place nga vape).
27. The Point Fell On Me – Më Ra Pika
Meaning: I was bewildered or shocked.
This phrase suggests that you have been caught off guard and left confused and bewildered by a situation or unexpected news. The element of shock is so strong that you are at a loss for words; that’s why you feel like a point has fallen on you (më ra pika).
Other Albanian Sayings
The Albanian language is rich in idioms and proverbs that can fit every situation and circumstance. Let’s see more examples:
| English | Albanian | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Their belly can’t hold anything | Nuk i mban gjë barku | You should be ashamed of yourself | |
| Like the light of the eyes | Si dritën e syve | To love and cherish someone deeply | |
| One hits the nail, the other the horseshoe | Njëri i bie gozhdës, tjetri i bie patkoit. | Lack of agreement and coordination | |
| Hills behind the coast | Kodra pas bregut | Talking nonsense | |
| With the first legs | Me këmbët e para | Being extremely rude to someone | |
| Take it with juice | Merre me lëng | Take it with a pinch of salt | |
| On the tip of the nose | Në majë të hundës | Being annoyed at something | |
| I became smoke | U bëra tym | Getting very upset | |
| Make my eyes four | I bëj sytë katër | Being careful | |
| With leeks in the hand | Me presh në dorë | Getting caught doing something prohibited | |
| The pot, the lid | Tenxherja, kapakun | A perfect match or complement. | |
| Take blood on your eyebrow | Të merr gjak në vetull | To be very intelligent, nimble. | |
| On the tip of the tongue | Në majë të gjuhës | Being quick-witted | |
| They bought his/her mind | Ja bleu mendjen | To manipulate or influence someone’s thoughts or decisions. | |
| Eat the shame with bread | E ha turpin me bukë | Is shameless | |
| Fell from the fig | Ra nga fiku | Refers to someone arrogant who falls from the high place they set for themselves | |
| Mouth honey | Goja, mjaltë | Someone who speaks sweetly or flatteringly | |
| To see, to do | Duke parë, duke bërë | To act based on what happens or appears | |
| Covering the sun with a sieve | Mbulon diellin me shoshë | Trying to hide something that is impossible to hide | |
| Hang the bag | Vari torbën | Forget about it | |
| This way and that way | Edhe kështu, edhe ashtu | Changing opinions or being indecisive | |
| The branch and the rope | I hurit dhe i litarit | A dangerous person that breaks the law | |
| A body like a forest but a mind like a flute | Shtati pyll, mendja fyell | A beautiful person with little intelligence | |
| The heart became a mountain | Mu bë zemra mal | Being very happy | |
| The head does, and the head suffers | Na dolën thinjat | Waiting too long for something | |
| You can’t do anything to the donkey, so you hit the saddle | Nuk ka ca i bën gomarit, i bie samarit | Taking out frustration on something or someone unrelated. | |
| Flash and nail | Mish a thua | Inseparable and closely connected. | |
| Joy and wine | Shend e verë | Overcome by joy | |
| The head does,the head suffers | Koka bën e koka pëson | Suffering the consequences of your actions. | |
| A good start, half of a job | Fillimi i mbarë, gjysma e punës | A good start sets the tone for success | |
| As long as you live, you’ll learn | Sa të rrosh do të mësosh | You grow wiser with age, and experience. | |
| Stone by stone makes a castle | Gur, gur bëhet kalaja | Patience and persistence are key for success and achievement | |
| The big fish eats the small one | Peshku madh ha të voglin | A metaphor of the survival of the fittest and also a warning against opportunistic people. | |
| The dog that barks a lot doesn’t bite | Qeni që leh shumë, nuk kafshon | Empty threats cannot harm you. | |
| Don’t ask how he died, but how he lived. | Mos pyet si vdiq, por si rrojti | Living a fulfilling life is the best legacy. |
How Do You Say “Idioms” In Albanian?
In Albanian, “idioms” translates as shprehje frazeologjike.
Albanian Phrases Related To Idioms
Here’s a bit more Albanian vocabulary that relates to learning about Albanian idioms:
| English | Albanian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Idioms | Shprehje frazeologjike | |
| Proverbs | Fjalë të urta | |
| Sayings | Thënie | |
| Figure of speech | Figura letrare | |
| Metaphor | Metaforë | |
| Simile | Krahasim | |
| Analogy | Analogji | |
| Hyperbole | Hiperbolë | |
| Slangs | Zhargon | |
| Cliché | Klishe |
Tips For Learning Albanian Idioms
Idioms aren’t the simplest part of learning a language, because their meaning has a cultural connotation that’s different from the definition of the actual words. But you can still follow some simple tips to help yourself learn about them:
- Start by learning idioms connected to daily life, like meals or family, because Albanians use them all the time in casual conversation.
- The point is not to memorize what the idioms mean literally, as the literal translation doesn’t make sense in English. Practice imagining the story or logic behind each idiom to remember its meaning.
- Know that idioms are only used in very specific situations, so you should know when one of them is appropriate to use. When learning an idiom, imagine a small scene where it would naturally happen.
- Engage with Albanian media. You will often hear idioms in Albanian films, the news, or in music lyrics.
- Keep a running list of idioms you overhear in conversation and write your own sentence for each.
- Try thinking of equivalents in your own language. This will help you connect the meaning and remember the Albanian idioms better.
FAQs About Albanian Idioms
What Do Albanians Say When They Cheer?
Albanians say gëzuar when they cheer. It literally translates to “cheers,” “bless you,” or “to your health.” It can be used for a drinking toast or general celebrations like New Year’s or birthdays.
Are There Albanian Idioms That Have Equivalents In English?
An Albanian idiom that has an equivalent in English is that blood does not become water (nuk behët gjaku, ujë). It has the same meaning as “blood is thicker than water.”
How Can Learning Idioms Improve My Understanding Of Albanian?
Learning Albanian idioms that are common in everyday conversations can help you improve your speaking skills, as well as give you a deeper understanding of the culture.
Wrapping Up: The Stories Behind Albanian Idioms
Albanian idioms are a great way to discover the country’s culture and values. Most of these phrases shaped the Albanian language and are deeply rooted in its history and traditions. According to research published in the Journal of Educational and Social Research, many Albanian expressions developed through storytelling and daily conversations, where people passed down advice, cultural values, and life lessons from one generation to the next.
This guide explored some of the most common Albanian idioms and their meanings, which can really help you grasp the language beyond simple translations. Once you start having basic conversations with the locals, you’ll notice these idioms being used on the daily, and you can start using them to express yourself better as well.
Learn Albanian And Connect With Your Heritage With Ling
Every word and idiom you learn in Albanian brings you closer to the family stories and traditions that shaped your culture. And if you really want to reconnect with your Albanian heritage, that’s where the Ling app comes in.
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