One of the things we look forward to when visiting a new country is exploring its markets for unique and affordable pieces! Albania is home to many unique souvenirs, such as the qilim, a traditional Albanian rug, bunker-shaped ashtrays and the çifteli, Albania’s local instrument.
That is why it helps to go to Albanian markets with the right shopping vocabulary. Speaking a little Albanian will help you find your way around the market and get better deals. Here is the most common shopping vocabulary you will need in Albanian.
Important Shopping Phrases In Albanian
While it is important to know some Albanian restaurant phrases, flavors, and how to give directions in Albanian as a visitor, it is also necessary to equip yourself with shopping phrases.
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Every market always has a lingua franca that both buyer and seller understand, and it is necessary to get the best deals. Knowing these important shopping phrases will help you complete your transactions smoothly and get fair deals when heading to any Albanian market. So, what are these almighty Albanian phrases?
How Much Is This – Sa kushton
Sa kushton is arguably the most used phrase for buyers and visitors. There are a lot of captivating items in an Albanian market that will catch your attention. The only way to find out whether something is shtrenjtë (expensive) or lire (cheap) is to ask how much it costs. So, whenever you go to an Albanian market, take your sa kushton along.
This Is Too Expensive – Kushton Shume
Some sellers may quote higher prices to foreigners. It happens in most countries.
Whenever a price seems outrageous or you don’t have enough money to pay, you can say kushton shume. The seller may lower the price or try to convince you to buy at that price.
Do You Accept Credit Card – A Pranoni Kredit Karta
Always ask if sellers accept credit cards before ‘buying’ any product or services, especially if you don’t have any cash. Some shops in Albania do not frequently accept credit cards, so it is only safe to ask before any purchase. And if you are going to any of the local markets in Albania, I will advise you to have some cash with you.
I Will Buy It – Unë Do Ta Blej Atë
Let’s say you love an item, you’ve enquired about the price, and you are satisfied, the next thing to do is to buy it, and you can let the seller know by saying Unë do ta blej atë. The seller will understand and may ask ku janë paratë, which means where is the money.
I Don’t Want – Nuk Dua
Sellers will often try to upsell you other unique products alongside the ones you’ve brought. You can decide to buy them or reject the offer depending on your preferences. If the latter is your choice, say nuk dua, which means I don’t want, and the seller will usually stop trying to upsell. If they persist, repeat nuk dua a few more times.
Know Your Albanian Numbers
It is important to know the Albanian numbers so that you can answer correctly when the seller asks sa dëshiron, which translates to how many do you want. When dealing with countable products, it is necessary to specify the number of items you want to buy.
| English | Albanian Translation | Pronunciation |
| One | një | |
| Two | dy | |
| Three | tre | |
| Four | katër | |
| Five | pesë | |
| Six | gjashtë | |
| Seven | shtatë | |
| Eight | tetë | |
| Nine | nëntë | |
| Ten | dhjetë |
Other Shopping Vocabulary That Comes In Handy
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move forward to explore other shopping vocabulary in the Albanian language that you will find useful.
| English | Albanian | Pronunciation |
| Expensive | E shtrenjtë | |
| I will buy it | Unë do ta blej atë | |
| can you help me | A mund të më ndihmoni? | |
| Cheap | E lire | |
| what time will the store close | Në çfarë ore mbyllet dyqani? | |
| I don’t like it | Nuk më pëlqen | |
| Do you accept credit card | A pranoni kredit karta? | |
| I like it | Më pëlqen | |
| how much is this | Sa kushton? | |
| I want to pay with cash | Dua te paguaj me kesh | |
| I have no cash | Nuk kam para | |
| I am going to the market | Unë jam duke shkuar në treg | |
| how many do you want | Sa dëshiron | |
| I am just looking | Vetem po shikoj | |
| This is too expensive | Kushton shume | |
| I don’t want | Nuk dua | |
| Do you have another color? | A keni ngjyre tjeter |
Unique Products To Buy In Albania
We cannot end this article without telling you some of Albania’s finest unique pieces. Albania is a rich country with diverse cultures and beautiful handicrafts. You will always see beautiful products around Albania.
Çifteli
The çifteli is a local guitar-like instrument used in Albania for songs and other festivities. They are unique, and some are hand-made. Fortunately, they come in different sizes, so you can purchase a small one for an ornamental decoration in your home.
Handmade Pieces
You will find unique handmade pieces throughout Albania, ranging from knitwear to dishes and so much more. The beautiful thing about these pieces is that they are of good quality and have unique decorations.
Bunker Ashtray
Albania is home to countless bunkers, and although you cannot purchase any, there are ashtrays shaped in the form of a bunker that you will love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping In Albanian
How Do You Say How Much Is This In Albanian?
To ask how much something costs in Albanian, say Sa kushton? It is the most used phrase for shoppers in Albanian markets.
How Do You Say Too Expensive In Albanian?
Say kushton shume when a price is too high. The seller may lower the price or try to convince you to buy at that price.
Can You Pay With A Credit Card In Albania?
Some shops in Albania do not accept credit cards, so ask A pranoni kredit karta? before you buy. If you are going to a local market, bring some cash with you.
Learn Albanian With Ling
Now you’re ready to go shopping in Albania! Keep your numbers in mind, look out for affordable pieces and enjoy every sa kushton along the way.
Ling keeps learning simple and fun, with flashcards, native speaker audio, Dialog for real conversation practice and daily reminders to keep you on track. Start learning Albanian today and make your next market trip even more fun!
