Albanian grammar might be challenging, but do you know what makes learning the language worth it? The never-ending funny phrases used in daily conversation, which are both amusing and witty. Nothing like some old-school Albanian teasing, regardless of the situation.
When coming across these Albanian funny phrases for the first time, you might find them confusing; that’s just because they have many layers! So, let’s dive into some of the most popular ones, so you can use them to add a dash of humor when speaking with your Albanian friends. And who knows, some might stick and become your new favorites!
Table Of Contents
Albanian Funny Phrases
In this list, you’ll find some of the most popular Albanian funny phrases. They are witty and manage to capture the locals’ way of thinking. Let’s dive in.
1. He Has Released The Pigeons – I Ka Lëshuar Pëllumbat
The person has completely lost common sense and is making rushed decisions, or saying stupid things. What does this have to do with pigeons, you might ask?
This is mostly a regional expression, which has gained a wide popularity throughout the country. The locals of Tirana, the capital of Albania, are known for their love of pigeons, and how much they care for them. Many have a tradition of building aviaries on their yards or terraces. This of course takes dedication and consistency, otherwise, the pigeons don’t return to their nest.
Well, that logic extends to the human mind and behaviors, because one has to be consistent in the things they say or do, to be taken seriously and gain respect in the community. Otherwise, the pigeons might fly away, both literally and figuratively.
2. The Wolf Recognizes The Jackal By The Look In Its Eyes – E Njeh Ujku, Cakallin Në Sy
It takes one to know one, they say in English. In the same way a wolf recognizes another predator like a jackal, who is quite similar in looks and behavior, so people recognize each other. Noticing certain motives or traits means you have similar characteristics and intentions, so you are not easy to fool. This expression might sound dire, but it’s mostly used as a lighthearted Albanian joke. Unless you can spot a jackal, of course, and a confrontation is necessary.
3. He’s Missing A Couple Of Planks – I Ka Nja Dy Dërrasa Mangut
The person is not very bright. This is a similar phrase to “the lights are on, but there is nobody home”. This is usually used to indicate that the person is decent but sometimes lacks common sense, behaves erratically, or is quick to anger.
4. What A Child Does To You, Even God Wouldn’t Do – Ça Të Bën Fëmija, S’ta Bën Perëndia
Being a parent is the hardest job in the world, and nobody knows this better than Albanian parents. Or so they claim! This is a phrase used humorously to explain that nobody can push boundaries and test patience like your own child.
While parenthood brings a lot of joy in life, it can also be a draining experience, but at least Albanian parents can complain freely and often about that, to whomever has ears to hear. I wouldn’t be surprised if this was the first expression you heard in Albanian!
5. Your Wife Has Turned It 8 To 2 On You – Ta Ka Bërë Gruaja 8 Me 2
Do you think having a difficult child is hard? How about having an overbearing wife, who rules your entire life with an iron fist? Well, Albanian men might know a thing or two about this, because “ta ka bërë gruaja 8 me 2” is so popular, there is even a song about it.
This phrase is used jokingly when the wife has her husband wrapped around her finger and controls the dynamics of the marriage.
6. He Talks Like Zeqo’s Mother, Sitting On Top Of The Mulberry Tree – Flet Si E Ëma Zeqos, Majë Thanës
Nobody knows who Zeqo is, but his mother is very famous in Albania. This phrase is used with humor and often irony to imply that the other person is speaking from a place of privilege and ignorance, for a situation that does not concern him. It’s similar to “walk a mile in my shoes,” in English, but instead of asking for empathy, it directly ridicules boastful and arrogant behaviors.
7. Dig Tare, Dig – Gërmo Tare, Gërmo
This phrase originates from an old Albanian movie of 1976, called “Confrontation” or Përballimi. In one of the main scenes, the full line of the antagonist is “Keep digging Tare, but you will only find the dead dog that I buried there”. The movie was a hit at the time and remains in Albanian memory thanks to this phrase. It’s used in the sense that you are pursuing unrealistic goals, or your work it’s useless.
If you ever decide to watch this film, not only will you get to practice by listening to the language, you’ll also learn a lot about the Albanian past, and the heavy propaganda used by the communist elite to control the narrative of history.
8. Like The Donkey In Dreams – Si Gomari Në Ëndrra
This is a saying that pokes fun at people who are delusional or in a state of denial about what is standing before their eyes. It derives from an old Albanian folk tale, where a donkey didn’t listen to the owner who took good care of him and went stray.
When confronted with a pack of hungry wolves, the donkey did not try to run away, but lay down and fell asleep hoping that it was all a dream, and he would wake up safely in the owner’s stable. If an Albanian friend says this to you, maybe it’s time to consider your life decisions, because you don’t want to be in that position!
9. Friend, Friend, But The Cottage Cheese Costs Money – Mik, Mik, Por Gjiza Me Pare
So here’s a short Albanian story for you: A humble man who was very kind and generous with his friends urgently needed to make some money, so he decided to sell cottage cheese at the local market. Every day, the man would get up very early, but the moment his friends spotted him, they gathered around his spot and started talking. While doing so, the friends would eat all his cottage cheese without paying for it, so the man not only wasn’t making money, but he was losing it. This happened for several days until the man finally snapped and said “We are friends, but the cottage cheese costs money.”
That’s where “Mik, mik, por gjiza me pare” comes from, to remind people that they shouldn’t take advantage of their friend’s kindness, especially if they just started a small business.
10. When You Don’t Have A Mind, You Have Feet – Kur S’ke Mend, Ke Këmbë
When someone acts foolishly and makes hasty decisions, the consequences cost a lot. Then he (or she) will be running around in circles, trying to fix something that didn’t need to be fixed in the first place. This expression addresses exactly that, highlighting the fact that acting smart is better than working unnecessarily hard.
11. We Became A Song – U Bëmë Këngë
If your first thought was that this phrase has anything to do with romantic serenades, you couldn’t be more wrong. This is used to express frustration in a funny way if one is embarrassed publicly, or if personal matters have become a subject of daily gossip. It implies that the story is so well known that other people could sing about it.
This phrase is more common in the northern region, where for generations people have preserved their history by creating songs. Some of the most important Albanian literary masterpieces are in the form of songs, like the “Lute of Highlands”, or “The Songs of Kreshniks.”
If you’re wondering if someone has truly become a song for all the wrong reasons, the answer is yes. The most famous one that comes to mind is the song of Hajredin Pasha, an important Ottoman general who thought that he could take the region of Dibra within a day, underestimating the natives’ resistance. Not only did he fail miserably and lose the war and his life, but to this day people still make fun of him for that.
12. We’ve Become Like The Goat’s Legs – Jemi Bërë Si Këmbët E Dhisë
I don’t know exactly what’s so funny about a goat’s leg, but this phrase implies that we have become ridiculous, and people are laughing at us. It’s also used to describe two people that have become inseparable, similar to “joined at hip” in English.
13. They’re In A Bad Moon – Qënka Me Hënë Të Keqe
This phrase is used to lighten the situation when the other person is clearly not in a mood. Having “a bad moon” means that you are spreading negative energy, and are having fights with others without an apparent cause. It’s similar to “Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed”.
14. A Bear Doesn’t Get Fat On Raspberries – Nuk Fryhet Arusha Me Mjedra
Depending on the context, this phrase is used as an Albanian proverb or as an irony. A large animal – the bear – can’t put the necessary fat he needs for winter by only eating tiny raspberries. In the same way, something that requires large efforts or resources can’t be achieved without money, support, or hard work.
If said with irony “nuk fryhet arusha me mjedra” implies that the other person is too greedy for his own good.
15. The Mind Is A Big Thing – Mendja, Gjë E Madhe
We can all agree that the mind is the most powerful asset one can have in life. This is even more clear when witnessing another person lacking common sense. This phrase is meant to poke fun, but also to remind them of the importance of good judgment.
Funny Everyday Idioms In Albanian
Oh, did you think that was all? We are in the Balkans, and everything is an allegory, because for some unexplainable reason, we just can’t be too straightforward. Here are some phrases that you will hear in daily conversations, pay attention to their literal translations!
Albanian Funny Phrases: Vocabulary
Now that we’re done with the funny phrases, here’s some related vocabulary for you to practice your Albanian pronunciation.
| English | Albanian | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Funny phrases | Shprehje qesharake | |
| Funny | Zbavitëse | |
| Laugh | Qesh | |
| Wordplay | Lojë fjalësh | |
| Jokes | Shaka | |
| To joke | Bëj shaka | |
| Have fun | Argëtohem |
How Do You Say “Funny Phrases” In The Albanian Language?
In Albanian we say “funny phrases” as shprehje qesharake. It’s pronounced as SHPREH-yeh kyeh-shah-RAH-keh.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use These Funny Phrases In Everyday Conversations?
Yes, using these phrases will make your daily conversations more lively, and help you understand the Albanian culture and way of thinking. However, it would be wise to consider the context, because some expressions have nuanced meanings, and you might end up offending or hurting someone’s feelings.
2. Are These Funny Phrases Difficult To Pronounce?
Yes, if you’re an absolute beginner. However, with time and practice these phrases will become more familiar until you master them completely.
3. What Do Albanians Think Of Foreigners Using Funny Phrases?
Albanian people love it when foreigners try to learn their language and respect their culture. Don’t be shy to use funny phrases in Albanian, even if you don’t pronounce them right just yet.
To Wrap It Up
Albanian funny phrases are more than quirky expressions – they are a window to the nation’s rich culture, sharp wit, and their way of thinking or seeing the world. Regardless of your skill level in Albanian, sprinkle some of these sayings, like “I ka lëshuar pëllumbat” or “Flet si e ëma e Zeqos, majë thanës”, during your conversations. It will make Albanians laugh and they will appreciate your efforts.
Remember, you can always dive into Ling’s Albanian blog for more cultural insights and grammar explanations to aid your learning journey.
