Ever heard the term Rrush E Kumbulla? It is an Albanian idiom that means “wasting money on unnecessary things.” The most interesting part of the Albanian language is the never-ending idioms and proverbs used in everyday life that are both amusing and insightful. Foreigners, however, might find themselves being completely clueless with unexpected twists of words that don’t seem to make much sense.
If this is you, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular Albanian idioms. So, if you’re interested, keep scrolling to learn how to navigate the language and culture on a deeper level.
Table Of Contents
Albanian Idioms
Here is a selection of the most popular Albanian idioms used in everyday conversations:
1. Grapes And Plumps – Rrush E Kumbulla
Meaning: Wasting money on unnecessary things
This is a phrase that you’ll hear a lot during your conversations with Albanian friends because, in our culture, wasting money on unnecessary things is an unforgiving 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 Dog Eats The Money – Paret Nuk I Ha As Qeni
Meaning: You should enjoy life while you can, without worrying about money.
Talk about mixed messages. This phrase is so popular that it’s used in song lyrics as well. The meaning behind “Not even a dog eats the money” (Paret nuk i ha as qeni) 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 very 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 a mistake or will 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 Albanian friends.
5. May You Have Yourself Around Your Neck – Paç Veten Në Qafë
Meaning: Let him/her deal with the consequences of their action.
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: Has 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 angry.
When you refer to someone as having some planks missing, i.e., ka ca dërrasa mangët, 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. Sometimes, professional psychological help can be much needed.
9. For Eyes And Cheeks – Sa Për Sy E Faqe
Meaning: Doing things just for show or to save face
This 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 Send 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 unpractical 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 a big ambition; however, it is 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 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 too, in Albanian vocabulary 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 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 to an extreme degree.
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 someone has become arrogant and proud.
20. The 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 reassures 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 is 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 literally 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 turn out to be 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:
How Do You Say “Idioms” In Albanian?
In Albanian, “idioms” translate as shprehje frazeologjike.
Albanian Related To Idioms
FAQs About Albanian Idioms
1. What Are Some Of The Most Popular Idioms Of The Albanian Language?
Some of the most popular idioms of the Albanian language are “a point 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 that have equivalents in English are the blood does not become water (nuk behët gjaku, ujë), which has the same meaning as blood is thicker than water.
3. How Can Learning Idioms Improve My Understanding Of Everyday Albanian Conversations?
Learning Albanian idioms that are common in everyday conversations can help you elevate your speaking and listening skills, as well as help you to have a deeper understanding of the culture.
Let’s Summarize Albanian Idioms
Albanian idioms and proverbs offer a glimpse into the country’s culture and way of thinking. Most of these phrases have shaped the language and are deeply rooted in Albanian traditions and history. They might seem like a lot at first sight, but once you start having basic conversations with locals, the idioms will help you to express yourself better.
Make sure to check out Ling’s Albanian language blog for more insights. To practice the language, I suggest checking out the Ling app for interactive lessons created by language learning experts in collaboration with Albanian native speakers.
