Have you done or said something that you wish you could take it back? Don’t worry; we’ve all been there. Regret is a universal experience, but despite not being a beautiful feeling, it is something that helps us grow as human beings. In the Albanian culture, expressing regret, and asking for forgiveness is a sign of strong character.
For centuries, Albanians have tied human dignity to respect and honor. That’s why owning up to a mistake is very important to redeem yourself. This is a full guide to Albanian phrases for expressing regret, so in case you have to apologize to a family member, friend, or even a stranger, you’ll find the right words and know exactly what to say.
Table Of Contents
Albanian Phrases For Expressing Regret
Regret is defined as the feeling of sorrow and disappointment for certain events or conversations, that you wished to have turned out differently. It’s that nagging “what if” in one’s head, that keeps you wondering about the past, and you just can’t switch it off. No one knows this feeling better than Albanian people who are quick to anger and say things that they really don’t mean, and later they feel ashamed of themselves. But don’t worry so much; most Albanians are also friendly, and won’t have hard feelings for long if you know the right things to say. You just need to be honest and on point.
I Feel Bad – Më Vjen Keq
In Albanian, there are a lot of ways to say “I am sorry.” It always depends on the context, and how sorry you actually are. In this instance, if you say Më vjen keq, which translates as “I feel bad,” it means that you have reconsidered your words or actions and are apologizing for what you did in the heat of the moment during a fight or a conversation. Më vjen keq is what you use when you regret how you made others feel.
I Didn’t Mean It – Nuk E Kisha Për Qëllim
Another way of expressing regret over your act or words.
Nuk e kisha për qëllim is often the beginning of the phrase in most conversations, as you should also specify what it is that you didn’t mean. For example, I didn’t mean to hurt you (Nuk e kisha për qëllim të të lëndoja). This can also be phrased as ‘It wasn’t my intention” (Nuk ishte qëllimi im). This phrase should follow up an apology, in order to show genuine regret over your mistake.
I Wish I Could Take It Back – Do Doja Mos Ta Kisha Bërë Këtë Gjë
There are times when you wish you could erase that hunting mistake you now regret. The way to phrase this in Albanian is by saying, Do doja të mos e kisha bërë këtë gjë, which means, “I wish I had not done that.”
If you want to apologize for your words instead of your actions, you should say, “I wish I had not said that” (Do doja të mos e kisha thënë këtë gjë).
In both cases, the meaning is “I wish I could take it back.” But if you translate this phrase directly into Albanian (Do doja ta merrja mbrapsht këtë veprim/fjalë), it doesn’t make much sense, so I’ll suggest you stick with the first two suggestions. This expression shows you understand the damage caused and that you would have acted differently if given the chance again.
Sorry – Më Fal
If there is one thing you should remember from this article, it’s how to say I am sorry in Albanian. It translates as më fal and is commonly used when speaking to others, in different contexts and situations.
The primary use of the phrase is to ask forgiveness, but it might also be something polite to say, similar to excuse me, in English.
For example, if you say, “I am sorry for letting you down” (Më fal që të zhgënjeva), you’re obviously expressing remorse. But if you want to say, “Excuse me, what time is it?” You would say Më fal, sa është ora?”
Expressing Remorse In Albanian
The difference between regret and remorse is that remorse is a stronger, deeper feeling of guilt after causing serious emotional or physical harm to someone. It takes a lot of courage to admit this type of regret, especially when you have to take responsibility and openly acknowledge the violation of moral codes.
In Albanian culture, honor and reputation are very important, and they impact how your family, friends, and society view you. That’s why remorse is often accompanied by the feeling of shame, and it can take a toll on mental health. However, according to the Albanian moral code, owning up to your mistake is something to be proud of; it means you are mature enough to be honest and upfront, no matter the consequences.
So here is how you express remorse in Albanian:
I Regret It – Jam Penduar
Let’s start from the beginning: To show proper remorse in a situation, it’s important to let the other person know that you regret your behavior. Keep the conversation straightforward by simply saying, “I regret it,” which in Albanian translates as Jam penduar.
It might sound plain, but in most cases, this is the best way to approach a situation because Albanian culture is built on trust and honor. This is the same thing a child says to his mother and the same a defendant tells a judge before making a decision; it is the best way to express remorse. Do not underestimate the value of simple speech.
I Ask For Your Forgiveness – Kërkoj Falje
The next step is, of course, to ask for forgiveness. In Albanian, you say Të kërkoj falje, or if there are two or more people you need to redeem yourself to, we say Ju kërkoj falje.
If you are sincere and show genuine remorse, most Albanians will forgive you. However, keep in mind that these are very proud and often stubborn people, so you might not get the answer you want to hear right away. Give them some time, for the anger and hurt to fade away, and things will turn back to normal. Just because it’s not an immediate “yes’ does not mean they will never accept your apology. That’s just how the Albanian mentality works.
If, by any chance, you have crossed an important boundary, and your friend is willing to go back at things as they were, it is better to still apologize. The friendship might be lost, but they will respect you for asking for forgiveness.
Accepting Apologies In Albanian
So how should you respond if you are the one whose have been hurt? In this country, we all have been at least once on the receiving end of an apology, so it’s not uncommon at all. Most fights, however, are harmless, so it’s likely you want to put an end to the argument as well. Here’s what you say;
- I have forgiven you – Të kam falur
- I understand – Të kuptoj
- It’s not your fault – Nuk është faji yt
- Not a problem – Nuk ka problem
If by any chance, you don’t want to reconciliate again and have decided to cut contacts, you need to be very clear on where you stand. It might seem like common knowledge, but not putting up your boundaries for the sake of being polite can often make things worse. However, you don’t need to lose your cool when addressing this issue. Here’s how you deal with it;
- Our relationship has come to an end – Marrëdhënies sonë i ka ardhur fundi
- I understand, but I can not forgive you – Të kuptoj, por nuk mund të të fal.
- What you did is unforgivable – Cfarë bëre ishte e pafalshme
- I cannot forgive your mistake – Nuk mund ta fal gabimin tënd
- I don’t want to talk to you, ever again – Nuk dua të flas kurrë më me ty
- I don’t think we can go past that – Nuk mendoj se mund ta rregullojmë këtë gjë.
- I don’t understand how you could do this to me – Nuk e kuptoj si mund ta bëje këtë gjë
- I forgive you, but I don’t want to reconcile – Të fal, por nuk dua të pajtohem me ty
Remorse And Forgiveness In Albanian Culture
Anyone who has studied Albanian history and culture, even for a short time, should know the importance of remorse and forgiveness. For generations, these trespassed interpersonal relationships were the way to regulate society and claim justice.
According to the Albanian traditional law, called the Albanian Kanun, the act of regret and forgiveness was a complex issue that followed strict rules and rituals, even in the case of murder.
The first thing that foreigners learn about Albanian Kanun is the custom of blood feud, based on the principle of “an eye for an eye.” If you killed a man, then the victim’s family had the right to seek self-justice and kill you or a close relative. If you killed a woman or a child, which was unheard of, then the victim’s family had the right to kill four or more of the best men of the murderer’s family without them having the right to respond because of the shame and dishonor.
This severe punishment could destroy the lives of many people for years to come because they would either get murdered or would have to self-isolate. That was until the victim’s family accepted the apology. This is the part that most miss when first learning about our country.
Forgiveness was a huge part of the Albanian way of thinking, to the point that all across the country, in Albania and Kosovo, there was a so-called “Council of Elders for Blood Feud Reconciliation.” Their duty was simple; they interfered on behalf of both families to de-escalate tension and restore peace by making the families forgive each other.
Some of the most recognizable Elders Councils were “The Council of Shkodra (Pleqnia e Shkodrës), The Council of Mirëdita (Pleqnia e Mirëditës), The Council of Labëria (Pleqnia e Labërisë) The Council of Dukagjin and the Great Highlands (Pleqnia e Dukagjinit dhe Malësis’ Madhe); The Council of Kosovo (Plqenia e Kosovës), The Council of Anton Çetta (Pleqnia e Anton Çetës). People who were part of the councils were highly respected, intellectuals and upheld moral authority.
That’s why the act of forgiveness is considered a display of a very strong character and high virtue; revenge was the default response. To forgive is to show empathy, faith, and solidarity. Asking forgiveness and showing genuine remorse is the way to restore honor and dignity, even in the face of adversity.
Albanian Sayings On Regret And Forgiveness
There are many Albanian proverbs and sayings that highlight the importance of regret and forgiveness. These are some of the most popular ones, that can be used on different occasions.
1. Making Mistakes Is Human Nature, Forgiving Them Is Divine – Të Gabosh Është Njerëzore, Të Falësh Është Hyjnore
This one is self-explanatory, and it is common in other countries, as well. Grace and understanding to restore peace and relations are qualities of a great character.
2. To Love Others, You Must Learn To Forgive – Që Ti Duash Të Tjerët, Duhet Të Mësosh Si Të Falësh Në Fillim
This is a saying of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the most famous Albanian of modern times. Forgiveness, at its core, remains an act of love.
3. Forgiveness Is The Biggest Revenge – Falja Është Hakmarrja Më E Madhe
Albanians believe that by forgiving, you show that you are, in fact, morally superior to the other person who has harmed you. So not only do they forgive, but they usually make sure that everyone knows that.
4. Whatever You Do, Do It To Yourself – Kush Ja Bën, Ja Bën Vetes
“Kush ja bën, ja bën vetes” (Whatever you do, you do it to yourself) is a proverb deeply tied to the concept of karma: our actions inevitably come back to affect us. An Albanian folk story beautifully illustrates this idea.
There once was a poor beggar who roamed a village, knocking on doors and asking for food. Though the villagers were generous, the beggar never expressed gratitude. Instead, he would say, “Whatever you do, you do it to yourself,” leaving the villagers confused and annoyed.
After years of this behavior, one frustrated woman decided to kill him. She poisoned a loaf of bread and handed it to him. As always, the beggar said, “Whatever you do, you do it to yourself,” and walked away.
In the woods, he met the woman’s son, who had been hunting for days without success. Hungry and exhausted, the son asked the beggar if he had anything to eat. The beggar, unaware of the poison, handed him the bread, saying, “Your mother made this for me, but I haven’t touched it.”
The son ate the bread and fell gravely ill. When he returned home, no one could understand his sudden sickness. When questioned, he revealed that he had eaten the bread meant for the beggar. Stricken with grief, the woman remembered the beggar’s words: “Whatever you do, you do it to yourself.”
This tale might sound a bit dramatic, but the message is universal: whatever you do, good or bad, will come in full circle back to you.
5. To Much Forgiveness Make God Feel Ashamed – Të Falurit E Shumtë, I Vjen Rëndë Dhe Perëndisë
This saying addresses the people who keep making the same mistakes. They repent over and over again. Forgiving might be divine, but there are certain limits to it. You shouldn’t push other people’s boundaries, especially if they already forgive you once.
6. Guilt Remains An Orphan – Faji Ngelet Jetim
This saying observes a universal truth about human nature: the desire to avoid responsibility. In Albanian culture, admitting your guilt is a sign of maturity, and it is just as important as asking for forgiveness.
7. The Face That Is Spoiled, Whether You Wash It Or Darken It More – Fytyrën E Vregnueme, Në Daç Laje, Në Daç Zezoje Edhe Mâ
This phrase is straight from the Albanian Kanun. Losing honor is a very serious matter in the Kanun, and this saying addresses it directly. It is always used in cases of reconciliation, so the victim’s family is aware that peace is always at hand because the aggressor’s reputation and integrity are already tarnished. The choice to ‘wash the face’ symbolizes choosing to take the high road, embracing a path of moral righteousness and reconciliation.
8. He Who Forgives The Blood, Preserves Honor, And Wins The Heart Of God – Ai Që Fal Gjakun, Ruan Nderin Dhe Fiton Zemrën E Zotit
This saying is also in the context of Kanun; it aims to make people reflect on the importance of forgiveness. Forgiving the blood’ means breaking the cycle of vengeance in a blood feud, a courageous act that not only restores honor but brings divine favor.
How Do You Say “Regret” In Albanian?
In Albanian, regret translates as pendesë. It’s used to express remorse or sorrow over something. Pendesë is pronounced as pehn-DEH-suh.
Vocabulary Related To Albanian Phrases For Expressing Regret
To improve your Albanian skills, it is important to learn new words and phrases. These are everything you need to express regret. Let’s take a look:
FAQs Related To Expressing Regret In Albanian
1. What Does “Më Vjen Keq” Mean In English?
Më vjen keq translates to “I’m sorry” or “I feel bad” in English. It’s a common phrase used to express sympathy or apology.
2. How Do You Say “I Forgive You” In Albanian?
In Albanian, you say të kam falur, which means “I forgive you.” As in English, this is used to accept an apology.
3. What Is The Difference Between “Më Vjen Keq” And “Kërkoj Falje”?
Më vjen keq is a more generic way of expressing regret and empathy, while kërkoj falje means “I ask for forgiveness” and is typically used when seeking forgiveness for a specific wrongdoing.
To Wrap It Up
So there you have it; this is everything you need to know about asking forgiveness in Albanian. The most important phrase you need to remember is I am sorry which in Albanian translates as më fal. The historical and cultural insights into remorse and forgiveness will definitely help you navigate Albanian culture better and understand the natives’ behavior better.
If you want to learn more about the language, make sure to check out our Albanian blog, and download the Ling app.
