InaLingua

A good first impression can take you a long way! That’s why basic greetings are one of the first lessons when learning any language. In places like Albania or Kosovo, where people are generally very friendly and welcome foreigners with open arms will absolutely love you if you greet them in their own language! Don’t be shy if you are still a beginner and can’t pronounce the words correctly; we know our language is difficult to learn, so we appreciate the effort. On this side of the Balkan, we do love a good conversation that can last for hours, whether it’s with new friends or people we have known for a lifetime. 

Tungjatjeta! 

Tungjatjeta is one of the most common greetings in Albanian, used both formally and informally. The word’s literal translation is “May you live long,” and it is in a wishful form. A shorter version of this word is “tung,” used mostly in Kosovo in an informal way.

Përshëndetje! 

The best choice for a formal event is when you want to impress people not only with your language skills but with your manners as well. “Përshëndetje” translates as “hello” in English and is the formal way of saying it. 

Çkemi? 

“Çkemi?” translates as “How are you” and is often used in informal conversation as a greeting that replaces a simple “hello.”  If you want to keep the conversation short or don’t have much in common with the person, a simple “fine” (mirë) will do. However, the polite thing to do is always to ask the other person how they are doing. 

Basic greetings for different times of the day

 
Mirëmëngjes! – Good Morning

Mirëdita! – Good Afternoon 

Mirëmbrëma!- Good Evening

Natën e mirë! – Good night (this is used both as a bedtime expression and also as a way to greet someone goodbye when it is very late in the evening.)

How to say goodbye in Albanian 

Mirëupafshim – Goodbye (this is the formal way)

Shihemi! – See you later

Flasim! – Talk to you later (this is used for a phone conversation when hanging up)

Ditën e mirë! – Have a good day! 

Kalofsh mirë! – Have a nice time

Other basic greetings you need to know 

Faleminderit! – Thank You 

Mirëseerdhe! – Welcome 

Gëzohem që u njohëm! – Nice to meet you! 

Gjumë të ëmbël! – Sweet dreams 

Si je me shëndet? – How is your health? (this is used primarily with elderly, pregnant women, or people who are recovering from sickness.)

Më falni! – Excuse me? 

Të lutem! – Please