Basic Words

1. Po

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Jo

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Ju lutem

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

   Grammar Note

   Literally "I beg you"; "ju" is the polite second person

4. Faleminderit

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

   Grammar Note

   The basic thanks; often abbreviated "Flm" in writing

5. Më falni

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   The polite plural form, used to get someone's attention

6. Më vjen keq

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   Literally "it comes badly to me" — a full apology

7. Është në rregull

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. Nuk kuptoj

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

   Grammar Note

   Negation puts "nuk" before the verb

9. Kuptoj

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Kam mbaruar

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

11. Prisni, ju lutem

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    The polite plural imperative; use "prit" with friends

12. Një moment

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Një i rritur, ju lutem

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

    Grammar Note

    "I rritur" is an adult — an adjectival noun that keeps its linking article

14. Nuk kam rezervim

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

15. Kam një rezervim

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Më ndihmoni, ju lutem

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    In an emergency, shout "Ndihmë!"

17. Edhe një herë, ju lutem

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Flisni ngadalë, ju lutem

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Flas pak shqip

    I speak a little Albanian

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    "Shqip" means "in Albanian"; say it at the start of a conversation

20. A flisni anglisht?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    "A" marks a yes/no question; this is the polite plural form

21. kjo

    This one

    Usage

    For something near you; "ky" when the noun is masculine

22. ajo

    That one

    Usage

    Albanian only distinguishes near vs far, so this covers both "that" senses; "ai" for masculine nouns

23. këtu

    Here

    Usage

    Where you are; useful for a drop-off point or a meeting spot

24. aty

    There (near you)

    Usage

    A spot near the listener; place adverbs do keep a three-way distinction

25. atje

    Over there

    Usage

    A spot far from both of you; use it together with pointing

26. unë

    I / Me

    Usage

    Points at yourself; "to me" is "mua"

27. ju

    You (polite)

    Usage

    The polite form for strangers and elders; "ti" for people you know well

28. bashkë

    Together

    Usage

    Shows you are together, seated or paying as one; "with me" is "bashkë me mua"

29. menjëherë

    Right now

    Usage

    Signals urgency, e.g. a medical emergency or a train about to leave

30. një person

    One person

    Usage

    To state how many of you there are, e.g. for a table

31. dy persona

    Two people

    Usage

    The plural is "persona", used for two and above

32. tre persona

    Three people

    Usage

    "tre" goes with masculine nouns; feminine nouns take "tri" (e.g. "tri gra")

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