megjithëse

Concessive 'Megjithëse'

Level 3

Use megjithëse to connect two ideas where the second happens despite the first. It is the standard way to say 'although' when talking about real, factual situations.

How It Works

The word megjithëse is a compound of me (with) + gjithë (all) + se (that). It is one of the most common concessive conjunctions in Standard Albanian.

Key Rules:

Mood: Unlike many other subordinating conjunctions, megjithëse almost always takes the indicative mood. This is because it deals with facts (things that are actually happening or have happened), not possibilities.
Position: The clause starting with megjithëse can come at the beginning or the end of the sentence. If it starts the sentence, use a comma to separate it from the main clause.
Register: It is neutral and appropriate for both formal writing and everyday conversation.

Structure:
Megjithëse + [Subject] + [Verb in Indicative] + [Rest of Clause], [Main Clause].
or
[Main Clause] + megjithëse + [Subject] + [Verb in Indicative].

Examples (4)

Megjithëse ishte vonë, ai vazhdoi të punonte.
Although it was late, he continued to work.
Word by Word: Although (it) was late, he continued to work.
Here, 'ishte' is in the indicative mood because the lateness is a factual reality.
Do të dalim, megjithëse bie shi.
We will go out, although it is raining.
Word by Word: Will (we) go out, although falls rain.
The conjunction introduces a factual obstacle (the rain) that does not stop the main action.
Megjithëse e dinte të vërtetën, ajo nuk tha asgjë.
Even though she knew the truth, she said nothing.
Word by Word: Although (she) it knew the truth, she not said nothing.
This shows the use of 'megjithëse' at the start of a sentence followed by a comma.
Më pëlqen ky qytet, megjithëse është shumë i zhurmshëm.
I like this city, although it is very noisy.
Word by Word: Me pleases this city, although (it) is very linking-article noisy.
A common way to add a contrasting detail to a statement.

Common Mistakes

Using 'megjithëse' when you mean 'nevertheless'.
Different MeaningIshte ftohtë, megjithëse ne dolëm.
Ishte ftohtë, megjithatë ne dolëm.
'Ishte ftohtë, megjithëse ne dolëm' is grammatical, but it means 'it was cold, although we went out', which turns the logic around. To say 'nevertheless we went out', use the adverb 'megjithatë'. 'Megjithëse' introduces a subordinate clause (Although it was cold...).
Using the subjunctive mood after 'megjithëse'.
Megjithëse të jetë sëmurë, ai erdhi.
Megjithëse është sëmurë, ai erdhi.
Learners often use the subjunctive mood (të + verb) by mistake. Because 'megjithëse' refers to facts, you must use the indicative mood.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

megjithëseLevel 3Concessive 'Megjithëse'

Learn This First

To use 'megjithëse' (although), you must be comfortable with basic Albanian sentence structure and verb conjugation. It is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a concessive clause, requiring the ability to link two related but contrasting ideas within a single sentence.

Learn Next

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gjithsesiContrastive 'Gjithsesi'Level 4

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