nga + Number

Distributive Numbers

Level 2

The pattern nga + [number] is used to distribute a quantity among a group. While 'dy libra' means 'two books', 'nga dy libra' means 'two books each'.

How It Works

The distributive use of nga is a fundamental feature of Standard Albanian. Here is how to use it correctly:

  • Placement: Always place nga immediately before the number.
  • Indefinite Form: The noun following the number must remain in the indefinite form. You cannot use a definite noun (e.g., use nga dy mollë, not nga dy mollët).
  • Singular vs. Plural: If the number is 'one' (një), the noun is singular. For numbers two and above, the noun is plural.
  • Emphasis: It is very common to use nga even if the sentence already contains the distributive pronoun secili (each). For example: Secili mori nga një dhuratë (Each one took one gift each).
  • Succession: It can also describe movement or actions in groups, such as dy nga dy (two by two).

Examples (4)

  1. Mësuesi u dha nxënësve nga tri fletore.

    The teacher gave the students three notebooks each.

    Word by Word: The-teacher them gave to-the-students from three notebooks.

    Without 'nga', it might sound like the teacher gave three notebooks to the whole class to share. 'Nga' makes it clear every student got three.

  2. Ata lexojnë nga pesë faqe çdo ditë.

    They read five pages [each/at a time] every day.

    Word by Word: They read from five pages every day.

    This indicates the daily 'quota' or distributive share of reading.

  3. Mori nga një mollë për çdo fëmijë.

    He took one apple for each child.

    Word by Word: He-took from one apple for every child.

    When using 'një' (one), the noun 'mollë' stays in the singular indefinite form.

  4. Secili prej nesh mori nga dhjetë euro.

    Each of us received ten euros each.

    Word by Word: Each of us took from ten euros.

    Even though 'secili' (each) is present, 'nga' is naturally used by native speakers to reinforce the distribution.

Common Mistakes

  • Using a definite noun after the distributive number.

    Mori nga dy librat.
    Mori nga dy libra.

    Distributive shares must always be indefinite. Using the definite 'librat' (the books) is grammatically incorrect in this context.

  • Using 'nga' when the subject is a single individual not acting in a group.

    Artani mori nga dy mollë.
    Artani mori dy mollë.

    If Artan is alone and just took two apples, 'nga' is not used. 'Nga' requires a plural 'key' (like a group of people) to distribute the items to.

How It Connects

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

nga + NumberLevel 2Distributive Numbers

Learn This First

To understand distributive numbers in Albanian, you must first be familiar with basic cardinal numbers and the preposition 'nga', which functions as the distributive marker in this context.

Words in This Pattern