Inchoative Aspect

Level 3

The inchoative aspect in Albanian describes the beginning of an action. It is formed using a 'starter' verb (like filloj, nis, or zë) followed by the subjunctive mood.

How It Works

In Standard Albanian, the inchoative aspect is a periphrastic construction used to signal that an action or state has just begun. It relies on three primary aspectual verbs:

  • Filloj: The most common, neutral verb for 'to start' or 'to begin'.
  • Nis: Often used for processes, journeys, or sequences (e.g., 'the rain started').
  • Zë: A more literary or idiomatic choice, often used for sudden emotional reactions or natural phenomena.

Grammatical Structure:
The construction follows this formula: [Conjugated Aspectual Verb] + të + Present Subjunctive.

If the aspectual verb is in the aorist (past definite), the dependent verb usually shifts to the imperfect subjunctive to maintain tense harmony in narrative contexts (e.g., fillova të punoja - I started to work/was starting to work).

Synthetic Inchoatives:
Some verbs, particularly reflexive verbs in the aorist, can imply the beginning of a state without an auxiliary. For example, u ul can mean 'he sat down' (the inception of the sitting state).

Examples (5)

  1. Unë filloj të mësoj shqip.

    I start to learn Albanian.

    Word by Word: I start to learn Albanian.

    A neutral use of 'filloj' in the present tense followed by the present subjunctive.

  2. Bora nisi të binte që në mëngjes.

    The snow started to fall already in the morning.

    Word by Word: The snow started to fall since in morning.

    'Nisi' (aorist) is used here for a natural process. Note the main verb 'binte' is in the imperfect subjunctive.

  3. Fëmija zuri të qante.

    The child began to cry.

    Word by Word: The child caught to cry.

    'Zuri' is a literary/idiomatic way to express a sudden onset of an action like crying.

  4. Ne do të fillojmë të punojmë nesër.

    We will start to work tomorrow.

    Word by Word: We will start to work tomorrow.

    The inchoative aspect combined with the future tense 'do të'.

  5. Ata filluan të ecnin më shpejt.

    They started to walk faster.

    Word by Word: They started to walk more fast.

    Shows the auxiliary in the aorist plural with the corresponding imperfect subjunctive.

Common Mistakes

  • The duke form is fine, but the subjunctive is the plainer choice.

    Different MeaningFilloj duke punuar.
    Filloj të punoj.

    Filloj duke punuar is heard and understood: it pictures the work already going on as it starts. Filloj të punoj is the usual, neutral way to say 'I start to work'. Both are acceptable.

  • Using the 'për të' infinitive construction.

    Nisa për të lexuar.
    Nisa të lexoja.

    While 'për të' is used for purpose, aspectual verbs strictly require the subjunctive mood.

How It Connects

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

Inchoative AspectLevel 3

Learn This First

To express the beginning of an action (inchoative aspect) in Albanian, learners typically use the verb 'filloj' (to start) or 'nis' (to begin) followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood. Therefore, a solid grasp of present tense conjugations and the subjunctive 'të' construction is essential.

Words in This Pattern

fillojniszë