disa
Indefinite Plural with 'Disa'
In Albanian, disa is the standard way to say 'some' or 'a few' when talking about countable things. It functions like a plural version of the indefinite article 'një'.
How It Works
The word disa is a fundamental determiner for Level 1 learners. It is used to indicate an unspecified but limited quantity of countable items.
Key rules for usage:
- Position: It must be placed immediately before the noun.
- Noun Form: The noun must be in the indefinite plural form (e.g., libra), not the definite form (e.g., librat).
- Gender Neutrality: It is used for both masculine and feminine nouns without changing its ending.
- Countability: It is strictly used for countable nouns. For uncountable nouns (like 'some water'), different words or structures are used.
While disa is the standard form, you may also hear the word ca in informal speech. However, disa is preferred in writing and formal contexts.
Examples (4)
- Disa studentë janë në klasë.
Some students are in the class.
Word by Word: Some students are in class.
Here, 'disa' precedes the masculine plural noun 'studentë'.
- Kam blerë disa libra të rinj.
I have bought some new books.
Word by Word: I-have bought some books of new.
Note that 'libra' is the indefinite plural form. The adjective 'të rinj' also agrees in the plural.
- Në kopsht ka disa lule të bukura.
In the garden there are a few beautiful flowers.
Word by Word: In garden has some flowers of beautiful.
Even though 'lule' is feminine, 'disa' remains the same.
- Ai ka disa pyetje për ju.
He has some questions for you.
Word by Word: He has some questions for you.
A common way to express an indefinite number of abstract countable things like 'questions'.
Common Mistakes
Using the definite plural form of the noun after 'disa'.
disa libratdisa libraBecause 'disa' is an indefinite marker, the noun must stay in the indefinite form. Adding the definite suffix '-t' or '-te' is incorrect.
Trying to change the gender of 'disa' to match the noun.
diso vajzadisa vajza'Disa' is invariable for gender. Do not change the final '-a' to match masculine or feminine nouns.
Using 'disa' with a singular noun.
disa libërnjë libër'Disa' is strictly plural. If you mean 'a book', you must use the singular indefinite article 'një'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'disa' (some/a few) correctly, a learner must first understand how to form the plural stems of both masculine and feminine nouns, as 'disa' always precedes the indefinite plural form of the noun.
- -ë / -a / -eMasculine Plural Endings
Learners must know how to form masculine plural nouns before using 'disa' with them.
Foundations - -a / -eFeminine Plural Endings
Learners must know how to form feminine plural nouns before using 'disa' with them.
Foundations - njëIndefinite Article 'Një'
Understanding the concept of indefiniteness in the singular (një) provides the conceptual foundation for the plural indefinite marker 'disa'.
Foundations
Related Patterns
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.