ndokush

Indefinite Pronouns: 'Ndokush'

Level 2

Ndokush means 'anyone' or 'anybody.' It is used when you aren't sure if a person exists, primarily in questions and 'if' statements.

How It Works

The pronoun ndokush is a compound of the prefix ndo- (derived from 'if' + 'wants') and the question word kush (who).

1. Usage Contexts:

  • Questions: Used to ask if any person is present or involved. (e.g., 'Is anyone there?')
  • Conditionals: Used after nëse or po (if). (e.g., 'If anyone calls...')
  • Comparisons: Used when comparing someone to a non-specific 'anyone else.'

2. Declension:
It follows the same declension pattern as kush:

  • Nominative: ndokush (anyone - subject)
  • Accusative: ndokë (anyone - direct object)
  • Dative/Genitive: ndokujt (to/of anyone)
  • Ablative: ndokujt (from anyone)

3. Distinction from 'Askush':
In English, we use 'anyone' in negative sentences ('I don't see anyone'). In a plain negated clause, Albanian uses askush (no one) with double negation instead.

Examples (5)

  1. A ka ndokush këtu?

    Is anyone here?

    Word by Word: A has anyone here?

    A classic use of 'ndokush' in a yes/no question.

  2. Nëse vjen ndokush, më thuaj.

    If anyone comes, tell me.

    Word by Word: If comes anyone, me tell.

    In conditional 'if' clauses, 'ndokush' is used because the existence of the person is uncertain.

  3. A e pa ndokë në rrugë?

    Did he see anyone on the street?

    Word by Word: A him saw anyone in street?

    This uses the accusative form 'ndokë' as the direct object of the verb.

  4. Nuk besoj se ndokush mund ta bëjë këtë.

    I don't believe that anyone can do this.

    Word by Word: Not believe that anyone can it do this.

    Used here in a non-assertive context expressing doubt.

  5. I dha ndokujt çelësin?

    Did he give the key to anyone?

    Word by Word: Him gave to-anyone key-the?

    This uses the dative form 'ndokujt' as the indirect object.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'ndokush' in negative sentences.

    Nuk pashë ndokë.
    Nuk pashë askënd.

    In Albanian, negative sentences require the negative pronoun 'askush' (or its accusative form 'askënd'), not 'ndokush.'

  • Using the nominative 'ndokush' as a direct object.

    A takove ndokush?
    A takove ndokë?

    Like the word 'kush,' 'ndokush' must change to 'ndokë' when it is the object of a verb.

How It Connects

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

ndokushLevel 2Indefinite Pronouns: 'Ndokush'

Learn This First

To understand 'ndokush' (anyone/someone), learners must first be familiar with the base interrogative pronoun 'kush' (who) from which it is formed. Additionally, since 'ndokush' is typically used in questions and negative statements, learners need to know how to construct basic questions and use negation markers like 'nuk'.