-im

Nominalization with -im

Level 4

The suffix -im is the primary way to create masculine abstract nouns from the largest class of Albanian verbs (those ending in -oj). It typically describes the result of an action (e.g., 'a thought') or the action itself (e.g., 'teaching').

How It Works

Nominalization with -im is a highly productive process in Standard Albanian. It is the standard method for deriving nouns from several vowel-stem verb groups.

1. Formation:
The process involves removing the present tense ending and attaching -im to the stem. This applies to:

  • -oj verbs: Mendoj (I think) → Mend- + -im = Mendim (A thought)
  • -ej verbs: Kthej (I return) → Kth- + -im = Kthim (A return)
  • -uaj verbs: Paguaj (I pay) → Pag- + -im = Pagim (A payment)

2. Stress and Pronunciation:
According to the rules of word stress, the stress in these nouns falls directly on the suffix: mendím, kthím, pagím.

3. Meaning and Nuance:
While the suffix -je often emphasizes the ongoing process, -im tends to focus on the result or the completed act. For example, mësim (lesson) is the result of the act of teaching/learning (mësoj).

4. Grammatical Properties:
Nouns formed with -im are masculine in the singular but exhibit a unique plural behavior:

  • Singular: They use masculine definite suffixes (mësimi).
  • Plural: They use the -e plural ending (mësime).
  • Agreement Shift: In the plural, these nouns trigger feminine agreement for adjectives. For example: një mendim i ri (a new thought) becomes mendime të reja (new thoughts).

Examples (4)

  1. Ky punim kërkon shumë kohë.

    This work (paper/study) requires a lot of time.

    Word by Word: This work requires much time.

    'Punim' is derived from 'punoj' (to work) and functions as a masculine noun.

  2. Mësimi fillon në orën tetë.

    The lesson starts at eight o'clock.

    Word by Word: The lesson starts in hour eight.

    'Mësimi' is the definite form of 'mësim', derived from 'mësoj' (to learn/teach).

  3. Kemi nevojë për një sqarim të mëtejshëm.

    We need a further explanation.

    Word by Word: We have need for an explanation of further.

    'Sqarim' comes from 'sqaroj' (to explain). Note the masculine linking article 'të' used with the adjective.

  4. Ai ka një mendim ndryshe.

    He has a different opinion (thought).

    Word by Word: He has a thought differently.

    'Mendim' is the nominalized form of 'mendoj' (to think).

Common Mistakes

  • Using -im for consonant-stem verbs.

    hapim
    hapje

    The suffix -im is primarily for vowel-stem verbs like those in -oj, -ej, and -uaj. For consonant-stem verbs like 'hap' (to open), the feminine suffix -je is typically used instead.

  • Using masculine adjective agreement in the plural.

    mësime të mirë
    mësime të mira

    While -im nouns are masculine in the singular, they take the plural ending -e. In Standard Albanian, masculine nouns that end in -e in the plural trigger feminine agreement for adjectives and linking articles.

  • Using the wrong definite article suffix.

    mësimja
    mësimi

    Because these nouns are masculine, the definite singular suffix is -i, not the feminine -ja.

How It Connects

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

-imLevel 4Nominalization with -im

Learn This First

To understand nominalization with -im, learners must first be familiar with the verb stems from which these nouns are derived (primarily -oj verbs). Since the resulting nouns are masculine, knowledge of masculine noun gender and their corresponding definite articles is required to use these new words in sentences.

Words in This Pattern

-im