për

Preposition 'Për'

Foundations

The preposition për is one of the most common words in Albanian. It primarily translates to 'for' in English, but it also covers 'about' (topic), 'towards' (destination), and 'for' (duration).

How It Works

The preposition për is a foundational building block of Albanian grammar. Because it is so versatile, understanding its different 'jobs' is essential for basic communication.

1. Purpose and Benefit
Just like the English 'for', it shows who receives something or why an action happens.
Example: Kjo është për ty (This is for you).

2. Destination and Direction
When used with verbs of motion, it indicates where you are going. It often pairs with the preposition në to form për në (towards/to).
Example: Nisemi për në Tiranë (We are leaving for Tirana).

3. Topic or Subject
In many contexts, për translates to 'about'.
Example: Flasim për librin (We talk about the book).

4. Duration of Time
It marks a total period of time.
Example: Për dy orë (For two hours).

5. Perspective and Opinion
It is used to express a personal viewpoint, similar to 'for me' or 'in my opinion'.
Example: Për mua, ky libër është i mirë (For me/In my opinion, this book is good).

6. Expressing Purpose with Verbs (The Infinitive)
To say 'in order to' or 'to' do something, Albanian uses the construction për të followed by the participle form of the verb. This is the standard way to form an infinitive of purpose.
Example: Erdha për të punuar (I came to work/in order to work).

7. Grammar Rule: The Accusative Case
Crucially, për always governs the Definite Accusative or Indefinite Accusative case. This means the noun endings will change (e.g., libër becomes librin).

Examples (4)

  1. Kjo dhuratë është për mamin.

    This gift is for mom.

    Word by Word: This gift is for mom-the.

    Here 'për' shows purpose/benefit. 'Mamin' is the accusative definite form of 'mami'.

  2. Ne flasim për Shqipërinë.

    We talk about Albania.

    Word by Word: We talk for Albania-the.

    In this context, 'për' functions as 'about' to indicate the topic of conversation.

  3. Treni u nis për në Prishtinë.

    The train left for Prishtina.

    Word by Word: Train-the was started for in Prishtina.

    Using 'për në' indicates the destination of the movement.

  4. E bleva këtë për dhjetë euro.

    I bought this for ten euros.

    Word by Word: It (I) bought this for ten euros.

    'Për' is used here to indicate the price or exchange value.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the Nominative case instead of the Accusative after 'për'.

    Libri është për djali.
    Libri është për djalin.

    In Standard Albanian, 'për' must be followed by the accusative case. 'Djali' is nominative; 'djalin' is the correct accusative form.

  • Confusing 'për' with 'në' for simple locations.

    Jam për shtëpi.
    Jam në shtëpi.

    Use 'në' for being AT a location. Use 'për' only if you are headed TOWARDS that location or if something is intended FOR the house.

How It Connects

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përFoundationsPreposition 'Për'

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