-ij
Present Tense: -ij Verbs
The -ij verbs are a regular sub-group of the First Conjugation in Albanian. They include common verbs like fshij (to sweep/erase) and arrij (to arrive).
How It Works
Verbs ending in -ij are part of the First Conjugation, which is characterized by the 1st person singular ending in -j.
1. The Stem vs. The Ending
Unlike verbs where the vowel changes, the -i in these verbs is stable because it is part of the root. For example, in arrij (to arrive), the stem is arri- and the ending is -j.
2. Conjugation Pattern
The endings are: -j, -n, -n, -jmë, -ni, -jnë.
- Unë arrij (I arrive)
- Ti arrin (You arrive) - The stem -i and ending -n merge.
- Ai/Ajo arrin (He/She arrives)
- Ne arrijmë (We arrive)
- Ju arrini (You all arrive) - Note: the -j- is dropped here.
- Ata/Ato arrijnë (They arrive)
3. Why it matters
Learners often confuse these with short vowel verbs like pi (to drink). However, -ij verbs are longer and always keep the -j in the 'Unë' form, whereas pi does not (Unë pi vs. Unë fshij).
Examples (4)
- Unë arrij në shkollë në orën tetë.
I arrive at school at eight o'clock.
Word by Word: I arrive in school at hour eight.
Shows the 1st person singular form 'arrij' with the characteristic -j ending.
- Ajo e fshin tabelën pas mësimit.
She wipes the board after the lesson.
Word by Word: She it wipes board-the after lesson-the.
Shows the 3rd person singular 'fshin', where the stem -i and ending -n combine.
- Dimrit, uji ngrin shpejt në male.
In winter, the water freezes quickly in the mountains.
Word by Word: Winter-the, water-the freezes fast in mountains.
The verb 'ngrij' (to freeze) follows the -ij pattern.
- Ne i fshijmë dritaret çdo javë.
We wipe the windows every week.
Word by Word: We them wipe windows-the every week.
Shows the 1st person plural 'fshijmë'.
Common Mistakes
Dropping the -j in the first person singular.
Unë arri në shtëpi.Unë arrij në shtëpi.Learners often confuse -ij verbs with verbs like 'pi' (to drink). In the -ij group, the -j is mandatory for the 'I' form.
Keeping the -j in the 2nd person plural.
Ju fshijni dyshemenë.Ju fshini dyshemenë.In the 'Ju' (you all) form, the -j- is dropped before the -ni ending.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- -ojPresent Tense: -oj Verbs
-ij verbs share the same ending set as the much larger -oj verb group.
Foundations - Verbs Ending in Vowels
These are often confused with -ij verbs but do not take a -j in the first person singular.
Level 1 - Aorist: Regular -i Stems
Understanding the -i stem in the present helps you form the past tense (Aorist) correctly.
Level 2 - unë / ti / ai / ajoSingular Personal Pronouns
Personal pronouns are used to determine which -ij ending to apply.
Foundations
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice -ij in Bubblegum
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