u + Verb

Reflexive Verbs with 'U'

Level 1

The particle u is used to turn an active verb into a non-active one (like 'I washed' vs. 'I washed myself') specifically in the Past Definite (Aorist) and in commands. It is not used in the Imperfect or compound tenses.

How It Works

The 'u' pattern is essential for expressing actions where the subject is affected by the verb. It is important to note that this particle is only used in specific moods and tenses.

1. The Past Definite (Aorist)
In the Past Definite, the particle u is placed immediately before the verb.

Active: Lava (I washed)
Non-active: U lava (I washed myself / I was washed)

Note: In the 3rd person singular, the active ending is usually dropped (e.g., lau becomes u la).

2. The Imperative (Commands)
When giving a command to someone to do something to themselves, -u is attached as a suffix to the verb stem.

Singular: Verb + -u (e.g., Lahu! - Wash yourself!)
Plural: Verb + -uni (e.g., Lahuni! - Wash yourselves!)

3. What to avoid
Do not use u for all past actions:

In the Imperfect Tense, non-active meanings are formed with special endings (e.g., lahesha - I was washing myself) rather than the particle u.
In compound tenses like the Present Perfect, the particle u is not used; instead, the auxiliary verb changes from kam to jam (e.g., Jam larë - I have been washed/I have washed myself).

Examples (5)

Dritarja u thye nga era.
The window was broken by the wind.
Word by Word: The window (it) broke from the wind.
Here, 'u' indicates a passive/middle action where the window is the receiver of the breaking.
Ata u panë në rrugë.
They saw each other in the street.
Word by Word: They (particle) saw in street.
In this context, 'u' expresses a reciprocal action between two or more people.
Vishu shpejt!
Get dressed quickly!
Word by Word: Dress-yourself quickly!
In the imperative, the 'u' becomes a suffix attached to the verb stem 'vish-'.
Unë u lava sot në mëngjes.
I washed myself this morning.
Word by Word: I (particle) washed today in morning.
A standard reflexive use in the past definite tense.
Libri u shkrua në vitin 1990.
The book was written in the year 1990.
Word by Word: The book (particle) wrote in year 1990.
Notice the 3rd person singular form 'shkrua' (passive) vs the active 'shkroi' (he wrote).

Common Mistakes

Using 'u' with present tense endings.
Unë u lahem.
Unë lahem.
The particle 'u' is not used in the present tense. The present tense uses specific non-active endings like -em, -esh, -et.
Forgetting to drop the active ending in the 3rd person singular past definite.
Dera u hapu.
Dera u hap.
In the 3rd person singular past definite, the active ending (like -u or -i) is typically removed when the 'u' particle is added.

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u + VerbLevel 1Reflexive Verbs with 'U'

Learn This First

To understand reflexive verbs in Albanian, you first need to be comfortable with basic personal pronouns and standard verb conjugations. Since reflexive meanings are often marked by the particle 'u' or specific endings that change the relationship between the subject and the object, familiarity with how clitics work in Albanian sentences provides a necessary foundation for correct word order and usage.

eAccusative Clitic 'E'
The use of the particle 'u' in reflexive constructions functions similarly to clitic placement, making familiarity with clitics helpful for syntax.
Level 1

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