zi
/ˈzi/
The Albanian word for black is zi.
The word is used to describe the color black, which absorbs all light. While zi serves as the root, in most descriptive contexts for colors, the adjective is used in its gendered forms like i zi or e zezë.
Meaning: absorbing all light (adj)
Which one should you use?
The root zi can function as an adverb or adjective, but for describing the color of specific objects, you must use the gendered forms: i zi for masculine nouns, e zezë for feminine nouns and të zi for plural nouns.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 'black' changes based on the noun it modifies. Use i zi when modifying a masculine noun, e zezë when modifying a feminine noun and të zi when modifying plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzi/
Did you know?
- Linguists have compared zi to a Proto-Slavic root meaning 'reptile'.
- The noun zi can mean 'black' as a color, but it also refers specifically to the state of 'mourning'.
Examples in context
- e ngjeu ziIt turned blackThis sentence shows how to use zi to describe something turning black.
- bukë e zezëBlack breadThis sentence uses zezë to describe the color of bread.
- zemër e zezëBlack heartThis sentence uses zezë to describe a heart.
- Veshja e saj është e zeza.Her dress is black.
- Makina e tij është e zi.His car is black.
- Dera është zi.The door is black.
Example conversation
Ervin and Majlinda are choosing a new car.
- ErvinMë pëlqen makina zi.I like the black car.
- MajlindaËshtë shumë elegante, Ervin.It is very elegant, Ervin.
- ErvinA mendon se është shumë e zi?Do you think it is too black?
- MajlindaJo, është ngjyra perfekte.No, it is the perfect color.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “black” translations and entries zi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
