vëlla
/vəˈɫa/
The Albanian word for brother is vëlla.
vëlla is a noun used to refer to a male sibling.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The definite form vëllai is used when you are referring to a specific brother. To indicate possession by multiple brothers, use the genitive plural form vëllash.
How do you pronounce it?
/vəˈɫa/
Did you know?
- In Albanian culture, vëlla is often used as a term of endearment or solidarity between close male friends, even if they are not related by blood.
- While many European languages use a word related to the Proto-Indo-European root 'bher', the Albanian vëlla is thought to be a unique compound meaning 'one's own born'.
Examples in context
- Gratë shqiptare nuk dalin nga shtëpia pa Burrin, Babanë, Vëllain ose Bijtë e tyre.Albanian women do not leave the house without their Husband, Father, Brother or Sons.This sentence shows the use of vëlla in a list of male family members.Tatoeba #10003018 by QAzaqQA, translation #10003019 by QAzaqQA
- A ke një vëlla binjak?Do you have a twin brother?This sentence uses vëlla to ask about having a twin.Tatoeba #4731358 by hajenso, translation #2240444 by Hybrid
- Vëllai im e dinte për planet e mia.My brother knew about my plans.This sentence demonstrates the use of the word in a sentence about a brother's knowledge.Tatoeba #13735587 by ninefi, translation #13735041 by soridsolid
- Unë kam një vëlla i cili është shumë i zgjuar.I have a brother who is very intelligent.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Klodian and Arjana are talking about family members over coffee.
- KlodianA ke ndonjë vëlla?Do you have a brother?
- ArjanaPo, unë kam një vëlla të madh.Yes, I have an older brother.
- KlodianA jeton vëllai yt në Tiranë?Does your brother live in Tirana?
- ArjanaJo, ai jeton në Durrës.No, he lives in Durrës.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brother” translations and entries vëlla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vëlla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
