makinë
/maˈkin(ə)/
The English word "car" is translated into Albanian as makinë. Wiktionary also lists automobil and kerr.
Meaning: automobile, a vehicle steered by a driver (noun)
Ways to say it
| Albanian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| makinë | /maˈkin(ə)/ | |
| automobil | masculine | |
| kerr | Kosovo, masculine | |
| rrabë | Macedonia |
The word refers to an automobile, a vehicle steered by a driver.
Which one should you use?
While makinë is the most common word for car, automobil is a more formal or technical term used in official contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the southern regions of Albania, such as Gjirokastër and Vlorë, automobil is used as an alternative for car. In Kosovo, the word kerr is commonly used to refer to a car. In Macedonia, the word rrabë is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the feminine noun makinë is makina. When the car is the direct object of a sentence, the feminine noun makinë takes the definite accusative form makinën. The masculine forms automobil and kerr are also available.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈkin(ə)/
Did you know?
- The word kerr comes from the Latin carrus, which originally meant 'wagon' and was rooted in an ancient Celtic word.
- The most common word for car, makinë, literally means 'machine' in Albanian. It is used for both a vehicle and any mechanical device.
Examples in context
- Ata janë në makinë.They're in the car.This sentence shows the use of makinë to indicate being inside the vehicle.Tatoeba #10828782 by janTuki, translation #2548633 by CK
- Ai ka një makinë japoneze.He has a Japanese car.This sentence demonstrates using makinë to describe the origin of a car.Tatoeba #4731246 by hajenso, translation #302252 by CK
- A mund të ngasësh një makinë?Can you drive a car?This sentence uses makinë in the context of driving a vehicle.Tatoeba #3520625 by hajenso, translation #16020 by CK
- Duhet të blej një makinë të re.I need to buy a new car.
- Makina e tij është parkuar atje.His car is parked over there.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ervin and Arjana are discussing their transportation options.
- ErvinA ku është makina jote?Where is your car?
- ArjanaMakina është në garazh.The car is in the garage.
- ErvinA mund të marr unë makinën?Can I take the car?
- ArjanaPo, mund ta përdorësh Ervin.Yes, you can use it, Ervin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “car” translations and entries makinë, automobil, kerr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kerr, makinë, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
