qen
/cɕɛn/masculine
The English word "dog" is qen in Albanian.
The noun qen is used to refer to the animal known as a dog.
Meaning: animal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word qen is a masculine noun. To specify a particular dog, you use the definite form qeni to mean "the dog". If you are talking about multiple animals, the plural form is qenë. For the genitive and dative cases, which express possession ("the dog's") or direction ("to the dog"), use the form qenit.
How do you pronounce it?
/cɕɛn/
Did you know?
- Albanian has a specific phrase qen i rrezikshëm for a dangerous dog, but calling someone a qen is a common and harsh insult meaning they are low or contemptible.
- The Albanian language uses the word qen in the expression qen i vjetër, which can figuratively refer to someone who is experienced or 'an old hand' at something.
- The Albanian word qen is a relative of the English word 'canine'. Both trace their origins back to the Latin word canis.
Examples in context
- Qeni po ha.The dog is eating.This sentence shows how to use the form qen in a simple statement about an action.Tatoeba #8793651 by dq, translation #5974538 by CarpeLanam
- Nje qen vrapon pas nje mace, dhe nje mace pas nje mini.A dog runs after a cat, and the cat after a mouse.This sentence uses qen to describe a dog in a sequence of events.Tatoeba #1723485 by Ylberi, translation #239122 by al_ex_an_der
- Qeni yt ka putra të stërmëdhaja.Your dog has huge paws!This sentence demonstrates the use of the form qen when describing an attribute of the animal.Tatoeba #2365593 by iliri, translation #1350755 by Kvantumo
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elira and Alban are walking in a park and see a puppy.
- EliraShiko, sa qen i bukur!Look, what a beautiful dog!
- AlbanA është qeni yt, Elira?Is it your dog, Elira?
- EliraJo, nuk është qen i mi.No, it is not my dog.
- AlbanAtëherë kush po e mban?Then who is holding it?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries qen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries qen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
