bandë
feminine
In Albanian, the word for 'gang' (a group of criminals who band together for mutual protection) is bandë.
The term bandë refers to a group of criminals working together. You may also encounter the word Gangster to refer to a person who is a gangster.
Meaning: group of criminals who band together for mutual protection (noun)
Which one should you use?
Grup kriminal is used to refer to a criminal group, and Banda is an informal term used to refer to a group of friends or peers.
Did you know?
- The word bandë is also used to describe a physical strip or band of color, such as a stripe on a national flag.
- In historical Albanian literature, bandë often described mountain rebels or bandits rather than the organized crime syndicates we recognize today.
- In certain contexts, the word bandë can also refer to a musical ensemble or a traveling band of performers. This shift from a criminal connotation to an artistic one depends entirely on the setting.
Examples in context
- Ju lutem mbani sytë hapur për bandat kriminale në qytet!Please remain vigilant for criminal gangs in the city!
- Banda e rinisë organizoi evenimentin më të madh të vitit.The youth gang organized the biggest event of the year.
- Grupi kriminal ka ndërmarrë veprime për të shkelur ligjin.The criminal group has taken actions to violate the law.
- Policia arrestoi një bandë të rrezikshme.The police arrested a dangerous gang.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a news report about local crime.
- ArjanaA dëgove për atë bandë të re?Did you hear about that new gang?
- KlodianPo, ajo bandë po bën shumë rrëmujë.Yes, that gang is making a lot of trouble.
- ArjanaDuhet të kemi kujdes në qytet.We must be careful in the city.
- KlodianKe të drejtë, Arjana.You are right, Arjana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gang” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
