vëllai im
The phrase "my brother" in Albanian is translated as vëllai im.
This phrase is used to refer to a male sibling of the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun vëllai (the brother) and the possessive pronoun im (my).
Which one should you use?
While vëllai im is the standard way to say "my brother," the alternative vëllai tim is also common and expresses the same meaning in the nominative case.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form vëllai im is used when the phrase is in the nominative case (the subject position). Note that the noun vëllai will change its ending depending on the grammatical case required by the sentence.
Did you know?
- You can use the word vëlla to address a complete stranger as a friendly gesture, much like saying 'bro' in English.
- Historically, an Albanian vëlla had a social duty to protect the family's honor and land that was more important than almost any other social tie.
- The pronoun im is a distant relative of the English word 'me', both originating from the Proto-Indo-European root *me.
Examples in context
- Vëllai im e dinte për planet e mia.My brother knew about my plans.The first example shows how to use vëllai im when describing what a brother knew.Tatoeba #13735587 by ninefi, translation #13735041 by soridsolid
- Vëllai im ka një llogari në Twitter.My brother has a Twitter account.The second example demonstrates using vëllai im when talking about a brother's social media account.Tatoeba #3518967 by ecorralest101, translation #3189182 by CN
Example conversation
Ervin and Majlinda are talking about family.
- ErvinVëllai im do të vijë nesër.My brother will come tomorrow.
- MajlindaKjo është një ide e mirë.That is a good idea.
- ErvinVëllai im do të rrijë këtu.My brother will stay here.
- MajlindaMirë, do të jem shumë e lumtur.Good, I will be very happy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries im, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
