qepë
/cɛpə/
The Albanian word for onion is qepë.
qepë is used to refer to the bulb vegetable known as an onion.
Meaning: bulb (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
qepë is a feminine noun. This specific form is used for both the singular (one onion) and the plural (multiple onions).
How do you pronounce it?
/cɛpə/
Did you know?
- The word qepë is thought to be a distant relative of the Ancient Greek word kápia, which actually referred to garlic rather than an onion.
- Albanian cuisine frequently uses qepë as a foundational base for slow-cooked meats, where it is often sautéed until completely translucent to create a sweet profile.
- In certain northern Albanian dialects, such as Gheg, the word is pronounced as kepë, preserving a 'k' sound that vanished in the standard version.
Examples in context
- Një qepë e kuqeOne red onion
- Disa qepë të freskëtaSome fresh onions
- Kam nevojë për një qepë të madheI need a large onion
- Kam blerë pak shallotë në supermarketI bought some shallots at the supermarket
- Unë kam një qepë në kuzhinë.I have an onion in the kitchen.
- A të duhet një qepë për supën?Do you need an onion for the soup?
- Kjo qepë është shumë e madhe.This onion is very big.
Example conversation
Arjana and Klodian are preparing dinner together.
- ArjanaKlodian, a mbeti qepë në shportë?Klodian, is there any onion left in the basket?
- KlodianPo, kam një qepë të madhe këtu.Yes, I have one large onion here.
- ArjanaMirë, të lutem prite imët.Good, please chop it finely.
- KlodianDo e bëj menjëherë.I will do it right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry qepë, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries qepë, CC BY-SA 4.0.
