i dobët
The English word 'skinny' can be translated into Albanian as i dobët.
i dobët is used to describe someone who is thin, but it is more frequently used to mean 'weak' in terms of physical strength or health.
Meaning: thin (adj)
Which one should you use?
While i dobët can mean thin, it carries a connotation of weakness. To describe a person's physical build as 'thin' or 'slender' without implying weakness, it is more common to use i hollë.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective takes the form të dobët when used in the plural or when preceded by certain particles.
Did you know?
- The root of i dobët is surprisingly linked to the concept of being 'comfortable' or 'easy', stemming from the Proto-Slavic word for 'good'.
- In Albanian, the adjective i hollë can also be used to describe things that are 'narrow' or 'fine', such as a thread or a street.
- The word dobësi derives from the same root as i dobët and refers to a general 'weakness' or 'flaw'.
Examples in context
- Ai është shumë hollëHe is very skinny
- Ai është shumë i dobët.He is very skinny.
- Pse është ai kaq i dobët?Why is he so skinny?
Example conversation
Arjana and Klodian are discussing a mutual acquaintance.
- ArjanaA e ke parë lajmin për atë djalë?Did you hear the news about that boy?
- KlodianJo, po pse?No, why?
- ArjanaAi është bërë shumë i dobët nga sëmundja.He has become very skinny from the illness.
- KlodianOh, kjo është shumë e trishtueshme.Oh, that is very sad.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dobët, CC BY-SA 4.0.
