What does it mean word for word?
ngushëllime literally means condolences. In Më vjen keq për humbjen tuaj, Më vjen keq is the Albanian way of saying I am sorry and humbjen is the loss.
Which one should you use?
tuaj is the polite or plural your, used with strangers, elders and in writing. tënde is the informal your, used with a friend or family member, as in Më vjen keq për humbjen tënde.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
I pranoni ngushëllimet e mia, please accept my condolences, is a more formal and polite way to express sympathy, suitable for written messages or formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say I send my condolences, use the definite plural ngushëllimet with the possessive e mia, my, as in Të dërgoj ngushëllimet e mia.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Match your to the person you are speaking to. Use tuaj for someone you would address politely and tënde only for someone close to you.
When do people say it?
Ngushëllime! is what people say when they visit a grieving family or meet the bereaved in person. A short written message to the family can use Ngushëllime të sinqerta për humbjen tuaj.
Did you know?
- The word for loss, humbjen, is used for both the death of a person and for common accidents like losing your keys.
- Beyond ngushëllime, Albanians may say U bëftë dritë, which translates to a wish that the soul of the deceased finds light.
- In many traditional Albanian social settings, simply saying ngushëllime is often accompanied by a specific, solemn handshake or a slight bow of the head to show respect to the bereaved.
Examples in context
- Të dërgoj ngushëllimet e mia të përzemërta.I send you my heartfelt condolences.
Example conversation
Tea is visiting Klodian to offer sympathy after his father's passing.
- TeaPranoj ngushëllimet e mia të sinqerta, Klodian.Accept my sincere condolences, Klodian.
- KlodianFaleminderit shumë, Tea.Thank you very much, Tea.
- TeaJam këtu nëse ke nevojë për diçka.I am here if you need anything.
- KlodianVërtet e vlerësoj këtë.I really appreciate it.
