shalqi
/ʃalˈci/
The English phrase 'watermelon' is translated into Albanian as shalqi. Wiktionary also lists bostan.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Albanian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| shalqi | /ʃalˈci/ | |
| bostan | /bɔsˈtan/ | masculine |
Which one should you use?
bostan is a masculine noun used to refer to the same fruit.
How does it change in a sentence?
For the definite genitive case (meaning 'of the watermelon'), the form is shalqit. To refer to multiple watermelons in the plural definite form, use shalqet.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃalˈci/
Did you know?
- The word bostan comes from a Persian word meaning 'garden' or 'orchard' rather than the fruit itself.
- The term bostan carries a more formal or classical weight due to its Ottoman Turkish and Persian origins, compared to the more common everyday term shalqi.
- In some Albanian dialects, the distinction between shalqi and bostan can shift, with one word occasionally referring to the melon family generally rather than just the watermelon.
Examples in context
- Ju lutem, mund të më sillni një fetë karpuzi?Excuse me, can you bring me a slice of watermelon?
- A ke provuar karpuzin e freskët sot?Have you tasted the fresh watermelon today?
- Shalqi është shumë i ëmbël.The watermelon is very sweet.
- A kemi shalqi në frigorifer?Do we have watermelon in the refrigerator?
Example conversation
Dritan and Majlinda are at a summer market.
- DritanMajlinda, shiko këtë shalqi!Majlinda, look at this watermelon!
- MajlindaDuket shumë i mirë dhe i kuq.It looks very good and red.
- DritanLe ta blejmë këtë shalqi tani.Let's buy this watermelon now.
- MajlindaPo, është ide e mirë, Dritan.Yes, it is a good idea, Dritan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “watermelon” translations and entries shalqi, bostan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bostan, shalqi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
