kos
/kɔs/masculine
The English word yogurt is translated into Albanian as kos or jogurt.
Meaning: a milk-based product thickened by a bacterium-aided curdling process (noun)
Ways to say it
| Albanian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kos | /kɔs/ | masculine |
| jogurt | masculine |
Both terms refer to a milk-based product thickened by a bacterium-aided curdling process.
Which one should you use?
While both mean yogurt, kos is the traditional term used for the standard, plain yogurt common in the Balkans, whereas jogurt often refers to more modern, flavored or commercial varieties.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun kos can be modified to indicate definiteness. To say 'the yogurt' in the nominative case, you add the definite suffix '-i' to get kosi. When 'the yogurt' is the direct object of a sentence, the word changes to kosin.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /kɔs/.
Did you know?
- The term kos is linguistically linked to the Proto-Slavic word for 'leaven', meaning the word originally described the 'sour' quality of fermented liquids.
- In traditional Albanian cuisine, kos is not just a snack but a primary ingredient in 'dhallë', a salty yogurt drink served with almost every meal.
- In some rural areas, the process of making kos involves using a wooden vessel or a 'starter' from a previous batch, a tradition passed down through generations.
Examples in context
- Një kosh me kos është në frigorifer.A bowl of yogurt is in the fridge.
- Dua pak kos me mjaltë.I want some yogurt with honey.
- A e ha ti kos në mëngjes?Do you eat yogurt in the morning?
Example conversation
Elira and Klodian are deciding what to have for a snack.
- EliraKlodian, a dëshiron pak kos?Klodian, would you like some yogurt?
- KlodianPo, faleminderit Elira.Yes, thank you Elira.
- EliraDo t'i vendos pak mjaltë në kos.I will put some honey in the yogurt.
- KlodianKjo tingëllon shumë mirë.That sounds very good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yogurt” translations and entries kos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
