Butë

Butë is a term in the Albanian language that functions as an adjective meaning "soft" or "gentle." It is used to describe physical properties such as texture, as in soft fabric or a soft touch, as well as auditory qualities like a soft sound, and figurative qualities such as a gentle mood or demeanor. In standard Albanian, adjectives agree with the gender and number of the noun they modify, so butë appears in forms that align with the noun’s gender and plurality in connected speech or writing.

The word is common across Albanian dialects and registers, appearing in everyday speech as well as in literary and journalistic prose. Its usage covers descriptive language, tone-setting, and character portrayal, making it a versatile term in both descriptive and narrative contexts.

In relation to other Albanian terms, butë should not be confused with butër, the standard Albanian word for butter; the two are unrelated in meaning, though they are similar in spelling. Butë is an ordinary vocabulary item rather than a proper noun; it does not denote a place, person, or organization in standard usage.

See also: butër (butter), Albanian grammar, Albanian adjectives, soft in translation dictionaries.