Katërta

Katërta is a term found in the Albanian language with several grammatical and lexical uses. In grammar, katërta functions as the feminine singular form of the ordinal meaning “the fourth.” It is used to modify feminine nouns in certain dialects and historical styles, but in modern standard Albanian the preferred forms for determining gender and definiteness can vary, and speakers often use other constructions such as masculine ordinals or compound forms depending on context. As a result, katërta is more commonly encountered in literary, archaic, or regional varieties than in everyday speech.

As a noun, katërta can denote a quarter or one-fourth of a whole, especially in older texts or in specific contexts such as mathematical or statistical discussion where the sense of “one of four equal parts” is intended. This usage aligns with the general relationship between the root for four (katër) and the suffix -ta in forming related nouns and adjectives.

In addition to grammar and counting, katërta may appear in certain proper names, phrases, or ceremonial expressions within Albanian-speaking communities, reflecting historical usage or regional tradition. Its presence in contemporary texts tends to be limited to discussions of language history, literature, or dialectal variation rather than routine everyday language.

See also: Albanian language; ordinal numerals; numbers in Albanian.