Kënaqshmërinë

Kënaqshmërinë is an Albanian noun that denotes the state of contentment or satisfaction that follows when needs, expectations, or desires are met. It can describe a personal emotional condition as well as a broader sense of well-being within a community or society. In everyday language, it is used to express a calm and positive appraisal of one’s circumstances.

Etymology and form: The term is derived from the verb kënaq, meaning to satisfy or please, with the derivational suffix -shmëri that creates abstract nouns. In Albanian, such nouns take definite forms, for example kënaqshmëria; the form kënaqshmërinë appears in grammatically determined contexts such as sentence positions that require a definite case.

Contexts and usage: Kënaqshmërinë is used across disciplines to discuss how people evaluate their lives, tasks, or outcomes. In psychology and well-being research, it relates to subjective well-being and life satisfaction. In economics and sociology, it can refer to consumer or collective contentment, influenced by material conditions, expectations, adaptation, and social factors.

Measurement and variation: Assessments of kënaqshmërinë typically rely on self-report measures of satisfaction and perceived fulfillment. Researchers distinguish between momentary satisfaction and longer-term contentment, noting that cultural norms and personal goals shape how people experience and report contentment.

See also: subjective well-being, life satisfaction, happiness, well-being.