Mbajmë

Mbajmë is the first-person plural present indicative form of the Albanian verb mbaj, which means to hold, carry, keep, or bear. The verb is transitive and versatile, used for concrete actions such as holding an object as well as for abstract meanings like maintaining a state, preserving a memory, or bearing responsibility.

In everyday usage, mbajmë appears across literal and figurative contexts. Examples of senses include:

- physical holding: Ne mbajmë librat në duar. We hold the books in our hands.

- keeping or maintaining: Ne mbajmë një ritëm të qetë. We maintain a calm pace.

- keeping promises or one’s word: Ne mbajmë premtimet tona. We keep our promises. Ne mbajmë fjalën. We keep our word.

- remembering: Ne mbajmë mend detajet. We remember the details.

The form mbajmë specifically marks the 1st person plural present. Other forms are built from the same root mbaj (for example, unë mbaj, ti mbash, ai/ajo mban). The verb can pair with a variety of objects and complements, and its meaning shifts with context from physical action to metaphorical obligation or persistence.

Notes on usage: mbajmë is common in both formal and informal Albanian. Its idiomatic expressions—such as mbajmë fjalën, mbajmë mend, and mbajmë premtimet—are staple parts of everyday speech and writing.