Mbarë

Mbarë is an Albanian word with several related senses centered on the notions of well-being, wholeness, or good condition. In standard Albanian it is primarily used as an adverb meaning “well” or “properly” and as an adjective meaning “good” or “sound” when describing the state of something. It also functions as a fixed particle in certain expressions that convey evaluation, blessing, or completion, and it has a stronger literary or archaic flavor compared with the everyday term mirë.

Usage and distribution: Mbarë is more typical of formal, historical, or dialectal Albanian. In everyday speech, mirë is the predominant term for general “good” or “well,” and mbarë tends to appear in set phrases, proverbs, religious language, or stylistic writing. Its presence in modern usage is thus more restrained, often signaling a traditional or emphatic tone.

Etymology and related forms: The word is traditionally linked with concepts of ending or completeness and is cognate with related forms such as mbarim, meaning ending or completion.

Variation and dialect: Some Albanian dialects retain broader senses of mbarë, including emphasis on thoroughness or totality, and it may appear in poetic, liturgical, or archaising contexts.

See also: Albanian language.