Ndërsa

Ndërsa is a conjunction in Albanian that introduces adverbial clauses. It is used to express either temporal simultaneity or a contrast between two actions or states. In temporal use, ndërsa indicates that two events occur at the same time or in a parallel sense; in concessive or contrastive use, it marks a difference between the clauses.

In temporal constructions, the clause beginning with ndërsa describes something happening concurrently with the main clause. For example: Ndërsa unë lexoj, motra dëgjon muzikë. This translates to “While I read, my sister is listening to music.” The subordinate clause can be placed before or after the main clause, with a comma typically used to separate the clauses.

In contrastive or concessive usage, ndërsa signals a contrast between the two clauses. For example: Ndërsa ata duan të shkojnë, ne dëshirojmë të mbetemi. This means “While/whereas they want to go, we want to stay.” Here the sense is not merely time but a juxtaposition of differing situations or desires.

Grammar notes and nuances: ndërsa governs a subordinate clause in the indicative mood in ordinary usage, and it is compatible with both present and past tenses to reflect ongoing or completed actions. It is distinct from other Albanian conjunctions such as kur (when) or por (but), though it can overlap with them in certain contexts. Etymologically, ndërsa is a compound element drawing on ndër (between) and sa (as/how much), reinforcing its role as a connecting word for comparative or corresponding clauses.

See also: Albanian conjunctions, subordinate clauses, punctuation in Albanian.