Shtegu

Shtegu is a noun in Albanian meaning "the path" or "the way." It is the definite form of the base noun shteg, with shteg representing the indefinite form. In standard Albanian, shtegu denotes a physical route, such as a trail, track, or road, and is used for both natural and built environments.

In addition to its literal sense, shtegu can be used metaphorically to refer to a chosen course of action or a life path. This figurative usage appears in Albanian literature and everyday speech, where the term conveys direction, progression, or a way forward.

Grammatical notes are typical of Albanian nouns: shteg is masculine, and shtegu functions as the definite form when referring to a specific path. The word is part of everyday vocabulary across Albanian-speaking communities, including Albania and Kosovo, and it also appears in place names and descriptive signage in rural and urban contexts.

See also: Albanian language, toponymy, metaphor in Albanian.