Zemër

Zemër is the Albanian noun meaning "heart." It denotes the muscular organ in the chest that pumps blood as part of the circulatory system. In everyday usage, zemër is also employed metaphorically to refer to the core or center of something and to the seat of feelings, courage, and moral character.

The definite form of the word is zemra, and the plural is zemrat. The term is pronounced with the Albanian vowel represented by the letter ë, which indicates a mid-central vocalic sound.

Etymology and classification: The origin of zemër is not fully established. It is generally treated as a native Albanian word, with no broadly agreed non-Albanian cognate. As such, it is considered part of the core vocabulary of body parts and emotions in Albanian.

Usage and cultural context: In literature, music, and everyday speech, zemër carries both literal and figurative meanings. It appears in expressions such as "zemra e një vendi" (the heart of a country), "me zemër të hapur" (with an open heart), "zemërfortë" (brave or strong-hearted), and "zemërthyer" (heartbroken). The term often conveys sincerity, emotional depth, and the human capacity for feeling and action.