Züri

Zëri is the Albanian noun meaning “the voice” or “the sound.” It comes from the root zë, which denotes vocal sound or tone, and is used in a wide range of contexts to refer to a person’s voice, the quality of a vocal instrument, or the sound produced by speech and singing. Grammatically, zëri is the definite form of zë, used for a specific voice, as in zëri im (my voice) or zëri yt (your voice). In music and performance, the term describes vocal timbre or the singing voice, and in everyday language it can also convey the manner or authority with which something is spoken.

In figurative usage, zëri often denotes expression, opinion, or public voice. It appears in phrases such as zëri i popullit, meaning “the voice of the people,” which is common in Albanian political discourse and literature. The form Zëri i Popullit has historical significance as the title of a major Albanian-language newspaper in the 20th century, representing an official or collective voice of the time.

Beyond its linguistic uses, zëri is a common element in media and cultural naming, appearing in the titles of radio programs, magazines, and other publications in Albanian-speaking communities. Its straightforward meaning—voice or sound—allows it to function as a versatile metaphor for expression, identity, and communicative power. See also zë, the base form, and related Albanian terms for voice and sound.