afërmash

Afërmash is an Albanian noun that denotes relatives or kin, referring to people connected by blood or marriage. It is typically used to describe the extended family network and can be applied to a group of relatives rather than to a single person. The term conveys the sense of closeness associated with family ties.

The etymology of afërmash is linked to the root afër, meaning near or close, with a suffix that marks a collective or plural sense. This reflects the idea of kin who are part of one’s close social circle.

In everyday usage, afërmash appears when speaking about relatives in general or about a particular subset of kin. Phrases such as “afërmash të ngushtë” are used to refer to close relatives, while references to the wider kin network appear in discussions of family events, responsibilities, or social obligations common in Albanian-speaking communities.

Culturally, the concept of afërmash highlights the importance of kinship and reciprocal support within traditional Albanian society. Extended family networks often play a central role in social life, including hospitality, ceremonies, and mutual aid during life events such as weddings and funerals. The term is widely understood across Albanian dialects and registers and appears in both informal speech and formal writing.

See also: Albanian language, kinship terms, family.