banjë

Banjë is a term in the Albanian language that primarily denotes a bath, a bathing facility, or a bathroom. In standard Albanian, banjë refers to a room or place for washing and bathing, including a tub or shower area, and is used in everyday speech as well as in public signage and architecture.

In addition to its common noun usage, Banjë is also used as a toponym. Several settlements in Albania bear the name Banjë, typically small villages or rural communities. The toponym is believed to derive from the presence or historical use of a bath or water source in or near the location, a common pattern in Albanian place-naming that links places to natural features or amenities.

Historical records for individual Banjë locations vary, and the name can appear in different counties or regions. Because of that, there is no single, central administrative entity associated with the name; instead, the term points to multiple distinct locales.

Cultural context explains why the concept of a bath has significance in many communities, and toponyms like Banjë reflect the social importance of water for daily life, health, and gathering spaces. Modern usage continues in everyday Albanian as well as in place names.