burim

Burim is a word in Albanian meaning source or origin; it can also refer to a natural spring or fountain. In addition, it is used metaphorically to denote the source of information or evidence, for example burimi i informacionit. In Albanian grammar, burim is a masculine noun; the plural form is burime, and the definite forms are burimi (singular) and burimet (plural). The term is widely used in journalism, literature, and daily speech to indicate provenance or basis.

Beyond common usage, burim functions as a personal name and surname in Albanian-speaking communities. It may appear as a given name for boys or as a family name, reflecting the meaning of source or origin.

In toponymy, burim appears as a component of place names, often signaling the presence of a spring or water source in the area. This makes it a common element in rural and mountainous regions.

As a concept, burim is central to discussions about sources of water in geography and environmental science, and about the sources of knowledge in philosophy, science, and media. The term is native to Albanian and is not borrowed, though it can be encountered in translated texts to denote "source" in a wide sense.