kujdesi

Kujdesi is a noun in Albanian that denotes the state or act of giving attention, care, or caution. It covers both practical caregiving—looking after someone who needs help—and the broader sense of mindful, careful conduct in daily life. In everyday language, kujdesi can refer to caring for family members or patients, as well as to prudent behavior in work or public life. Examples include "kam kujdes për fëmijët" (I take care of the children), "duhet të tregoj kujdes" (one should show caution), and "kujdesi ndaj të moshuarve" (care for the elderly). The adverbial phrase "me kujdes" means "with care" or "carefully."

Etymology and form: kujdesi is the definite form of kujdes, made with the definite ending -i. The base kujdes expresses care or heed, and the definite form marks it as a specific concept or instance of care.

Usage notes: The term is neutral and widely used across Albanian dialects. The phrase "me kujdes" is common for describing careful action, while "pa kujdes" conveys negligence or lack of caution. Related terms include vëmendje (attention) in contexts emphasizing awareness, though the nuance differs from the more relational sense of care.

See also: kujdes (care, attention in general).