ndjenjat

Ndjenjat is the Albanian term for feelings, emotions, and sensations. It refers to subjective experiences that arise from internal states such as desires, memories, and moods, as well as from external stimuli. The concept covers both emotional experiences, such as joy, sadness, or anger, and physical sensations, such as pain, warmth, or fatigue. In everyday speech ndjenjat are used to express attitudes, evaluations, and responses to situations.

Etymology and usage: The word ndjenjë is derived from the verb ndjej, “to feel.” The plural form ndjenjat is used to speak of multiple feelings or sensations, while ndjenjë refers to a single feeling or sensation. The term is common across many registers, from informal conversation to literature and philosophy.

Scope and significance: In psychology and philosophy, ndjenjat describe the subjective aspect of human experience that accompanies cognition and perception. They influence decisions, social behavior, and moral judgments, and can be conscious or unconscious. While closely linked to bodily states, ndjenjat are distinguished by their experiential, evaluative, and often expressive character.

Cultural context: In Albanian culture and literature, ndjenjat are a central theme in expressions of empathy, love, grief, and solidarity. Language frequently uses ndjenjat to convey attitudes toward other people, events, and values, reflecting the integral role of felt experience in everyday life.

See also: Albanian language; ndjej (to feel).