njëri

Njëri is a masculine singular form in Albanian that functions mainly as a numeral or pronoun meaning “one” or “a single.” It is used to single out a specific member of a group, often in contrast with others. Common constructions include phrases like “njëri nga ta” (one of them), “njëri prej tyre” (one of them), and simple statements such as “njëri po vjen” (one is coming). In these uses, njëri helps to identify a particular element without introducing a new noun.

In standard Albanian, njëri is masculine and typically associated with a singular referent. When referring to a female referent or in feminine contexts, other forms are employed according to dialect and syntax. The word is often encountered in combination with other pronouns or nouns to express distribution and selection among several options or people.

Etymologically, njëri is formed from the numeral një (“one”) with a suffix that in Albanian participates in creating determiner-like or nominal forms. The sound change and morphology connect it to related words that convey specificity or individuation, and it frequently appears in set phrases that distinguish a single member within a larger group.

Related terms in Albanian include tjetri (the other) and njeri (person), which coexist in usage to describe single items or individuals within a broader reference set. Njëri thus occupies a niche between a cardinal numeral and a demonstrative pronoun, enabling concise reference to a specific member without repeating a noun.