përkundër

Përkundër is a preposition in Albanian that signals opposition, contrast, or an exception. It is commonly translated as "against" or "in spite of" in English, depending on the context. The term is a compound form, generally understood as a combination of për and kundër, and it is used with a noun in the definite form after it (for example ligjit, not ligj).

Usage and nuance: Përkundër emphasizes opposition or contrary circumstances more strongly than the simple preposition kundër. It can express direct opposition to a rule or situation, as well as concession, meaning that something happens despite a factor or condition described after it.

Common constructions: Examples include "Përkundër ligjit, ai veproi" (Against the law, he acted) and "Përkundër të gjitha vështirësive, ne arritëm të kryejmë projektin" (In spite of all difficulties, we managed to complete the project). The phrase is commonly used in formal or written Albanian, though it also appears in everyday language.

Etymology: The word is generally treated as a compound preposition formed from për ("towards/for") and kundër ("against"), reflecting its function of presenting an opposition or counterpoint to what precedes it.

See also: Kundër, in contrast to; expressions of concession in Albanian; Albanian grammar considerations for prepositions and noun definiteness.