qyrja

Qyrja is a noun in Albanian that denotes the act of looking, a gaze, or sight. It can refer to physical visual perception as well as to the moment of looking, and it is used in both literal and figurative senses.

Etymology and form: qyrja is typically analyzed as derived from the verb qyr, meaning to look, with the nominalizing suffix -ja. This pattern—verb plus -ja to form nouns describing actions or processes—is common in Albanian.

Usage and context: In everyday Albanian, qyrja covers ordinary visual perception and acts of looking. In literary and poetic contexts, it often carries metaphorical weight, signaling perception beyond the literal sense and sometimes implying insight, scrutiny, or perception of character and circumstance.

Cultural and literary significance: The concept of gaze plays a recurring role in Albanian culture and literature, where qyrja can evoke themes of longing, discernment, or moral judgment. It is used to convey how perception shapes understanding, fate, or emotional experience, not merely what is seen.

See also: Albanian language; vision and perception in literature.