sfidë

Sfidë is a feminine noun in the Albanian language that denotes a challenge, a difficult undertaking, or a task that tests someone’s abilities. It can also refer to a competition or dare, especially when there is an element of opposition or risk. In everyday usage, sfidë can describe personal, professional, or social obstacles as well as formal contests.

The term is a loanword from Italian sfida, meaning “challenge,” adapted to Albanian phonology with the standard feminine ending -ë. The plural form is sfida, and the definite singular is sfida (the challenge), with the definite plural sfidat (the challenges).

Use and nuance: sfidë commonly conveys a sense of striving or confrontation rather than a mere task. It is widely used in sports, politics, business, and personal contexts. Common collocations include sfidë sportive (sporting challenge), sfidë politike (political challenge), and të përballosh sfidën (to face the challenge). It can also be used figuratively to describe moral or existential testing, such as overcoming a difficult period or pursuing ambitious goals.

Related terms include provim (test or exam), which is often more formal or technical, and provokim or sfidues (someone who challenges). While sfidë emphasizes the act of challenging or being challenged, provim emphasizes assessment or evaluation.

Examples:

- Kjo është një sfidë e madhe për skuadrën.

- Ai ka përballuar sfidën me këmbëngulje dhe përkushtim.

Sfidë is a concise, neutral term suitable for describing situations that require effort, resilience, or competition in Albanian discourse.

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