shtetet

Shtetet is the Albanian word for the plural of state, used to refer to multiple political entities or to the concept of states in general. In everyday and formal language, shtetet can denote sovereign states within the international system or discussions about statehood and governance.

In Albanian grammar, shteti is the singular definite form meaning “the state.” The plural indefinite form is shtete, while the definite plural form is shtetet, meaning “the states.” The term is commonly paired with adjectives or modifiers to specify groups of states, such as shtetet e Bashkuara (the United States) or shtetet anëtare (the member states). The use of the definite plural shtetet is standard when the reference is to a known or previously identified set of states.

Common contexts for shtetet include international politics, diplomacy, and comparative law, where speakers describe relations among shtetet, or discuss issues affecting multiple states, such as trade, security, and environment. The term is distinct from related Albanian concepts like kombet (nations) or qeveria (government), though overlaps occur in discussions about national and supranational entities.

In translation, shtetet is typically rendered as “the states” or, when part of a proper name, as in shtetet e Bashkuara, “the United States.” The word is a standard, neutral term in Albanian for referring to multiple states and is widely used across media, academia, and public discourse.