shtëpi

Shtëpi is the Albanian word for house or home. It can refer to a building that serves as a place of residence or to the home as a place of belonging and origin. The term is used in everyday language to indicate both physical structures and the more abstract idea of one’s home.

Grammar and forms: Shtëpi is a feminine noun. The indefinite singular is shtëpi; the definite singular is shtëpia. The indefinite plural is also shtëpi (houses), while the definite plural is shtëpitë (the houses). The word is widely used across Albanian dialects and remains common in both formal and informal speech.

Usage and context: In Albanian, shtëpi can denote any dwelling, from a private house to a family home. In urban contexts, it may be contrasted with banesë, which more specifically refers to an apartment. In rural or traditional contexts, shtëpi can evoke the household as the center of family life and social activity. The term can also be extended metaphorically to mean homeland or country.

Etymology and related terms: Shtëpi is a native Albanian word with deep historical usage in the language. Its exact etymology is not definitively established, but it is widely regarded as a native term rather than borrowed from neighboring languages. Related concepts in Albanian include phrases describing building, dwelling, and household.

Cultural notes: The concept of the home is central in Albanian culture, shaping language about family, property, and lineage. Architectural forms associated with shtëpi vary regionally, from traditional stone-and-whitewashed houses to more modern residences, while the term remains the everyday reference to where people live.