shërbim

Shërbim is a noun in the Albanian language that denotes an act performed for another party to meet a need or expectation. It can refer to helping someone, the function of performing work for others, or the work carried out to satisfy a requirement. The word is used across various contexts in everyday language and formal writing.

In the economic sense, shërbim refers to an activity that provides value to customers without producing a tangible good. The plural form shërbime is commonly used to describe the service sector, including fields such as hospitality, finance, education, health care, transport, and professional services. Distinctions are often made between services and goods in economic discussions and policy.

In public administration, shërbim is used to describe services provided by the state or local authorities to citizens, such as utilities, healthcare, education, policing, and social welfare. Public services are typically funded through taxation and organized to ensure universal or broad access.

Military and civic contexts also use the term. Shërbimi ushtarak denotes military service, including conscription or service in the armed forces, depending on national law and policy. The phrase reflects the obligation or duty associated with national defense or organized service within a country.

Origin and usage notes: the noun is derived from the verb shërbej, meaning to serve. It is a native Albanian term, widely used in standard Albanian and regional varieties to express both everyday and formal concepts of service, duty, and public provision.