sinjali

Sinjali is the definite form of the Albanian noun sinjal, meaning sign or signal. The term covers any indication that conveys information or guidance, including physical signs such as traffic signs and warning notices, as well as symbolic cues used in communication. In broader usage, sinjali can also denote an indication or hint in a non-literal or figurative sense.

Grammar and usage: Sinjal is masculine. The definite singular form is sinjali, and the plural is sinjalet. Adjectives agree with the noun in gender and number, for example, sinjali rrugor (the road sign) or sinjalet e rrugës (the road signs). The word operates in both concrete contexts (signage) and abstract contexts (a sign of something, such as a cue or indication in reasoning or behavior).

Etymology and notes: The Albanian sinjal is generally traced to the Latin signum through historical development of Albanian, with cognates found in related Balkan languages. The definite form sinjali is produced by the standard Albanian definite suffix applied to the noun sinjal.

See also: Sign (linguistics) and traffic signage in Albanian usage. Sinjali remains the basic term in Albanian for both everyday references to signs and metaphorical uses of indication or cue in communication.