sëmura

Sëmura is a term in Albanian that refers to people who are ill. In standard usage, it is a plural noun indicating a group defined by health status, whereas the singular form sëmurë denotes an individual who is ill. The word is typically used in medical, journalistic, or sociological contexts to describe patients or populations affected by illness. It is not a medical diagnosis itself; rather, it shifts focus from the disease to the people.

Etymology: The word derives from the Albanian root sëm- related to illness, combined with a common noun-forming suffix used to refer to people. The precise morphological behavior can vary across dialects and registers.

Usage and nuance: Sëmura is generally neutral, suitable for reporting, research, and descriptive writing. In some contexts, more specific terms such as sëmundje (disease) or patients (pacientë) may be preferred to specify the nature of health conditions or to reflect sensitivity toward individuals.

See also: Albanian language; sëmundje; patient; public health.