Language Tips for Expats: Key Albanian Phrases with Cultural Context

Let me tell you a little secret.

You don’t need to speak perfect Albanian to feel at home here. But if you learn just a few words—especially the ones that really matter—you’ll be surprised how far a simple “Faleminderit” (thank you) or “Si jeni?” (how are you?) can take you.

I’ve been living and working in Saranda for years now. This little slice of the Albanian Riviera has a rhythm of its own. And trust me—real estate here isn’t just about beachfront properties or seaview apartments (though we’ve got plenty of those!). It’s about connecting. With locals. With the land. And yes, with the language.

Last week, I showed a client a stunning penthouse in Ksamil—this one, actually—and they tried out a few Albanian words with the neighbor. The smile they got back? Priceless. It broke the ice instantly. That’s what I want to help you with today.

This isn’t a grammar lesson. It’s more like a friendly guide from someone who’s ordered byrek from the same street vendor since 2012.

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Start With the Essentials (No, Really—Start Here)

If you only remember three things, let them be:

• Përshëndetje – Hello

• Faleminderit – Thank you

• Ju lutem – Please

Simple, right? But these go a long way. Albanians are big on manners. Even when someone hands you your espresso at a café, saying faleminderit earns you real respect.

And here’s a fun bit: locals love when foreigners try to speak Albanian—even if it’s just a few words. There’s a real warmth to the culture here. You make an effort, and people meet you halfway.

Oh, and don’t be surprised if your waiter corrects your pronunciation—with a big smile and a thumbs up.

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Language + Culture = Connection

One of my favorite phrases is:

• Shëndet! – It means “Cheers!” but literally translates to “Health!”

You’ll hear it clinked across wine glasses in tavernas by the sea, on birthdays, during sunset toasts on the terrace… even when you just sip raki with a neighbor after a long day.

That reminds me—there’s a small taverna near Borsh beach, not far from where we’ve held a few casual property viewings. Most tourists pass it by, but if you say “Shëndet!” to the owner, you might get an extra olive plate for free.

Cultural context matters. Language opens doors. And sometimes… extra olives.

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When You’re Apartment Hunting

Real estate-specific vocabulary is rarely taught in language apps, but here’s what might come in handy:

• Apartament – Apartment

• Pamje nga deti – Seaview

• Pronë – Property

• Shitje – For sale

• Kat – Floor (as in, second floor = kat i dytë)

So when you’re scrolling through listings for Saranda apartments for sale, knowing that “apartament me pamje nga deti” means seaview apartment just makes it all feel a bit more real.

Speaking of which, one of my personal favorites right now is this luxury duplex in Ksamil. The pool is just a bonus—the view is what sold me.

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