ndoshta

Albanian

Alternative forms
  • nashta, noshta — Gheg

Etymology

Possibly from ndosh (“to happen”), a secondary formation based on ndodh, + -ta.[n 1][2][3] Alternatively from Serbo-Croatian dȍista／до̏иста (“truly, indeed”).[n 2][1]

Adverb

ndoshta (originally Gheg)[1]

  1. maybe, perhaps
    Synonym: mbase

Notes
  1. Derivation of “maybe” from a verb “to happen” is widespread, compare Ancient Greek τυχόν (tukhón), English perhaps.
  2. Semantically not as straightforward, though compare German fast : fest and Ancient Greek μάλιστα (málista).

References
  1. Çabej, E. (1986) Studime gjuhësore (in Albanian), volume I, Prishtinë: Rilindja, pages 370–371
  2. Konica, Faik (1938 January 14) Dielli[1]
  3. Orel, Vladimir E. (1998) “ndoshta”, in Albanian Etymological Dictionary, Leiden, Boston, Köln: Brill, →ISBN, page 287

Further reading
  • Jungg, G. (1895) “nnoscta”, in Fialuur i voghel sccȣp e ltinisct [Small Albanian–Italian dictionary], page 91
  • Bardhi, F. (1635) Dictionarium Latino Epiroticum (overall work in Latin and Albanian), page 27: “forsan — cuurtae, ndosta”
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