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A Pocket Guide: Essential Romanian Phrases to Get Around

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A Pocket Guide: Essential Romanian Phrases to Get Around

Congratulation on starting a new adventure in Romania! Moving abroad is not an easy job and learning the language of your new home can only make the transition easier. While in the major cities of Romania you should be fine speaking only English, the locals will appreciate hearing that you are speaking some essential Romanian phrases. Furthermore, as I was saying in this blog post, making friends is easier when speaking the language. 

In this beginner’s guide, we will dive right into a list of basic greetings, directions, and common questions to help you during your mobility in Romania, followed by some general tips.

1. Greetings and basic expressions

• “Bună” = Hi! (informal)
• "Bună dimineața!" = Good morning!
• "Bună ziua!" = Hello! (formal)
• "Bună seara!" = Good evening!
• "Noapte bună! = Good night!

*Any greeting is usually followed by “Ce mai faci?”, which is translated as “How’s going?”

• "Mulțumesc!" = Thank you!
• "Cu plăcere!" = You’re welcome!

*Some other ways of saying you’re welcome are: “Nu ai pentru ce” or “Pentru nimic” (For nothing)

 2.     Directions

•  "Unde este" = Where is ...?

Examples:

·      "Unde este baia?" = Where is the bathroom?

·      "Unde este gara?" = Where is the train station?

·      "Cât costă?" = How much is this?

·      "Pot să plătesc cu cardul?" = Can I pay by card?

·      “La stanga” = To the left

·      “La dreapta” = To the right

·      “Tot inainte” = Keep going

·      “Intoarce-te” = Turn around

 3.     At school/ work

 ·      “Sunt la universite” = I am at the university

·      ‘Student” = student

·      “Profesor” = professor (see, Romanian it’s not that hard!)

·      “Vreau să mă angajez” = I want to get a job.

·      “Pot veni pentru interviu?” = Can I come for an interview?

4.     Numbers, colors, how to order, emergency situations   – check this discussion topic in the Practice your Romanian Forum!

General tips

1.     Practice, practice, practice

The best way to learn a new language is by going to live there, so you’re on the right path! Next, you should talk to locals as much as possible and practice by yourself at home. The courses on OLS are a great start. My suggestion is to begin with this A1 introduction course and make your way up from here!

2.     Pay attention to the pronunciation

Although it could seem straightforward because you read exactly how it sounds, Romanian pronunciation is challenging when it comes to some words. Pay attention to accents when practicing talking to native speakers and following the courses on OLS.

 3.     Immerse Yourself in the Culture:

The more you immerse yourself in the culture, the more confident you'll become in speaking Romanian. Maybe this blog post on how to make friends during your mobility will help!

 Learning a few basic Romanian phrases and basic words can enhance your mobility experience, allowing you to connect with the locals and make your way around the country. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; the effort you put into learning the language will be definitely appreciated by locals.

Finally, keep an eye on the Practice your Romanian and Living Abroad forums for further tips regarding your mobility in Romania! Also, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments if you have any questions.