A Pocket Guide: Essential Romanian Phrases to Get Around (Part 2)
University of Bucharest; Source: Pexels
Now that you have a grasp of basic Romanian greetings, directions, and essential phrases from this blog post, it's time to take it a step further. In this second part, we will explore more advanced yet still practical expressions to help you navigate daily life in Romania with greater ease and confidence.1. Socializing and making friends
One of the best ways to integrate into Romanian culture is by engaging in casual conversations. Here are some useful phrases:
- "De unde ești?" = Where are you from?
- "Sunt din..." = I am from…
- "Ce hobby-uri ai?" = What hobbies do you have?
- "Îmi place să călătoresc." = I like to travel.
- "Vrei să mergem la o cafea?" = Do you want to go for a coffee?
- "A fost o plăcere să te cunosc!" = It was a pleasure meeting you!
2. Shopping and Dining
Shopping and eating out are daily activities where a few key phrases will be incredibly helpful:
- "Aveți meniul în engleză?" = Do you have the menu in English?
- "Aș dori..." = I would like...
- "Îmi puteți recomanda vã rog un fel de mâncare tradițional?" = Can you please recommend a traditional dish?
- "Nota, vă rog!" = The bill, please!
- "E prea scump." = It’s too expensive.
- "Pot să probez acest articol?" = Can I try this item on? (for shopping)
3. Transportation
Getting around Romania is easier when you know how to ask for transportation details:
- "Când vine următorul autobuz?" = When is the next bus coming?
- "Unde găsesc un taxi?" = Where can I find a taxi?
- "Cât costă un bilet până la...?" = How much is a ticket to...?
- "Aș dori un bilet dus-întors." = I’d like a round-trip ticket.
- "Mă puteți duce va rog la această adresă?" = Can you please take me to this address? (for taxis)
4. Emergencies and Health
It's always good to be prepared for unexpected situations. Here are some important phrases:
- "Ajutor!" = Help!
- "Sunați la poliție!" = Call the police! (the emergency number is 112)
- "Mă simt rău." = I feel sick.
- "Am nevoie de un medic." = I need a doctor.
- "Este o urgență!" = It’s an emergency!
- "Unde este cea mai apropiată farmacie?" = Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Romanian cultural tips
Beyond learning the language, understanding cultural nuances will help you adapt more smoothly:
- Be polite: Romanians appreciate polite speech. Adding "vă rog" (please) and "mulțumesc" (thank you) makes a really big difference. Also, elderly appreciate addressing them using the polite forms of “dumneavoastrã” or “dumneata” instead of “tu” = you.
- Handshakes and eye contact: A firm handshake with eye contact is the standard greeting in formal situations.
- Tipping etiquette: In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of around 10%–15%.
- Public transport: Always validate your ticket on buses, trams, or trains to avoid fines. The app that I always use to buy tickets in Bucharest is called “24pay”.
By incorporating these phrases into your daily interactions, you'll feel more comfortable and confident navigating Romania. The more you practice, the easier it becomes!
For additional practice, keep an eye on the Practice your Romanian and Living Abroad forums, where you can engage with fellow learners and locals. Also, feel free to drop any questions in the comments!
Roxana, OLS Community Manager – Romanian
Source: Pexels