When traveling to a foreign country, knowing a few essential phrases in the local language can greatly enhance your experience. Romania, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is no exception. While many Romanians, especially in urban areas, speak English, learning some basic Romanian phrases will not only help you navigate daily interactions more smoothly but also endear you to the locals. In this article, we’ll cover essential Romanian phrases that every traveler should know.
Greetings and Basic Expressions
Starting with the basics, greetings and common expressions are essential for making a good first impression and engaging in polite conversation.
Bună ziua (BOO-nuh ZEE-wah) – Good day
This is a formal greeting used during the daytime. It’s a safe and polite choice for most situations.
Bună dimineața (BOO-nuh dee-mee-NYAH-tsa) – Good morning
Use this phrase to greet someone in the morning hours.
Bună seara (BOO-nuh SEH-rah) – Good evening
This is used to greet people in the evening.
Noapte bună (NOH-ap-teh BOO-nuh) – Good night
Say this when you’re parting ways in the late evening or before going to bed.
Salut (SAH-loot) – Hello / Hi
A casual and informal greeting, similar to “hi” in English.
La revedere (LA reh-veh-DEH-reh) – Goodbye
A formal way to say goodbye, suitable for most situations.
Pa (Pah) – Bye
An informal way to say goodbye, often used among friends and family.
Mulțumesc (MOOL-tsoo-MESK) – Thank you
This is the standard way to express gratitude.
Cu plăcere (KOO pluh-CHEH-reh) – You’re welcome
Use this to respond when someone thanks you.
Scuzați-mă (SKOO-zahts-EE-muh) – Excuse me / Pardon me
Useful for getting someone’s attention or apologizing for a minor inconvenience.
Îmi pare rău (OOM par-EH roh) – I’m sorry
Use this phrase to apologize.
Getting Around
When navigating through a new city or town, these phrases will help you ask for directions and understand instructions.
Unde este…? (OON-deh YES-teh) – Where is…?
Use this phrase to ask for directions. For example, “Unde este gara?” means “Where is the train station?”
La stânga (la STUHNG-gah) – To the left
La dreapta (la DREAP-tah) – To the right
Înainte (een-EYE-nteh) – Straight ahead
Stație de autobuz (STAH-tsee-yeh deh ow-toh-BOOZ) – Bus stop
Gara (GAH-rah) – Train station
Aeroport (aye-ro-PORT) – Airport
Cât costă un bilet? (KUT KOS-tah oon bee-LET) – How much is a ticket?
This phrase will come in handy when purchasing tickets for public transportation.
Accommodations
When checking in or out of your hotel, it’s useful to know some basic phrases related to accommodations.
Am o rezervare (AHM oh reh-ZER-vah-reh) – I have a reservation
Vreau o cameră (VROW oh KAH-meh-rah) – I want a room
Cât costă pe noapte? (KUT KOS-tah peh NOH-ap-teh) – How much per night?
Cheia (KAY-yah) – Key
Parolă Wi-Fi (pah-ROH-lah WEE-FEE) – Wi-Fi password
Dining Out
Eating out is one of the highlights of traveling, and knowing these phrases will make your dining experience more enjoyable.
Un meniu, vă rog (OON meh-NYOO, vuh ROG) – A menu, please
Recomandați ceva? (reh-ko-MAHN-dahts che-VAH) – Do you recommend something?
Vreau să comand (VROW sah koh-MAHND) – I would like to order
Nota de plată, vă rog (NOH-tah deh PLAH-teh, vuh ROG) – The check, please
Apă (AH-puh) – Water
Bere (BEH-reh) – Beer
Vin (VEEN) – Wine
Friptură (frip-TOO-rah) – Steak
Salată (sah-LAH-tah) – Salad
Desert (deh-SERT) – Dessert
Shopping
Whether you’re buying souvenirs or shopping for essentials, these phrases will be useful.
Cât costă? (KUT KOS-tah) – How much does it cost?
Îmi puteți arăta asta? (OOM poo-TETS ah-ruh-TAH AH-stah) – Can you show me that?
Vreau să cumpăr asta (VROW sah KOOM-puhr AH-stah) – I want to buy this
Acceptați carduri de credit? (ah-CEP-tats KAR-door deh KREH-deet) – Do you accept credit cards?
Emergencies
Hopefully, you won’t need these phrases, but it’s always good to be prepared.
Ajutor! (ah-zhoo-TOR) – Help!
Sunt pierdut (soont pee-YAIR-doot) – I’m lost
Sunați la poliție (soo-NAHTS lah poh-LEE-tsee-eh) – Call the police
Am nevoie de un doctor (AHM neh-VOY-yeh deh oon DOHK-tor) – I need a doctor
Farmacie (far-mah-CHEE-eh) – Pharmacy
Making Friends
Interacting with locals can lead to unforgettable experiences. Use these phrases to break the ice and make connections.
Cum te cheamă? (KOOM teh KYA-mah) – What is your name? (informal)
Cum vă cheamă? (KOOM vuh KYA-mah) – What is your name? (formal)
Eu sunt… (YEH-oo soont) – I am…
De unde ești? (deh OON-deh yesht) – Where are you from?
Îmi place România (OOM PLAH-cheh roh-MEE-nee-ah) – I like Romania
Numbers and Counting
Understanding numbers is crucial for shopping, dining, and transportation. Here are the basics:
1 – unu (OO-noo)
2 – doi (DOY)
3 – trei (TREY)
4 – patru (PAH-troo)
5 – cinci (CHEENCH)
6 – șase (SHAH-seh)
7 – șapte (SHAHP-teh)
8 – opt (OPT)
9 – nouă (NOH-uh)
10 – zece (ZEH-cheh)
Days of the Week
Knowing the days of the week can be helpful for planning activities and understanding schedules.
Monday – Luni (LOO-nee)
Tuesday – Marți (MAR-tsee)
Wednesday – Miercuri (MYER-koo-ree)
Thursday – Joi (ZHOO-ee)
Friday – Vineri (VEE-neh-ree)
Saturday – Sâmbătă (SOOM-bah-tah)
Sunday – Duminică (DOO-mee-nee-kah)
Common Questions
Here are some additional phrases that might come in handy.
Vorbiți engleză? (vor-BEETZ en-GLEH-zah) – Do you speak English?
Nu înțeleg (noo oon-tseh-LEG) – I don’t understand
Puteți repeta, vă rog? (poo-TETS reh-peh-TAH, vuh ROG) – Can you repeat that, please?
Ce înseamnă asta? (cheh oon-SYAHM-nuh AH-stah) – What does that mean?
Conclusion
Learning these essential Romanian phrases will not only make your travels smoother but will also help you connect more deeply with the local culture and people. While it may seem daunting at first, even a small effort to speak the local language can go a long way in enhancing your travel experience. So, take the time to practice these phrases, and don’t be afraid to use them. Happy travels!
