How to Use Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives in Romanian

Understanding Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives in Romanian

In Romanian, demonstrative pronouns and adjectives are used to point out specific people, objects, or ideas, similar to English words like "this," "that," "these," and "those." However, Romanian demonstratives agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they refer to, which makes their usage a bit more complex but also very precise.

What Are Demonstrative Pronouns?

Demonstrative pronouns replace a noun and indicate which one is being talked about. For example, in English, "this is mine" uses "this" as a demonstrative pronoun. In Romanian, demonstrative pronouns change form depending on gender (masculine/feminine), number (singular/plural), and case (nominative, accusative, etc.).

What Are Demonstrative Adjectives?

Demonstrative adjectives modify a noun directly and must agree with the noun in gender, number, and case. For example, "this book" uses "this" as a demonstrative adjective. In Romanian, these adjectives precede the noun and change form accordingly.

Forms of Romanian Demonstrative Pronouns and Adjectives

Romanian demonstratives have different forms based on gender, number, and case. Below is a simplified overview of the most common forms in the nominative case.

• Masculine Singular: acesta (this one), acela (that one)
• Feminine Singular: aceasta (this one), aceea (that one)
• Masculine Plural: aceștia (these ones), aceia (those ones)
• Feminine Plural: acestea (these ones), acelea (those ones)

When used as adjectives, the demonstratives are shortened and placed before the noun:

• Masculine Singular: acest (this), acel (that)
• Feminine Singular: această (this), acea (that)
• Masculine Plural: acești (these), acei (those)
• Feminine Plural: aceste (these), acele (those)

Examples of Demonstrative Pronouns in Sentences

Here are some examples showing demonstrative pronouns replacing nouns:

• Acesta este al meu. (This one is mine.)
• Aceea este casa ta. (That one is your house.)
• Aceștia sunt prietenii mei. (These ones are my friends.)
• Acelea sunt mașinile lor. (Those ones are their cars.)

Examples of Demonstrative Adjectives in Sentences

Demonstrative adjectives modify the noun directly and agree with it:

• Acest băiat este fratele meu. (This boy is my brother.)
• Această fată este sora mea. (This girl is my sister.)
• Acești băieți sunt colegii mei. (These boys are my classmates.)
• Aceste fete sunt prietenele mele. (These girls are my friends.)

Tips for Mastering Romanian Demonstratives

• Always match the demonstrative pronoun or adjective to the gender and number of the noun.
• Remember that demonstrative pronouns can stand alone, while demonstrative adjectives always accompany a noun.
• Practice with sentences to get familiar with the different forms and their uses.
• Listen to native speakers and try to notice how demonstratives are used in context.