How to Use Negative and Indefinite Words in Romanian

Understanding Negative Words in Romanian

In Romanian, negative words are used to express negation or denial. The most common negative word is "nu", which means "not". It is placed before the verb to negate it. For example, "Eu nu merg" means "I do not go".

Common Negative Words

• nu – not
• nimic – nothing
• nimeni – nobody
• niciodată – never
• niciun/ nicio – no/ none (used with nouns)
• fără – without

Romanian often uses double negation, which means that multiple negative words can appear in the same sentence to reinforce the negation. For example, "Nu văd nimic" means "I don't see anything" (literally "I not see nothing").

Indefinite Words in Romanian

Indefinite words refer to non-specific persons, things, or quantities. They are often used when the exact identity or amount is unknown or irrelevant.

Common Indefinite Words

• cineva – someone
• ceva – something
• unii/unele – some (plural)
• orice – anything/any
• oricine – anyone
• oriunde – anywhere

Indefinite words can be used in affirmative sentences, unlike negative words which negate the sentence.

Using Negative and Indefinite Words Together

When negative and indefinite words are used together, the sentence usually follows the double negation rule. For example, "Nu văd pe nimeni" means "I don't see anyone" (literally "I not see nobody").

Here, "nu" negates the verb, and "nimeni" is the indefinite negative pronoun meaning "nobody/anyone".

Examples of Negative Sentences with Indefinite Words

• Nu am văzut nimeni – I haven't seen anyone.
• Nu am cumpărat nimic – I didn't buy anything.
• Nu merg niciodată acolo – I never go there.
• Nu am găsit nicio soluție – I didn't find any solution.

Tips for English Speakers Learning Romanian Negation

English speakers should remember that Romanian uses double negation naturally, which is different from English where double negatives are often considered incorrect.

Also, the placement of "nu" before the verb is essential to form a negative sentence.