Romanian Alphabet and Pronunciation Guide for English Speakers

Overview of the Romanian Alphabet

The Romanian alphabet is based on the Latin script and consists of 31 letters. It includes all the letters of the English alphabet except for k, q, w, and y, which are used only in foreign words and names. Additionally, Romanian has five special letters with diacritics that represent unique sounds.

Romanian Alphabet Letters

The Romanian alphabet letters are: A, Ă, Â, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, Î, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, Ș, T, Ț, U, V, W, X, Y, Z. However, k, q, w, y are mostly used in loanwords and foreign names.

Special Romanian Letters and Their Pronunciation

Romanian has five letters with diacritics that are essential for correct pronunciation:

• Ă (ă) – pronounced as a mid-central vowel, similar to the 'a' in English 'sofa'.
• Â (â) and Î (î) – both represent the same sound, a close central unrounded vowel, somewhat like the 'i' in 'bird' but pronounced with the tongue further back.
• Ș (ș) – pronounced like 'sh' in English 'shoe'.
• Ț (ț) – pronounced like 'ts' in English 'cats'.

Pronunciation Tips for Special Letters

The letters  and Î represent the same sound but are used in different positions within words. Î is used at the beginning and end of words, while  appears in the middle. For example, înțelegere (understanding) and România (Romania).

Pronunciation of Romanian Vowels

Romanian vowels are generally pronounced clearly and distinctly. Here is a quick guide:

• A (a) – like 'a' in 'father'.
• E (e) – like 'e' in 'bed'.
• I (i) – like 'ee' in 'see'.
• O (o) – like 'o' in 'more'.
• U (u) – like 'oo' in 'boot'.

Pronunciation of Romanian Consonants

Most Romanian consonants are similar to English, but some have unique sounds or pronunciations:

• C before 'e' or 'i' is pronounced like 'ch' in 'church'.
• G before 'e' or 'i' is pronounced like 'g' in 'gem'.
• J is pronounced like 's' in 'measure'.
• Ș is pronounced like 'sh' in 'shoe'.
• Ț is pronounced like 'ts' in 'cats'.

Examples of Romanian Words with Pronunciation

Common Pronunciation Challenges for English Speakers

English speakers may find the Romanian sounds /ɨ/ (represented by â and î) and the consonants ș and ț challenging at first. Practice listening and repeating these sounds to improve your pronunciation.