How to Use Gerund and Infinitive Forms in Romanian for English Speakers

Understanding the Romanian Gerund and Infinitive Forms

When learning Romanian as an English speaker, it's important to understand how the gerund and infinitive forms work. These verb forms are essential for expressing ongoing actions and intentions, and they differ in usage compared to English.

What is the Romanian Gerund?

The Romanian gerund is a verbal form that expresses an action in progress, similar to the English '-ing' form. It is often used to indicate simultaneous actions or to describe how something is done.

In Romanian, the gerund is formed by adding -ând or -ind to the verb stem, depending on the verb conjugation group.

Examples of Romanian Gerund Forms

Here are some examples of Romanian verbs in the gerund form:

• a vorbi (to speak) → vorbind (speaking)
• a merge (to go) → mergând (going)
• a dormi (to sleep) → dormind (sleeping)

How to Use the Romanian Gerund

The gerund is commonly used after verbs of motion or perception to indicate an action happening simultaneously. For example:

El merge vorbind la telefon. – He is walking while talking on the phone.

What is the Romanian Infinitive?

The infinitive in Romanian is the base form of the verb, equivalent to the English 'to' + verb (e.g., to speak, to eat). It is used to express purpose, intention, or after certain verbs and prepositions.

Romanian infinitives typically end in -a, -e, or -i depending on the verb group.

Examples of Romanian Infinitive Forms

Examples of infinitive forms include:

• a vorbi (to speak)
• a merge (to go)
• a dormi (to sleep)

Using the Infinitive in Romanian Sentences

The infinitive is often used after modal verbs or verbs expressing desire, necessity, or intention. For example:

Vreau să vorbesc cu tine. – I want to speak with you.

Note that Romanian often uses the conjunction să before the verb in the subjunctive mood, which can replace the infinitive in many cases.

Key Differences Between Romanian and English Gerund and Infinitive Usage

Unlike English, Romanian does not use the gerund as a noun (gerund as a verbal noun). Instead, Romanian uses the infinitive or other verbal nouns for that purpose.

Also, the infinitive in Romanian is less frequently used alone and often appears with să introducing the subjunctive form.

Common Verbs Followed by Infinitive or Gerund in Romanian

Some verbs in Romanian are followed by the infinitive (with să) or the gerund, depending on the meaning. For example:

• Încerc să învăț. – I try to learn. (infinitive with să)
• Continuă vorbind. – He continues speaking. (gerund)

Practice Examples

Try translating these sentences to practice gerund and infinitive forms:

1. She is reading while walking.
2. I want to eat now.
3. They continue working hard.
4. We try to understand Romanian grammar.

Summary of Romanian Gerund and Infinitive Forms

Understanding the gerund and infinitive forms in Romanian helps English speakers express ongoing actions and intentions accurately. Remember that the gerund indicates simultaneous actions, while the infinitive (often with să) expresses purpose or desire.