Understanding Romanian Negation: When to Use Nu vs. Nici

Introduction to Romanian Negation

In Romanian, negation is an essential part of sentence construction. Two common negation words are nu and nici. Understanding when and how to use these words will help you form negative sentences correctly and sound more natural when speaking Romanian.

The Role of 'Nu' in Romanian Negation

The word nu is the primary negation particle in Romanian. It is used to negate verbs and is placed directly before the verb in a sentence.

For example:
Eu nu merg la piață.
Translation: I do not go to the market.

Usage Tips for 'Nu'

- Always place nu immediately before the verb.
- It negates the action of the verb.
- It is equivalent to the English word 'not' in negative sentences.

Understanding 'Nici' and Its Uses

The word nici is used to express negation in a way that corresponds to 'neither', 'nor', or 'not even' in English. It often appears in negative sentences to add emphasis or to negate multiple elements.

For example:
Nu am văzut nici filmul, nici piesa de teatru.
Translation: I have seen neither the movie nor the play.

Common Uses of 'Nici'

- To negate multiple items or actions.
- To emphasize the absence of something.
- Often used in combination with nu for stronger negation.

How 'Nu' and 'Nici' Work Together

In many sentences, nu and nici are used together to form a complete negation, especially when negating multiple elements.

Example:
Eu nu am nici timp, nici bani.
Translation: I have neither time nor money.

Examples Comparing 'Nu' and 'Nici'

1. Using nu to negate a verb:
El nu vine mâine. – He is not coming tomorrow.

2. Using nici to negate multiple nouns:
Nu am nici cartea, nici caietul. – I have neither the book nor the notebook.

3. Using both together:
Eu nu am nici chef, nici energie. – I have neither the desire nor the energy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Do not use nici alone to negate a verb; it must be accompanied by nu.
- Remember that nu always precedes the verb.
- Avoid placing nici before the verb; it usually negates nouns or adverbs.

Summary: When to Use 'Nu' vs. 'Nici'

Nu is used to negate verbs directly, while nici is used to negate additional elements like nouns or to express 'neither/nor'. They often appear together for full negation in sentences.