How to Use Negation with Multiple Verbs in Romanian

Understanding Negation in Romanian with Multiple Verbs

In Romanian, negation is typically formed by placing the word "nu" before the verb. When dealing with sentences that contain multiple verbs, it's important to understand how negation applies to each verb to convey the intended meaning clearly.

Basic Negation with a Single Verb

For a single verb, negation is straightforward. You simply place "nu" before the verb. For example:
Eu nu merg. – I do not go.

Negation with Multiple Verbs in a Sentence

When a sentence contains multiple verbs, "nu" is usually placed before the first verb to negate the entire action sequence. For example:
Eu nu vreau să merg. – I do not want to go.

Here, "nu" negates the verb vreau (want), and the second verb merg (go) is in the subjunctive mood, linked by să.

Negating Each Verb Separately

If you want to negate each verb individually, "nu" must be placed before each verb. For example:
Eu nu vreau și nu pot să merg. – I do not want and I cannot go.

Negation with Modal Verbs and Infinitives

When negating modal verbs followed by infinitives, "nu" is placed before the modal verb only. For example:
Eu nu pot să vin. – I cannot come.

The infinitive să vin is not negated separately because the negation applies to the modal verb pot (can).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not place "nu" after the verb; it must precede it.
• When negating multiple verbs connected by conjunctions like și (and), place "nu" before each verb if you want to negate them separately.
• Remember that in subordinate clauses introduced by să, negation is expressed only once before the main verb.