How to Conjugate Regular Verbs in the Romanian Present Tense

Overview of the Romanian Present Tense

The present tense in Romanian is used to describe actions that are currently happening or general truths. It is one of the first tenses English speakers learn when studying Romanian because it is essential for everyday communication.

Regular Verb Conjugation Groups in Romanian

Romanian regular verbs are divided into three conjugation groups based on their infinitive endings: -a, -ea, and -i/-î. Each group follows a specific pattern when conjugated in the present tense.

Group 1: Verbs Ending in -a

These verbs are the most common and include verbs like a lucra (to work) and a cânta (to sing). The stem is formed by removing the -a ending from the infinitive.

Example: a lucra (to work)

Stem: lucr-

Conjugation:

1. Eu lucrez (I work)
2. Tu lucrezi (You work)
3. El/Ea lucrează (He/She works)
4. Noi lucrăm (We work)
5. Voi lucrați (You all work)
6. Ei/Ele lucrează (They work)

Group 2: Verbs Ending in -ea

These verbs include a vedea (to see) and a crede (to believe). The stem is formed by removing the -ea ending.

Example: a vedea (to see)

Stem: ved-

Conjugation:

1. Eu văd (I see)
2. Tu vezi (You see)
3. El/Ea vede (He/She sees)
4. Noi vedem (We see)
5. Voi vedeți (You all see)
6. Ei/Ele văd (They see)

Group 3: Verbs Ending in -i or -î

These verbs include a dormi (to sleep) and a urî (to hate). The stem is formed by removing the -i or -î ending.

Example: a dormi (to sleep)

Stem: dorm-

Conjugation:

1. Eu dorm (I sleep)
2. Tu dormi (You sleep)
3. El/Ea doarme (He/She sleeps)
4. Noi dormim (We sleep)
5. Voi dormiți (You all sleep)
6. Ei/Ele dorm (They sleep)

Pronouns Used in Romanian Present Tense

Romanian subject pronouns are often omitted because the verb endings indicate the subject. However, they are useful for emphasis or clarity.

• Eu – I
• Tu – You (singular, informal)
• El – He
• Ea – She
• Noi – We
• Voi – You (plural or formal)
• Ei – They (masculine or mixed group)
• Ele – They (feminine)

Tips for English Speakers Learning Romanian Present Tense

1. Pay attention to verb endings: Each person has a distinct ending that helps identify the subject.

2. Practice with common verbs: Start with frequently used regular verbs to build confidence.

3. Listen and repeat: Hearing native speakers will help you internalize pronunciation and rhythm.

4. Use subject pronouns initially: To avoid confusion, include pronouns until you are comfortable with verb endings.

Common Regular Verbs in Romanian Present Tense