Understanding Romanian Sentence Structure: Simple Sentences for English Speakers

Introduction to Romanian Sentence Structure

Romanian sentence structure is generally similar to English, following a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order in simple sentences. However, Romanian allows more flexibility due to its rich inflectional system. This article will focus on simple sentences to help English speakers grasp the basics of Romanian syntax.

Basic Word Order in Romanian Simple Sentences

In Romanian, the most common word order for simple sentences is Subject + Verb + Object, just like in English. For example, Eu citesc o carte means "I read a book." Here, Eu is the subject, citesc is the verb, and o carte is the object.

However, Romanian word order can be flexible to emphasize different parts of the sentence or for stylistic reasons, but the basic SVO order is the best starting point for learners.

Examples of Simple Romanian Sentences

• Eu mănânc mere. (I eat apples.)
• Maria scrie o scrisoare. (Maria writes a letter.)
• Noi vedem un film. (We watch a movie.)
• El ascultă muzică. (He listens to music.)

Subject Pronouns in Romanian

Romanian subject pronouns are often omitted because the verb conjugation usually indicates the subject. However, including the subject pronoun can add emphasis or clarity.

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

For example, Vorbești românește means "You speak Romanian," where the subject pronoun tu is omitted but understood.

Verb Placement and Conjugation

In simple sentences, the verb usually follows the subject. Romanian verbs are conjugated to reflect the subject, tense, and mood, which helps identify the subject even if the pronoun is omitted.

Example: Eu merg la școală (I go to school) can be shortened to Merg la școală without losing meaning.

Negation in Simple Sentences

To make a sentence negative in Romanian, place nu before the verb. For example, Eu nu înțeleg means "I do not understand."

Examples of Negative Sentences

• Eu nu vorbesc engleză. (I do not speak English.)
• El nu mănâncă carne. (He does not eat meat.)
• Noi nu mergem la cinema. (We do not go to the cinema.)

Questions in Romanian Simple Sentences

Yes/no questions are formed by intonation or by placing the verb before the subject. For example, Tu mergi la piață? (You go to the market?) or Mergi tu la piață? (Do you go to the market?). Question words like ce (what), unde (where), and când (when) are used to form information questions.

Examples of Questions

• Ce faci? (What are you doing?)
• Unde locuiești? (Where do you live?)
• Când pleci? (When are you leaving?)

Summary and Tips for English Speakers

- Romanian simple sentences generally follow Subject-Verb-Object order, similar to English.
- Subject pronouns can be omitted because verb conjugations indicate the subject.
- Negation is formed by placing nu before the verb.
- Questions can be formed by intonation or changing word order.
Practice forming simple sentences using these rules to build a strong foundation in Romanian.