Understanding Romanian Time Expressions and the Usage of 'de' and 'din'

Common Romanian Time Expressions and Their Meanings

Romanian uses various expressions to talk about time, many of which include prepositions like de and din. Understanding these expressions is essential for telling time, discussing dates, and describing durations.

Expressions with 'de'

The preposition de is often used in Romanian to indicate possession, origin, or to specify a part of the day when talking about time. For example, "dimineața de luni" means "Monday morning." It can also be used to express durations, such as "de două ore" meaning "for two hours."

Expressions with 'din'

The preposition din generally indicates movement from inside or origin in time expressions. For example, "din 1990" means "since 1990" or "from 1990." It is also used to specify a point in time from which an action starts.

Using 'de' and 'din' with Time Expressions

Choosing between de and din depends on the context and the meaning you want to convey. Here are some guidelines to help you:

• Use de to express durations or parts of the day (e.g., "de dimineață" - "in the morning").
• Use din to indicate a starting point in time (e.g., "din 2010" - "since 2010").
• Use de to specify days or dates when combined with parts of the day (e.g., "de luni" - "on Monday").
• Use din to express origin or source in time (e.g., "din trecut" - "from the past").

Examples of Romanian Time Expressions with 'de' and 'din'

• De dimineață – in the morning
• De două ore – for two hours
• Din 1995 – since 1995
• Din luna ianuarie – from the month of January
• De luni – on Monday
• Din trecut – from the past

Tips for English Speakers Learning Romanian Time Expressions

English speakers might find the distinction between de and din challenging because both can translate to "from" in English. Remember that de often relates to durations or parts of the day, while din points to origins or starting points in time.

Practice by creating sentences using both prepositions in different time contexts. Listening to native speakers and reading Romanian texts can also help you internalize these patterns.

Summary

Mastering Romanian time expressions and the correct use of de and din will greatly improve your fluency and comprehension. Remember the key differences and practice regularly to become confident in using these prepositions in everyday conversation.