How to Conjugate Romanian Verbs in the Present Indicative for English Speakers

Understanding the Present Indicative Tense in Romanian

The present indicative tense in Romanian is used to describe actions that are currently happening or general truths. It is one of the most commonly used tenses and is essential for everyday communication.

Romanian Verb Groups and Their Importance

Romanian verbs are divided into four conjugation groups based on their infinitive endings: -a, -ea, -e, and -i/-î. Knowing the group helps you apply the correct endings in the present indicative.

First Conjugation: Verbs Ending in -a

These verbs are the most common and include verbs like a lucra (to work) and a cânta (to sing). Their present indicative endings are straightforward and regular.

Second Conjugation: Verbs Ending in -ea

Verbs ending in -ea, such as a vedea (to see), have slightly different endings and sometimes stem changes in the present tense.

Third Conjugation: Verbs Ending in -e

This group includes verbs like a crede (to believe). Their conjugation patterns differ and are important to memorize.

Fourth Conjugation: Verbs Ending in -i or -î

Verbs such as a dormi (to sleep) belong here. They have their own set of endings in the present indicative.

Present Indicative Endings for Each Conjugation Group

Below are the typical endings added to the verb stem for each person in the present indicative tense.

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

First Conjugation (-a verbs) Endings

• -ez (eu)
• -ezi (tu)
• -ează (el/ea)
• -ăm (noi)
• -ați (voi)
• -ează (ei/ele)

Example: Conjugation of <em>a lucra</em> (to work)

• Eu lucrez
• Tu lucrezi
• El/Ea lucrează
• Noi lucrăm
• Voi lucrați
• Ei/Ele lucrează

Second Conjugation (-ea verbs) Endings

• -d (eu)
• -zi (tu)
• -de (el/ea)
• -m (noi)
• -ți (voi)
• -d (ei/ele)

Example: Conjugation of <em>a vedea</em> (to see)

• Eu văd
• Tu vezi
• El/Ea vede
• Noi vedem
• Voi vedeți
• Ei/Ele văd

Third Conjugation (-e verbs) Endings

• -d (eu)
• -zi (tu)
• -de (el/ea)
• -m (noi)
• -ți (voi)
• -d (ei/ele)

Example: Conjugation of <em>a crede</em> (to believe)

• Eu cred
• Tu crezi
• El/Ea crede
• Noi credem
• Voi credeți
• Ei/Ele cred

Fourth Conjugation (-i/-î verbs) Endings

• -esc (eu)
• -ești (tu)
• -ește (el/ea)
• -im (noi)
• -iți (voi)
• -esc (ei/ele)

Example: Conjugation of <em>a dormi</em> (to sleep)

• Eu dorm
• Tu dormi
• El/Ea doarme
• Noi dormim
• Voi dormiți
• Ei/Ele dorm

Common Irregular Verbs in the Present Indicative

Irregular verbs do not follow the standard conjugation patterns and must be memorized. Some common irregular verbs include a fi (to be), a avea (to have), and a vrea (to want).

Conjugation of <em>a fi</em> (to be)

• Eu sunt
• Tu ești
• El/Ea este
• Noi suntem
• Voi sunteți
• Ei/Ele sunt

Conjugation of <em>a avea</em> (to have)

• Eu am
• Tu ai
• El/Ea are
• Noi avem
• Voi aveți
• Ei/Ele au

Conjugation of <em>a vrea</em> (to want)

• Eu vreau
• Tu vrei
• El/Ea vrea
• Noi vrem
• Voi vreți
• Ei/Ele vor

Tips for Learning Romanian Present Indicative Conjugation

• Practice conjugating regular verbs from each group daily.
• Memorize the endings for each conjugation group.
• Learn common irregular verbs separately.
• Use flashcards to reinforce verb forms.
• Practice speaking and writing sentences using the present indicative.