How to Use Prefixes and Suffixes in Romanian Word Formation

Introduction to Romanian Word Formation

Romanian, like many Romance languages, uses prefixes and suffixes extensively to form new words and modify meanings. Understanding these affixes is essential for English speakers learning Romanian, as they help expand vocabulary and grasp nuances in meaning.

What Are Prefixes in Romanian?

Prefixes are added to the beginning of a root word to change its meaning. In Romanian, prefixes often indicate negation, repetition, intensity, or direction.

Common Romanian Prefixes

• ne-: negation, e.g., fericit (happy) → nefericit (unhappy)
• re-: repetition or back, e.g., face (to do) → reface (to redo)
• în-/im-/î-: into or in, e.g., trage (to pull) → întrage (to pull in)
• dez-: reversal or removal, e.g., gusta (to taste) → degusta (to taste thoroughly)

What Are Suffixes in Romanian?

Suffixes are added to the end of a root word to change its grammatical function or meaning. They can form nouns, adjectives, diminutives, or indicate gender and number.

Common Romanian Suffixes

• -are: forms nouns from verbs, e.g., cântă (to sing) → cântare (singing)
• -iş: forms nouns indicating profession or origin, e.g., pictor (painter) → pictoriş (painter's style)
• -el/-ică: diminutives, e.g., casă (house) → căsuţă (small house)
• -eţ: forms adjectives, e.g., frumos (beautiful) → frumuzeţ (beauty)

How Prefixes and Suffixes Work Together

Often, Romanian words combine prefixes and suffixes to create complex meanings. For example, the verb a reîncepe combines the prefix re- (again) and the root începe (to begin), meaning "to begin again."

Tips for English Speakers Learning Romanian Affixes

• Learn common prefixes and suffixes to recognize word meanings quickly.
• Practice by breaking down complex words into root + prefix + suffix.
• Use flashcards to memorize affixes and their meanings.
• Pay attention to how affixes change the grammatical role of words.

Examples of Romanian Words with Prefixes and Suffixes