Definite and Indefinite Articles in Real Sentences
As you begin to learn Romanian, mastering the use of articles is one of the first steps toward building natural, grammatically correct sentences. In the early stages of Romanian language learning, one important topic you’ll encounter is the distinction between the definite and indefinite article. This grammar point is more than a theoretical rule—it shapes how you describe objects, people, and situations in everyday conversation.
Indefinite Articles in Romanian: Saying “A” or “An”
Romanian uses different forms for the indefinite article depending on gender and number:
un băiat (a boy) — masculine singular
o fată (a girl) — feminine singular
There is no indefinite article in the plural, but you may use niște to express “some”:
niște băieți (some boys)
niște fete (some girls)
These articles are used when introducing something new in the conversation or something non-specific.
Este un copil în parc. – There is a child in the park.
Văd o mașină roșie. – I see a red car.
Definite Articles: Saying “The” in Romanian
Unlike in English, Romanian adds the definite article at the end of the noun. This is called the enclitic definite article, and it also changes depending on gender and number:
băiat → băiatul (the boy)
fată → fata (the girl)
băieți → băieții (the boys)
fete → fetele (the girls)
You’ll also learn about variations like:
frate → fratele (the brother)
munte → muntele (the mountain)
This form is used when the noun is already known or has been previously mentioned.
Acolo este un băiat. Băiatul este fratele meu.
(There is a boy. The boy is my brother.)
Practical Examples: Using Articles in Context
Through guided practice, learners compare how indefinite and definite articles affect meaning. For instance:
O carte (a book) becomes cartea (the book)
Un elev (a student) becomes elevul (the student)
Understanding this allows learners to form more complete, natural sentences:
Pe bancă este un caiet. Caietul este nou.
(There is a notebook on the desk. The notebook is new.)
Acolo este o floare. Floarea este roșie.
(There is a flower. The flower is red.)
This way, Romanian learners gradually develop both fluency and grammatical accuracy.
Grammar in Use: Building Confidence in Real Life
As part of beginner Romanian lessons, students don’t just memorize articles—they use them in full sentences, dialogues, and short texts about their daily lives. Describing your environment and the people around you becomes easier and clearer with proper use of articles. This foundational skill leads to better reading comprehension and more confident speaking.
Practice Romanian With Us and Speak With Confidence!
Whether you’re learning Romanian to travel, work, or connect with Romanian culture, understanding how to use articles correctly is a must. Our structured, engaging Romanian lessons at Punto Iberica are designed to give you all the tools you need to succeed. Join our courses and start making comparisons, building sentences, and using Romanian confidently in real-life conversations!
For additional grammar explanations, check out our recommended grammar resources.
How this was written: We sometimes use AI tools to help organize and expand on our teaching ideas — but every article is reviewed, edited, and polished by a human.
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