Numbers and Age Expressions: Essential Basics for Beginners

Among the first lessons Romanian language learners encounter are numbers and expressions of age. Mastering Romanian numerals and the verb “a avea” (to have) is key to engaging in everyday conversations. In this article, we’ll explore how to count in Romanian, how to ask and answer about age, and how to practice using both in context.

Why Learning Romanian Numbers Matters

Numbers are everywhere: in prices, phone numbers, addresses, time, age, and quantities. Whether you’re shopping, introducing yourself, or asking for directions, being able to understand and say numbers in Romanian makes everyday life smoother.

How to Count in Romanian: From 0 to 100

Basic Cardinal Numbers

Romanian cardinal numbers have gendered forms in the singular for “1” and “2”:

• Masculine:

  • 1 = unu

  • 2 = doi

• Feminine:

  • 1 = o

  • 2 = două

• 3 = trei

• 4 = patru

• 5 = cinci

• 6 = șase

• 7 = șapte

• 8 = opt

• 9 = nouă

• 10 = zece

• 0 = zero

Forming Teen Numbers (11–19)

Teen numbers in Romanian are formed by combining the units digit with “sprezece”:

• 11 = unsprezece

• 12 = doisprezece

• 13 = treisprezece

• 14 = paisprezece

• 15 = cincisprezece

• 16 = șaisprezece

• 17 = șaptesprezece

• 18 = optsprezece

• 19 = nouăsprezece

Note: Masculine forms like doisprezece, cincisprezece are standard, though regional variations may appear.

Tens and Composite Numbers

The tens are constructed as follows:

• 20 = douăzeci

• 30 = treizeci

• 40 = patruzeci

• 50 = cincizeci

• 60 = șaizeci

• 70 = șaptezeci

• 80 = optzeci

• 90 = nouăzeci

Numbers like 21, 22, etc., are formed with “și” (and):

• 21 = douăzeci și unu

• 35 = treizeci și cinci

• 99 = nouăzeci și nouă

Romanian Gender Agreement and Plural Use

In Romanian, numerals must agree with the gender of the noun they accompany, especially 1 and 2:

• un băiat (a boy) – masculine

• doi băieți (two boys)

• o fată (a girl) – feminine

• două fete (two girls)

Also, when counting or asking “how many?”, use:

• câți for masculine nouns (Câți studenți? = How many students?)

• câte for feminine or neuter nouns (Câte cărți? = How many books?)

Using Numbers in Context: Practical Examples

Here are common classroom examples of questions and answers using numerals:

• Câte fete sunt în clasă? – Sunt trei fete. (How many girls are in the class? – There are three girls.)

• Câți profesori sunt în sală? – Sunt doi profesori. (How many teachers are in the room? – There are two teachers.)

• Câți prieteni ai la curs? – Am cinci prieteni. (How many friends do you have in class? – I have five friends.)

When expressing larger quantities or abstract nouns, use the preposition de:

• 20 de studenți (20 students)

• 50 de lei (50 lei)

• 40 de ani (40 years)

Talking About Age in Romanian

One of the most common questions you’ll be asked or want to ask is about age. In Romanian, we use the verb “a avea” (to have), not “to be”, when referring to age.

The Verb “a avea” – Present Tense Conjugation

• eu am (I have)

• tu ai (you have)

• el / ea are (he/she has)

• noi avem (we have)

• voi aveți (you all have)

• ei / ele au (they have)

Asking and Answering About Age

• Câți ani ai? – How old are you?

• Am 21 de ani. – I am 21 years old. (Literally: I have 21 years.)

Vocabulary for Birthday Celebrations

When talking about age, birthdays often come into play. Here are some useful words:

• la mulți ani – happy birthday

• tort – cake

• petrecere – party

• prieteni – friends

Example dialogue:

— Câți ani ai acum?
— Acum am 25 de ani. La mulți ani mie!

Grammar Focus: “A avea” in Use

Practice with complete sentences:

• Eu am un telefon. (I have a phone.)

• Ea are o carte. (She has a book.)

• Noi avem un curs dimineața. (We have a class in the morning.)

You can also combine numbers and “a avea”:

• Andrei are 20 de ani.

• Voi aveți trei prieteni români.

Practical Activities for Learners

To reinforce these concepts, our course includes speaking and writing exercises such as:

• Counting objects in the classroom (e.g. books, chairs, windows)

• Answering simple age questions

• Filling in the blanks with the correct form of “a avea”

• Creating personal sentences about age and possessions

These exercises are supported by visuals and contextual dialogues to help learners use numbers and age naturally.

Final Thoughts: Build a Strong Foundation in Romanian

Learning Romanian numbers and expressing age are essential first steps in mastering the language. These early lessons provide a practical foundation that you will use every day. With our beginner-friendly approach, you’ll soon be able to count confidently, describe your age, and engage in simple conversations.

Join Our Romanian Language Lessons

If you’re just beginning your Romanian journey, we invite you to join our structured, engaging lessons designed for adult learners. With the support of CEFR-aligned content and real-life practice, you’ll feel confident using Romanian from the start.

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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