When you meet someone for the first time or you don’t know them very well, it’s best to stick to general compliments. These are not only polite but also less likely to be taken the wrong way.

“Ce frumos ești astăzi!” (You look beautiful today!) is a simple yet effective compliment. It can be used regardless of the person’s gender, making it a versatile choice in casual interactions.

“Ai un zâmbet minunat!” (You have a wonderful smile!) highlights someone’s smile, a universal sign of happiness and friendliness. This compliment can brighten someone’s day and is suitable for both personal and professional contexts.

Complimenting Achievements

Romanians often take pride in their achievements, whether in their professional or personal lives. Recognizing their accomplishments with a compliment can be very meaningful.

“Felicitări pentru reușită!” (Congratulations on your success!) can be used when someone has achieved something notable, like a promotion or completing a project.

“Ești foarte talentat/ă!” (You are very talented!) is perfect when you want to acknowledge someone’s skills or talents, whether they’re an artist, a scholar, or a craftsman.

Complimenting Personal Qualities

Complimenting someone’s character or personal traits can often forge deeper connections. These compliments show that you appreciate not just what someone does, but who they are.

“Ai un suflet frumos!” (You have a beautiful soul!) is a profound compliment that appreciates the goodness in someone’s character. It’s a heartfelt expression best used with people you know well.

“Ești foarte inteligent/ă!” (You are very smart!) can be used in both casual and formal settings. It acknowledges someone’s intellectual abilities and can be particularly encouraging in academic or professional environments.

Complimenting Appearance

While complimenting appearance is common, it’s important to do so respectfully and appropriately, especially in a cultural context like Romania where personal boundaries are valued.

“Îți stă bine cu această culoare!” (That color suits you well!) is a safe and pleasant compliment that comments on someone’s choice rather than their physical attributes directly.

“Ai un stil foarte interesant!” (You have a very interesting style!) recognizes someone’s fashion sense or unique style. It’s a way to express admiration for someone’s personal expression through clothing.

Complimenting Hospitality

Romanians are known for their hospitality. Complimenting your host appropriately can be a significant gesture of gratitude and respect.

“Masa a fost delicioasă!” (The meal was delicious!) is a must-say if you’ve been invited over for a meal. It shows appreciation for the effort put into cooking.

“Casa ta este foarte primitoare!” (Your home is very welcoming!) not only compliments the host’s home but also the warmth and comfort they provide to their guests.

Responding to Compliments

Knowing how to respond to compliments in Romanian is just as important as knowing how to give them. Romanians often respond with modesty.

“Mulțumesc, ești prea amabil/ă!” (Thank you, you’re too kind!) is a common and polite response to any compliment, acknowledging the compliment while expressing gratitude.

“Doar am avut un pic de noroc!” (I just got a bit lucky!) is another humble way to accept a compliment, often used when discussing achievements or successes.

Practice Makes Perfect

The more you practice these phrases, the more naturally they will come when conversing with native Romanian speakers. Try to use them in appropriate contexts and pay attention to the reactions you receive, as these will guide you in honing your complimenting skills.

Remember, complimenting someone in Romanian isn’t just about the words; it’s about making a connection and showing genuine appreciation. So next time you find yourself in a conversation with a Romanian speaker, use these phrases to make a positive impact.