Present Tense in Romanian Grammar

Conjugating Romanian Verbs in Present Tense

When it comes to Romanian verbs, there are three main conjugation groups to take note of. Each group has a specific set of endings that are attached to the verb stem in order to form the present tense conjugation.

First Conjugation Group:

Verbs from this group typically end in -a in their infinitive form. The specific endings for this group are as follows:

  eu (I)       -ez
  tu (you)     -ezi
  el/ea (he/she)     -ează
  noi (we)      -ăm
  voi (you plural/formal)    -ați
  ei/ele (they)    -ează

Example: a cânta (to sing)

  eu cânt ez
  tu cânt ezi
  el/ea cânt ează
  noi cânt ăm
  voi cânt ați
  ei/ele cânt ează

Second Conjugation Group:

Verbs in this group typically end in -ea in their infinitive form. The endings for this group are as follows:

  eu (I)       -esc
  tu (you)     -ești
  el/ea (he/she)     -ește
  noi (we)      -em
  voi (you plural/formal)    -eți
  ei/ele (they)    -esc

Example: a putea (to be able to)

  eu pot esc
  tu poți ești
  el/ea poate ește
  noi put em
  voi pute eți
  ei/ele pot esc

Third Conjugation Group:

Verbs in this group usually end in -i or -î in their infinitive form. The endings for this group are as follows:

  eu (I)       -esc
  tu (you)     -ești
  el/ea (he/she)     -ește
  noi (we)      -im
  voi (you plural/formal)    -iți
  ei/ele (they)    -esc

Example: a dormi (to sleep)

  eu dorm esc
  tu dorm ești
  el/ea dorm ește
  noi dorm im
  voi dorm iți
  ei/ele dorm esc

Regular and Irregular Verbs in the Present Tense

In Romanian grammar, there are both regular and irregular verbs. Regular verbs follow the aforementioned conjugation patterns, while irregular verbs deviate from these patterns. Some common irregular verbs include a fi (to be), a avea (to have), and a vrea (to want).

Despite their irregularities, these verbs share some similarities with their respective conjugation groups. For instance, a fi uses the third conjugation pattern, but with slightly altered endings:

  eu sunt
  tu ești
  el/ea este
  noi suntem
  voi sunteți
  ei/ele sunt

Common Expressions Using the Present Tense

Romanian speakers often use colloquial expressions that showcase the present tense. Some examples include:

• Ce faci? – How are you? (literally “What are you doing?”)
• Unde mergi? – Where are you going?
• Vreau să învăț. – I want to learn.
• Avem nevoie de ajutor. – We need help.

Mastering the present tense in Romanian grammar is a critical step in achieving fluency. By understanding the conjugation patterns and practicing both regular and irregular verbs, you will be well on your way to communicating effectively in this rich and beautiful language.