Introduction to Time Prepositions in Romanian Grammar

Common Time Prepositions in Romanian

Romanian language has several prepositions that provide information about the exact time of events or actions. These time prepositions are crucial for understanding and constructing clear and meaningful sentences. In this section, we are going to dive deep into the common time prepositions in Romanian:

În: This preposition is used to indicate ‘in’ or ‘during’. It’s used with months, seasons, years, and parts of the day. For example, ‘în iunie’ means ‘in June’. Furthermore, ‘în seara asta’ means ‘tonight’.

La: When referring to a specific time or moment, use ‘la’. This preposition corresponds to ‘at’ in English. For instance, ‘la ora cinci’ means ‘at five o’clock’.

Până: ‘Până’ translates to ‘until’ or ‘by’ in English and is employed when referring to a timeframe within which an event or action would occur, for example, ‘până luni’ means ‘by Monday’.

După: ‘După’ denotes ‘after’ in the context of time. Utilizing this preposition reveals when an action or event takes place in relation to another, such as in ‘după-amiază’ to demonstrate ‘afternoon’.

Navigating Complex Time Expressions

Enhance your understanding of Romanian time expressions by mastering these complex prepositions:

Înainte de: This phrase is used to specify a time period before a particular event, and translates to ‘before’ in English. For example, ‘înainte de ora şapte’ signifies ‘before seven o’clock’.

După ce: ‘După ce’ highlights an action that occurs later in time compared to another event, and corresponds to ‘after’ in English. For instance, ‘după ce termin de mâncat’ implies ‘after I finish eating’.

Până când: Used to denote an action that occurs or continues until an additional event takes place, this phrase translates to ‘until’ in English. An example is ‘până când soarele apune’, meaning ‘until the sun sets’.

Cât timp: The phrase ‘cât timp’ establishes the relationship between two events happening simultaneously or during the same timeframe, and corresponds to ‘while’ or ‘as long as’ in English. ‘Cât timp lucrez’ would translate to ‘as long as I am working’.

Examples of Time Prepositions in Sentences

With a grasp on common and complex time prepositions in Romanian, we can now examine their usage in various sentences:

1. În: Ne vedem în ianuarie (We’ll meet in January).
2. La: Vreau să plecăm la ora 10 (I want to leave at 10 o’clock).
3. Până: Trebuie să terminăm până vineri (We need to finish by Friday).
4. După: Andrei va veni după prânz (Andrei will come after lunch).
5. Înainte de: Vom ajunge acasă înainte de ora șase (We will arrive home before six o’clock).
6. După ce: Voi pleca după ce primesc salariul (I will leave after I receive my salary).
7. Până când: Ea va dormi până când trezirea sună (She will sleep until the alarm rings).
8. Cât timp: Cât timp cântă Corina, petrecem (As long as Corina is singing, we are partying).

Conclusion

Time prepositions play a significant role in the formation of clear and meaningful sentences in the Romanian language. Neglecting them or incorrectly employing them may lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Hence, mastering their usage and understanding is essential while learning Romanian grammar. By referring to the examples provided and utilizing the breakdown of complex time expressions, you’ll be well on your way to clear communication in the Romanian language.