When learning Romanian, it’s important to expand your vocabulary by understanding the different categories of words. One interesting comparison that can help you learn new words is between **animale de companie** (pets) and **animale domestice** (farm animals). This will not only boost your vocabulary but also give you a deeper understanding of Romanian culture and daily life. In this article, we’ll explore key vocabulary related to both pets and farm animals, along with their meanings and example sentences in Romanian.

Animale de Companie (Pets)

pisică – cat
The word **pisică** refers to a cat, a common household pet known for its independence and playful nature.
Am o **pisică** pe nume Luna.

câine – dog
**Câine** is the Romanian word for a dog, a loyal and friendly companion often referred to as man’s best friend.
**Câinele** meu se numește Max.

papagal – parrot
A **papagal** is a parrot, a colorful bird known for its ability to mimic sounds and speech.
**Papagalul** meu poate spune câteva cuvinte.

pește – fish
The word **pește** refers to a fish, a popular pet for aquariums and easy to care for.
Am un acvariu plin cu **pești** colorați.

hamster – hamster
A **hamster** is a small rodent often kept as a pet, known for its playful and nocturnal behavior.
**Hamsterul** meu adoră să alerge în roata sa.

broască țestoasă – turtle
**Broască țestoasă** is the term for a turtle, a slow-moving reptile that can live both on land and in water.
**Broasca țestoasă** a familiei noastre trăiește de zece ani.

iepure – rabbit
**Iepure** refers to a rabbit, a small mammal with long ears and a short tail, often kept as a pet.
**Iepurele** nostru este foarte prietenos.

cobai – guinea pig
A **cobai** is a guinea pig, a small, sociable rodent that makes for a popular pet, especially among children.
**Cobaiul** meu este foarte blând și adoră să fie mângâiat.

Animale Domestice (Farm Animals)

vacă – cow
The word **vacă** refers to a cow, a large farm animal known for producing milk.
**Vaca** din curte dă lapte proaspăt în fiecare zi.

cal – horse
**Cal** is the Romanian term for a horse, a powerful and graceful animal often used for riding and farm work.
**Calul** meu preferat se numește Thunder.

oaie – sheep
An **oaie** is a sheep, a farm animal raised for its wool, meat, and milk.
**Oaia** noastră are lână moale și albă.

porc – pig
**Porc** refers to a pig, a farm animal known for its intelligence and often raised for meat.
**Porcul** din gospodărie este foarte mare și roz.

capră – goat
A **capră** is a goat, a hardy farm animal that is often kept for its milk, meat, and fur.
**Capra** noastră dă lapte foarte gustos.

găină – hen
The term **găină** refers to a hen, a farm bird that lays eggs and provides meat.
**Găina** a ouat astăzi trei ouă.

cocoș – rooster
A **cocoș** is a rooster, known for crowing at dawn and protecting hens.
**Cocoșul** cântă în fiecare dimineață la răsărit.

rață – duck
**Rață** refers to a duck, a waterfowl often found on farms and known for its quacking sound.
Avem o **rață** care înoată în iaz.

gâscă – goose
A **gâscă** is a goose, a large bird that is often kept for its meat and feathers.
**Gâsca** păzește curtea de intruși.

măgar – donkey
**Măgar** refers to a donkey, a sturdy farm animal known for its strength and endurance.
**Măgarul** nostru ajută la transportul lemnelor.

Interaction Between Pets and Farm Animals

In many rural areas in Romania, you will find that **animale de companie** and **animale domestice** co-exist harmoniously. For example, a **câine** might help herd **oaie** on a farm, while a **pisică** may keep the barn free of mice. Understanding the roles and vocabulary of both types of animals gives you a more comprehensive view of Romanian life.

herghelie – herd
A **herghelie** is a herd, commonly used to refer to a group of horses or other large animals.
Herghelia de cai aleargă liberă pe câmp.

cușcă – cage
**Cușcă** refers to a cage, often used for housing small pets or containing animals temporarily.
**Cușca** papagalului trebuie curățată regulat.

grajd – barn
A **grajd** is a barn, a building used for housing livestock or storing agricultural products.
Animalele domestice se adăpostesc în **grajd** pe timpul nopții.

stână – sheepfold
**Stână** is a sheepfold, a place where sheep are kept, especially during the night.
Oile se întorc la **stână** după pășunat.

stup – beehive
A **stup** is a beehive, used for housing bees and producing honey.
Avem un **stup** în grădină pentru miere proaspătă.

lesă – leash
**Lesă** refers to a leash, a tool used to control pets, especially dogs, during walks.
Întotdeauna îmi plimb **câinele** cu **lesă**.

adăpost – shelter
An **adăpost** is a shelter, a place where animals are kept safe from the elements.
Pisica se ascunde în **adăpost** când plouă.

fermier – farmer
A **fermier** is a farmer, someone who works on a farm and takes care of animals and crops.
**Fermierul** își începe ziua foarte devreme.

Romanian Cultural Context

Understanding the difference between **animale de companie** and **animale domestice** also helps you appreciate the cultural context in Romania. In many Romanian households, especially in rural areas, the distinction between pets and farm animals is clear and significant.

rural – rural
**Rural** refers to the countryside, areas that are outside the cities and towns.
Bunica mea locuiește într-o zonă **rurală**.

urban – urban
**Urban** refers to cities and towns, areas that are more developed and populated.
Locuiesc într-un mediu **urban**, dar îmi place să vizitez satul.

gospodărie – household
A **gospodărie** is a household, referring to the home and its inhabitants, including pets and sometimes farm animals.
În **gospodăria** noastră avem și câine, și găini.

pășune – pasture
**Pășune** refers to pasture, land covered with grass where animals graze.
Oile pasc pe **pășune** toată ziua.

By learning these terms and understanding their usage, you’ll not only enhance your Romanian vocabulary but also gain insights into the lifestyle and cultural practices associated with pets and farm animals in Romania. Whether you’re planning to visit Romania, have Romanian friends, or are simply interested in the language, this knowledge will serve you well in everyday conversations and deepen your appreciation for Romanian culture.

Continue practicing these words, and try to use them in sentences to reinforce your learning. Happy studying!