When learning Romanian, understanding the nuances between similar words can greatly enhance your language skills. Two such words that often confuse learners are salva and păstra. Both can be translated to “save” or “keep” in English, but they are used in different contexts. This article will provide an in-depth explanation of these two words, including definitions, usage, and example sentences.

Salva

Salva is a verb that means “to save,” usually in the context of saving someone from danger, saving a document on a computer, or saving time. It implies an action taken to preserve something or someone from a negative outcome.

Salva (to save)
El a reușit să salveze documentul înainte să se oprească computerul.
He managed to save the document before the computer shut down.

Salvare (saving, rescue)
Echipa de salvare a ajuns la timp pentru a salva victimele.
The rescue team arrived in time to save the victims.

Salvator (savior, rescuer)
El a fost considerat un salvator pentru că a salvat copilul din incendiu.
He was considered a savior because he saved the child from the fire.

Salvabil (savable)
Documentul nu mai este salvabil după ce computerul s-a stricat.
The document is no longer savable after the computer broke down.

Păstra

Păstra is a verb that means “to keep” or “to retain.” It is used when talking about keeping something in its current state or holding onto something over time. This word is more about maintaining possession or condition rather than saving from danger.

Păstra (to keep, to retain)
Ea a decis să păstreze toate scrisorile de la bunica ei.
She decided to keep all the letters from her grandmother.

Păstrare (keeping, retention)
Păstrarea documentelor vechi este importantă pentru arhivă.
The retention of old documents is important for the archive.

Păstrător (keeper, custodian)
Bibliotecarul este păstrătorul tuturor cărților rare.
The librarian is the keeper of all the rare books.

Păstrabil (keepable)
Aceasta este o informație păstrabilă pe termen lung.
This is information that is keepable in the long term.

Contextual Differences

Understanding the contextual differences between salva and păstra is crucial for using these words correctly. Here are some common scenarios to illustrate their proper usage:

Saving Lives and Situations

When talking about saving someone from danger or rescuing a situation, salva is the appropriate word to use.

Salvare (rescue)
Salvarea oamenilor din clădirea în flăcări a fost prioritară.
Rescuing people from the burning building was a priority.

Salvator (rescuer)
El a fost un adevărat salvator în timpul inundațiilor.
He was a true rescuer during the floods.

Keeping Items and Conditions

When talking about maintaining possession of items or keeping something in its current state, păstra is the right word to use.

Păstrare (retention)
Păstrarea hainelor de iarnă într-un loc uscat este esențială.
Keeping winter clothes in a dry place is essential.

Păstrător (custodian)
El este păstrătorul cheilor clădirii.
He is the custodian of the building keys.

Special Cases and Nuances

There are special cases where the choice between salva and păstra might not be straightforward. Understanding these nuances can help you become more proficient in Romanian.

Data and Digital Information

In the context of digital information, salva is generally used to refer to saving files, while păstra can be used when talking about keeping data over time.

Salva (to save)
Nu uita să salvezi documentul înainte de a închide programul.
Don’t forget to save the document before closing the program.

Păstra (to keep)
Trebuie să păstrăm aceste fișiere timp de cinci ani.
We need to keep these files for five years.

Financial Context

When talking about saving money, both salva and păstra can be used, but they carry slightly different meanings. Salva is used more in the context of saving money from being spent, while păstra is used in the context of keeping money over time.

Salva (to save)
Am reușit să salvez bani folosind cupoane.
I managed to save money by using coupons.

Păstra (to keep)
Îmi place să păstrez economiile în contul de economii.
I like to keep my savings in a savings account.

Common Mistakes

It’s easy to confuse salva and păstra because they both can be translated as “save” or “keep” in English. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Using Salva Instead of Păstra

Incorrect: El a decis să salveze toate cărțile vechi.
Correct: El a decis să păstreze toate cărțile vechi.
Translation: He decided to keep all the old books.

Using Păstra Instead of Salva

Incorrect: Ea a reușit să păstreze documentul înainte să se oprească computerul.
Correct: Ea a reușit să salveze documentul înainte să se oprească computerul.
Translation: She managed to save the document before the computer shut down.

Idiomatic Expressions

Both salva and păstra appear in various idiomatic expressions. Understanding these can further help you grasp the nuances between the two words.

Salva

Salva aparențele (to save face)
El a încercat să salveze aparențele în fața colegilor.
He tried to save face in front of his colleagues.

Salva ziua (to save the day)
Supereroul a reușit să salveze ziua în ultimul moment.
The superhero managed to save the day at the last moment.

Păstra

Păstra tăcerea (to keep silent)
El a decis să păstreze tăcerea în legătură cu incidentul.
He decided to keep silent about the incident.

Păstra distanța (to keep distance)
În timpul pandemiei, oamenii trebuie să păstreze distanța socială.
During the pandemic, people need to keep social distance.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between salva and păstra is crucial for mastering Romanian. While both words can be translated to “save” or “keep” in English, their usage contexts are different. Salva is used more in situations involving rescue, protection, or digital saving, whereas Păstra is used in contexts of retention, maintenance, or possession.

By paying attention to the nuances and practicing with the provided example sentences, you can avoid common mistakes and use these words accurately. Keep learning and practicing, and soon enough, you will master these subtle differences in the Romanian language.