Romanian 101 - Romanian language lessons - part 2

Moving to Romania is an exciting experience, but navigating life in a new country can come with its challenges—especially when it comes to learning the language.

Now that you’ve mastered some basic Romanian phrases, it’s time to dig a little deeper! In this second language lesson, we'll explore more practical vocabulary that’ll make ordering and enjoying meals in Romania much easier - and help you sound even more like a local.

Ready to take your Romanian to the next level?

Ordering Food

When you're out exploring Romania, you'll definitely want to try the delicious local cuisine, and knowing how to order food in Romanian will make the experience even better. Start by asking for a menu, which is meniul in Romanian, and when you're ready to order, you can say Aș dori... followed by the dish you want, which means I would like.... For example, you could say Aș dori sarmale, which means I would like sarmale, a traditional Romanian dish made with stuffed cabbage rolls. If you're thirsty, you can ask for apă (water), bere (beer), or vin (wine). Don’t forget to be polite by adding te rog (which is please) at the end of your request. When you're finished and ready to pay, you can ask for the bill by saying Nota, vă rog. If you prefer a dessert, you might want to try papanași, a popular Romanian donut-like dessert. Once you're done, don't forget to say mulțumesc, which means thank you, to show your appreciation for the meal. Whether you’re at a cozy café or a bustling restaurant, these phrases will help you enjoy your Romanian dining experience with ease.

Keep practicing and applying what you’ve learned! Don't worry if you mix things up at first—people are usually patient and appreciate the effort you're making to speak Romanian. Plus, the more you use these phrases, the more natural they’ll feel.

And remember, learning a language is all about enjoying the process. Keep it fun, and soon enough, you'll be navigating Romanian like a pro!

Happy learning! Noroc! Cheers!

Author: Tania Ionescu