There is a common (not slang) expression used in Romania that seems a little weird at first – 7 ani de acasa (shop-tay awn day ah casa) because it literally means “seven years at home”. What does it mean? Even today, a child legally does not need to go to (full-time) school until s/he is seven years old. That is because the child is supposed … Continue reading Expression of the Day: 7 Ani de Acasa
If you’re one of those people who keep a sharp eye on the sidebar (you know who you are!) I’m sure you’ve noticed I’ve been trolling for a few good online resources on how to learn the cotton-pickin Romanian language. Well, I just found a very good one that I highly recommend. Just so it’s clear right up front, I never heard of these people … Continue reading Sosul Awesomenessului
For Engrish Speakers: Bani gheata pentru ceata. Am batut tatari si baut cotnari. Cainele linge sangele cainelor. Pentru Vorbitori: He fumbled the fun fan colors. The miss mussed her hair in the bus business. I like to wind the wind chimes. Continue reading Tongue Twister Thursday!
You might remember my posts on the slang usage of the words marfa and tare, both of which mean “cool” or “awesome” or “brilliant”. Now here’s yet another word with similar meanings: beton (beh-tone). The standard meaning of this noun, borrowed directly from the French, is “concrete” as in the ancient mixture of sand and water to form a rock-like substance. Over time this got … Continue reading Slang Word of the Day: Beton
Over the years I’ve scoured websites, textbooks and other material looking for a concise chapter to explain the dash “-” mark in Romanian syntax and yet never found it. Perhaps it exists somewhere and you can provide us with a link. But for now you’ll have to do with my mini guide. I actually used to write Romanian before I spoke or understood a single … Continue reading That Damn Dash Mark
