Clitics and Infinitives

Level 3

An infinitive with a consists of the particle a + the verb. When using pronouns (clitics), they are 'sandwiched' in the middle: a + clitic + verb.

How It Works

The Romanian infinitive is a two-part structure. When we add direct object clitics, indirect object clitics, or reflexive pronouns, they must follow specific placement rules:

  • Hyphenated Forms: If a clitic begins with the vowel î- (such as îl, îmi, îți, or îi), the î- elides and the clitic attaches to the particle a with a hyphen. Examples include a-l (him), a-mi (to me), and a-i (them/to him).
  • Separate Word Forms: If the clitic does not start with î-, it remains a separate word. This includes a o (her), a se (reflexive), a ne (us), a vă (you pl.), and a le (them fem.). Note that clitics like mă or te also remain separate: a mă vedea.
  • Negation: If the infinitive is negative, the word nu comes after the particle, and the clitic follows nu. Pattern: a nu + clitic + verb (e.g., a nu-l vedea).
  • Clitic Clusters: When using both a Dative and Accusative clitic, they form a cluster between the particle and the verb. In these cases, the particle a remains a separate word (e.g., a mi-l da).

While the infinitive is often replaced by the subjunctive in modern speech, it is a common option in formal and written registers after prepositions like pentru (for), fără (without), înainte de (before), and în loc de (instead of).

Examples (5)

  1. Am venit pentru a-l vedea.

    I came to see him.

    Word by Word: I-have come for to-him see.

    The clitic '-l' (him) is hyphenated with the particle 'a' because it is a single consonant.

  2. A plecat fără a ne spune nimic.

    He left without telling us anything.

    Word by Word: He-has left without to us tell nothing.

    The clitic 'ne' (us) is written as a separate word after the particle 'a'.

  3. E important a nu-i deranja.

    It is important not to disturb them.

    Word by Word: Is important to not-them disturb.

    In a negative infinitive, the clitic '-i' (them) attaches to the negator 'nu' with a hyphen.

  4. Înainte de a se culca, citește o carte.

    Before going to bed, he reads a book.

    Word by Word: Before of to self sleep, he-reads a book.

    The reflexive pronoun 'se' is placed between the particle 'a' and the verb 'culca'.

  5. Pentru a o înțelege, trebuie să o asculți.

    To understand her, you must listen to her.

    Word by Word: For to her understand, must that her you-listen.

    The clitic 'o' (her) is written as a separate word after the particle 'a'.

Common Mistakes

  • Placing the clitic before the particle 'a'.

    pentru îl a vedea
    pentru a-l vedea

    Unlike Spanish or Italian, the pronoun must go between the particle 'a' and the verb, not before the whole construction.

  • Writing 'al' instead of 'a-l'.

    pentru al vedea
    pentru a-l vedea

    'Al' is a possessive article. When connecting the particle 'a' to the pronoun 'l', a hyphen must be used.

  • Hyphenating the pronoun 'o' with the particle 'a'.

    pentru a-o vedea
    pentru a o vedea

    In standard Romanian, the feminine singular clitic 'o' is written as a separate word and does not hyphenate with the particle 'a'.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Clitics and InfinitivesLevel 3

Learn This First

To learn clitic placement with the infinitive, a learner needs to be familiar with the forms of direct and indirect object clitics, as well as the basic structure of the Romanian infinitive (the 'a' + verb construction).

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.