de After Numbers
Use douăzeci de mere, but zece mere and o sută zece mere. With whole-number counts, the final two digits normally determine whether de is needed.
How It Works
Romanian treats small numbers (1–19) like adjectives, but larger numbers (20+) are grammatically treated more like nouns that need a preposition to link to another noun.
The '20 Rule':
- 1–19: No preposition. Example: zece minute (ten minutes).
- 20–99: Use de. Example: douăzeci de minute (twenty minutes).
- 100, 1000, etc.: Use de if the number ends in '00'. Example: o sută de euro.
Compound Numbers:
The rule depends entirely on the last two digits of the number. Even if the number is very large, if it ends in 01–19, you do not use de.
- o sută unu dalmațieni (101 Dalmatians) — Ends in 01, no de.
- o sută douăzeci de dalmațieni (120 Dalmatians) — Ends in 20, uses de.
Grammar Note: The noun following de remains in the standard plural form (Nominative/Accusative). Do not use Genitive endings.
Examples (5)
- Am cumpărat douăzeci și cinci de mere.
I bought twenty-five apples.
Word by Word: I-have bought twenty and five of apples.
Since 25 is greater than 19 and doesn't end in 01-19, 'de' is required.
- Bunicul meu are optzeci de ani.
My grandfather is eighty years old.
Word by Word: Grandfather-the my has eighty of years.
Round numbers like 80 (optzeci) always take 'de'.
- În această sală sunt o sută de oameni.
In this room there are a hundred people.
Word by Word: In this room are a hundred of people.
The number 100 (o sută) ends in '00', so it requires 'de'.
- Am citit o sută cincisprezece pagini.
I read one hundred fifteen pages.
Word by Word: I-have read a hundred fifteen pages.
No 'de' is used here because the number ends in 15 (cincisprezece).
- Vreau două sute de grame de zahăr.
I want two hundred grams of sugar.
Word by Word: I-want two hundreds of grams of sugar.
Multiples of 100 (două sute) require 'de' before the noun.
Common Mistakes
Omitting de after douăzeci.
Am douăzeci lei.Am douăzeci de lei.The number 20 links to the counted noun with de: douăzeci de lei. Larger numbers ending in 01–19 follow a different pattern.
Adding 'de' to numbers between 1 and 19.
Vreau zece de mere.Vreau zece mere.Numbers 1 through 19 connect directly to the noun without any preposition.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'de' after numbers, you first need a solid grasp of basic cardinal numbers and how to form plural nouns, as this pattern specifically governs the relationship between large numbers and the plural nouns they quantify.
- Basic Numbers
Understanding basic cardinal numbers is essential before learning the specific rules for higher numbers and the preposition 'de'.
Level 1 - Noun Plurals
Recognize plural nouns in numeral phrases, then apply the de rule to the number’s final component, as in douăzeci de cărți and o sută două cărți.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- One and Two Agreement
Explains how the numbers 1 and 2 change based on the gender of the noun they quantify.
Level 1 - Three Noun Genders
The gender of the noun determines which form of the number (like 'doi' vs 'două') is used before 'de'.
Level 1 - în / la / cu / pentru / fărăBasic Prepositions
While 'de' is a preposition, its function here is specifically for quantification rather than location or direction.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice de After Numbers in Bubblegum
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