de + Supine
De Plus Supine
The Romanian Supine (often recognized by the de + verb pattern) is formed using a preposition + past participle. It is primarily used to describe the purpose of an object (apă de băut) or to evaluate an action (ușor de zis).
How It Works
De + supine
De făcut, de citit, and de cules are supines, not infinitives. The verbal form is identical to the masculine singular participle but is invariable in this construction.
Uses
Use it for purpose (mașină de spălat), a task (am de scris), or evaluation (greu de înțeles). The following verb can have an object: Am terminat de scris scrisoarea.
Agreement
The supine does not agree with the noun: o carte de citit, două cărți de citit. Contrast the agreeing participial adjective o carte citită.
Related forms
Cititul and mersul are action nouns related to the supine; as nouns they take articles and have nominal syntax. Do not apply the invariable-verb rule to every derived noun form.
Infinitive contrast
The infinitive includes forms such as a spune. E greu de spus is a common evaluative construction, but an infinitival subject in E greu a spune adevărul can also occur in more formal or literary language. That is a register and construction distinction, not a universal ban on infinitives after greu.
Examples (5)
- Această problemă este imposibil de rezolvat.
This problem is impossible to solve.
Word by Word: This problem is impossible of solved.
Here, the supine 'de rezolvat' follows the adjective 'imposibil' to evaluate the action.
- Mai avem multe lucruri de făcut astăzi.
We still have many things to do today.
Word by Word: More we-have many things of done today.
The supine 'de făcut' attaches to the noun 'lucruri' to show what needs to be done.
- Lecția este de învățat până mâine.
The lesson is to be learned by tomorrow.
Word by Word: Lesson-the is of learned until tomorrow.
When following 'a fi', the supine expresses necessity or obligation (something that must be done).
- Cititul este activitatea mea preferată.
Reading is my favorite activity.
Word by Word: Read-the is activity-the my favorite.
The articulated supine (the participle with a definite article) functions as a verbal noun, similar to the English '-ing' gerund.
- Am terminat de scris scrisoarea.
I finished writing the letter.
Word by Word: I-have finished of written letter-the.
The verb 'a termina' (to finish) is frequently followed by the supine.
Common Mistakes
Making the supine agree like an adjective.
Am două cărți de citite.Am două cărți de citit.The verbal supine stays citit even with feminine plural cărți.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Recognize the supine before studying de + supine in purpose and evaluative constructions. Distinguish adjective agreement from the invariable supine that follows it.
Related Patterns
- Past Participles
The supine is built using the past participle form of the verb.
Level 2 - Supine and Participle
Explains the difference between the invariable supine and the agreeing adjectival participle.
Level 5 - să + Present SubjunctiveThe Să Construction
The subjunctive is often an alternative to the supine when a specific subject is involved (e.g., 'hard for me to say').
Level 2 - Romanian Infinitives
Helps distinguish the supine from other non-finite verbal forms in Romanian.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice de + Supine in Bubblegum
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