Supine and Participle

Level 5

De făcut is an invariable supine. A participle agrees in o temă făcută, but not in the active compound perfect ea a făcut tema.

How It Works

In Romanian, the relationship between the past participle and the supine is one of shared morphology but distinct syntax.

1. The Participle (Participiul)
The participle is a non-finite form ending in -at, -ut, -s, -t, -it, or -ât. It has three main roles:

  • Compound Tenses: Used with the auxiliary a avea to form the compound perfect. In this role, it is always masculine singular (e.g., Ea a scris). Note: When using the feminine singular clitic 'o', it attaches to the end of the participle (e.g., Am văzut-o).
  • Adjectival Use: When used as an adjective, it MUST agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (e.g., scrisoare scrisă).
  • Passive Voice: The participle also agrees with the subject when used in passive constructions (e.g., Casa a fost construită).

2. The Supine (Supinul)
The supine is formed by a preposition (usually de) + the masculine singular form of the participle. Unlike the participle-adjective, the supine is invariable.

  • Purpose/Necessity: It indicates what needs to be done (de făcut - to be done).
  • After Adjectives: It completes adjectives like 'easy' or 'hard' (greu de înțeles - hard to understand).
  • Nominalized Activity: When articulated (fumatul), it functions as a noun representing the act itself.

Key Distinction: If you are describing a result or using the passive, use the participle (with agreement). If you are describing a purpose or a 'to-do' item, use the supine (no agreement).

Examples (5)

  1. Am cumpărat o mașină folosită.

    I bought a used car.

    Word by Word: I-have bought a car used.

    Here, 'folosită' is a participle acting as an adjective. It agrees with the feminine noun 'mașină'.

  2. Am o mașină de spălat.

    I have a washing machine.

    Word by Word: I-have a machine of wash.

    'De spălat' is a supine expressing the purpose of the machine. Note that it does not change to match the feminine 'mașină'.

  3. Această problemă este rezolvată.

    This problem is solved.

    Word by Word: This problem is solved.

    'Rezolvată' is a participle describing the state of the problem (agreement: feminine singular).

  4. Mai sunt multe probleme de rezolvat.

    There are still many problems to solve.

    Word by Word: More are many problems of solve.

    'De rezolvat' is a supine indicating necessity. Even though 'probleme' is plural, the supine remains 'rezolvat'.

  5. Mersul pe jos este sănătos.

    Walking is healthy.

    Word by Word: Walking-the on foot is healthy.

    'Mersul' is the articulated supine, turning the verb 'a merge' into a noun representing the activity.

Common Mistakes

  • Applying gender agreement to the supine.

    Am multe lucruri de făcute.
    Am multe lucruri de făcut.

    Learners often try to make the supine agree with the noun (like an adjective), but the supine is always invariable in its masculine singular form.

How It Connects

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Supine and ParticipleLevel 5

Learn This First

Distinguish an invariable supine from an agreeing participle with the same lexical shape. Recognize participle agreement when contrasting it with a supine.