The Romanian Supine

Level 5

The Romanian Supine (Supinul) is a hybrid between a verb and a noun. It is formed by combining a preposition (usually de) with the past participle. It translates to English as 'to be [done]', 'for [doing]', or simply 'to [do]' depending on the context.

How It Works

The supine is an important non-finite form in Romanian grammar. It is constructed using a preposition followed by the masculine singular past participle.

1. Common Functions:

  • Purpose/Utility: Defining what an object is for (e.g., mașină de spălat - washing machine).
  • Necessity: Expressing tasks that need completion (e.g., Am de scris - I have [things] to write).
  • Evaluation: Following adjectives like 'easy', 'hard', or 'good' (e.g., ușor de înțeles - easy to understand).
  • Aspectual Object: Completing verbs of starting or finishing (e.g., a termina de citit - to finish reading).
  • Activity: With la to indicate going to perform an action (e.g., merg la cules) or with pe to indicate starting an intense action (e.g., s-a pus pe plâns).

2. Prepositions:
While de is the most frequent, you will also see la, pentru, după, and pe. Learn the preposition with the particular construction rather than treating this list as exhaustive.

3. Substantivization:
The supine can become a noun by adding the definite article -ul. For example, cules (harvesting) becomes culesul (the harvest).

4. Distinction from Adjectives:
It is crucial to distinguish the supine from the participle used as an adjective. An adjective must agree with the noun (o carte citită - a read book), whereas the supine remains masculine singular (o carte de citit - a book to be read).

Examples (6)

  1. Mai avem multe de făcut până diseară.

    We still have many things to do by tonight.

    Word by Word: More we-have many of done until tonight.

    Here, 'de făcut' (the supine) expresses a necessity or a task that remains to be completed.

  2. Această problemă este foarte greu de rezolvat.

    This problem is very hard to solve.

    Word by Word: This problem is very hard of solved.

    The supine 'de rezolvat' follows the adjective 'greu' (hard) to indicate the difficulty of the action.

  3. Cumpărăm o mașină de spălat nouă.

    We are buying a new washing machine.

    Word by Word: We-buy a machine of washed new.

    In this case, 'de spălat' defines the purpose or function of the noun 'mașină'.

  4. Am terminat de mâncat acum zece minute.

    I finished eating ten minutes ago.

    Word by Word: I-have finished of eaten now ten minutes.

    The supine functions as a direct object for aspectual verbs like 'a termina' (to finish).

  5. S-a pus pe citit imediat ce a ajuns acasă.

    He got down to reading as soon as he got home.

    Word by Word: Himself-he-has put on read immediately what he-has arrived home.

    The preposition 'pe' combined with the supine indicates the start of an intense or continuous action.

  6. Mersul pe jos este sănătos.

    Walking is healthy.

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

    The supine can be substantivized by adding the definite article (e.g., 'mersul'), turning the action into a noun.

Common Mistakes

  • Applying gender or number agreement to the supine.

    Am multe teme de făcute.
    Am multe teme de făcut.

    Learners often confuse the supine with the adjective-participle. The supine is always invariable (masculine singular), even if the noun it modifies is feminine or plural.

How It Connects

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

The Romanian SupineLevel 5

Learn This First

Recognize the participle-shaped form used by the supine while keeping their grammatical functions distinct. Recognize the preposition that introduces a supine phrase.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

de