Language/Romanian/Vocabulary/Giving-Directions
As a Romanian language teacher for over 20 years, I've found that one of the most practical skills to have when learning a new language is the ability to give and ask for directions. In this lesson, we will cover the basic phrases and vocabulary needed to do just that.
Vocabulary
Below are some common locations that you may need to ask for direction to:
| Romanian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| școala | shko-a-la | school |
| casă | ka-să | home |
| loc de muncă | lok de munk-ă | workplace |
| parc | park | park |
| magazin | ma-ga-zeen | store |
| spital | spee-tal | hospital |
Below are some common words and phrases that will be helpful when giving and asking for directions:
| Romanian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ia la dreapta | ya la drep-ta | Turn right |
| Ia la stânga | ya la stân-ga | Turn left |
| Înainte | Îna-in-te | Straight ahead |
| Oprire | o-pree-re | Stop |
| Unde este...? | un-de es-te... | Where is...? |
| Aici | a-eetch | Here |
| Acolo | a-co-lo | There |
Phrases
Now that we have covered some of the basic vocabulary, let's look at some sample dialogues that you might encounter when asking for directions.
Dialogue 1
A: Buna dimineața, unde este magazinul? B: Buna dimineața. Magazinul este la dreapta.
Translation:
A: Good morning, where is the store? B: Good morning. The store is to the right.
In this dialogue, "buna dimineața" means "good morning". "Unde este..." means "where is..." and "la dreapta" means "to the right".
Dialogue 2
A: Cum ajung la spital? B: Luați autobuzul nr. 5 până la capăt. Spitalul este în fața dumneavoastră.
Translation:
A: How do I get to the hospital? B: Take bus number 5 to the end. The hospital is in front of you.
In this dialogue, "cum ajung" means "how do I get" and "în fața dumneavoastră" means "in front of you".
Tips
1. It's always a good idea to have a map on hand, just in case.
2. When asking for directions, it's helpful to know some basic landmarks or popular areas to reference. For example, if you are lost in a big city, you might ask "unde este centrul orașului?", which means "where is the city center?"
3. In Romania, the street signs may be written in both Romanian and Hungarian. Some cities and towns near the Hungarian border may have street names in both languages.
4. When giving directions, it's important to be clear and concise. Try to use simple language and repeat the directions if necessary.
Practice
1. Practice giving and asking for directions with a friend or language exchange partner.
2. Take a walk in your local area and try to find your way to a specific destination using the vocabulary you've learned.
3. Watch a Romanian film or TV show and pay attention to any scenes where the characters are giving or asking for directions. Try to understand the dialogue and take note of any new vocabulary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to give and ask for directions is an essential skill for anyone traveling or living in a Romanian-speaking country. By mastering the basic vocabulary and phrases, you will be able to confidently navigate your way around new places and make the most of your experiences. Don't be afraid to practice and make mistakes – the more you use the language, the more comfortable you will become. La revedere! (Goodbye!)
Related Lessons
- Things in Romanian
- Months of the Year
- Common Foods
- Body
- Common Drinks
- Animal
- Seasons
- Health and Medical Terms
- People in Romanian
- Introducing Yourself