frate
[ˈfra.te]
The English word 'bro' is translated into Romanian as frate.
frate is used to refer to a male comrade, a friend or someone who shares one's ideals. While it is the standard word for a biological brother, it is also used as an informal term to address a friend as 'bro.'
Meaning: male comrade or friend, one who shares one’s ideals (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word frate literally means 'brother'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
frate is an informal term when used to address a friend as 'bro.'
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of frate is frați.
Did you know?
- In certain urban Romanian slang, frate is used as a filler word or a punctuation mark, similar to how 'like' or 'man' is used in English, even when the speaker is not addressing anyone in particular.
- The Romanian word frate is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'brother' and the German word 'Bruder' because they all descend from the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root.
- While frate is common, some Romanian speakers use frățior as a more affectionate or diminutive version of 'bro'. Adding the suffix -ior softens the word and makes it sound more like 'little brother'.
Examples in context
- Ești ok, frate?Are you OK, bro?This sentence is useful for seeing how to use frate when asking if someone is okay.Tatoeba #8914792 by elenacristina260, translation #7789881 by Ricardo14
- Ce faci, frate?What's up, bro?
- Salut, frate!Hey, bro!
- Ești aici, bre?You here, bro?
- Ce mai faci, bre?How are you doing, bro?
- Salut, omule!Hey, man!
- Ești tare, omule!You're awesome, dude!
- Ești cel mai bun frate.You are the best bro.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new project.
- AndreeaUite ideea mea, frate.Look at my idea, bro.
- StefanPare foarte interesant!It looks very interesting!
- AndreeaPutem începe azi.We can start today.
- StefanSunt gata de treabă.I am ready to work.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry frate, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries frate, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
