castel
/kasˈtel/neuter
The English phrase 'castle' is translated into Romanian as castel.
The word castel is a neuter noun used to describe a fortified building.
Meaning: fortified building (noun)
Which one should you use?
While castel refers to a castle, the word cetate is often used for a more strictly military fortress or citadel. Additionally, the related chess term face rocadă means to castle.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of castel is castele. To say 'the castle', the definite article is attached as a suffix, resulting in castelul.
How do you pronounce it?
/kasˈtel/
Did you know?
- The word cetate shares a root with the English word 'city', as both originate from the Latin word for a fortified settlement.
- The word castel entered the Romanian language as a loanword from the Latin castellum around the 17th century.
- In Romanian folklore and historical contexts, the center of power is often called a curte, which literally translates to a 'court' or 'courtyard'.
Examples in context
- Am făcut un castel de nisip.We made a sand castle.This sentence is useful for practicing the word castel in the context of a sand castle.Tatoeba #10284957 by elenacristina260, translation #1624873 by marcelostockle
- Acest castel are peste o mie de ani.This castle is over a thousand years old.This sentence is useful for practicing the word castel when describing the age of a building.Tatoeba #8961057 by elenacristina260, translation #8960781 by sundown
- Acest castel din Transilvania este sinistru.This castle in Transylvania is uncanny.This sentence is useful for practicing the word castel when describing a building in Transylvania.Tatoeba #14043058 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #14043057 by Ioan_Cristian
- Castelul Bran este unul dintre cele mai renumite castele din România.Bran Castle is one of the most famous castles in Romania.
- Uite ce casteleț frumos din nisip am construit în grădina din spate!Look at the beautiful sandcastle I built in the backyard!
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alexandru and Maria are visiting a historic site.
- AlexandruUite, Maria, acela este castelul vechi!Look, Maria, that is the old castle!
- MariaEste un castel foarte impunător, Alexandru.It is a very imposing castle, Alexandru.
- AlexandruVrei să intrăm în castel acum?Do you want to go inside the castle now?
- MariaDa, abia aștept să văd interiorul.Yes, I can't wait to see the interior.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “castle” translations and entries castel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries castel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
