Ways to say it
| Romanian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| inimă | [ˈinimə] (narrow) | feminine |
| cord | neuter |
The term is used to refer to the biological organ or to the metaphorical seat of human emotions and kindness. For instance, the phrase inimă moale translates to 'soft heart' and describes a person who is kind and easily moved by emotion.
Which one should you use?
inimă is the most common and neutral term. It is used for both the biological organ and when speaking metaphorically about emotions. cord is specifically used in formal contexts, often associated with medical terminology.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun inimă changes to inimii in the genitive or dative case, such as in bătăile inimii (the beating of the heart). The neuter noun cord changes to cordului in the genitive or dative case, such as in ritmul cordului (the rhythm of the heart).
Did you know?
- Because inimă comes from the Latin anima, it is more closely related to the English word 'animal' than to the English word 'heart'.
- While inimă is the general term, the word cord is so strictly formal that using it in a romantic poem would sound like a medical report.
- In Romanian, the phrase a avea inimă can mean 'to have courage' rather than just referring to the organ.
Examples in context
- Nu pune-o la inimă.Don't take it to heart.This sentence shows how to use inimă in an idiomatic expression.Tatoeba #7838007 by CataG, translation #586720 by CK
- Ea are o inimă bună.She has a tender heart.This sentence uses inimă to describe a person's character.Tatoeba #7191845 by elenacristina260, translation #315114 by CK
- Tom are o inimă slabă.Tom has a weak heart.This sentence uses inimă to refer to the biological organ.Tatoeba #8407569 by fathe, translation #3049958 by CK
- Am un sentiment cald în inimăI have a warm feeling in my heart
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Stefan are discussing a medical checkup.
- MariaDoctorul a ascultat inimă cu stetoscopul.The doctor listened to the heart with the stethoscope.
- StefanA fost totul în regulă?Was everything okay?
- MariaDa, inimă bate normal și sănătos.Yes, the heart beats normally and healthily.
- StefanMă bucur să aud asta, Maria.I am glad to hear that, Maria.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heart” translations and entries inimă, cord, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cord, inimă, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
