cum
/ˈkum/
The Romanian word for "how" is cum.
cum is used to ask about the manner in which an action is performed, such as "in what way," or to inquire about the quality or state of something. For example, you can use it to ask how someone is feeling or how an event was.
Meaning: in what manner (adv)
Which one should you use?
While cum is used to ask about manner or state, it is distinct from cât, which is used to ask about quantity (how much or how many).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Transylvania, you may hear the phrase Ce faci bre? used as an informal alternative to Ce faci?, where bre is a local term.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkum/
Did you know?
- The word cum is used to ask for someone's name in the phrase Cum te numești?, which literally translates to 'how do you call yourself'.
- The word cum is used in the phrase cum ar fi, which functions as a way to say 'for example' or 'such as'.
- The word cum is inherited from the Late Latin quomo, which evolved from the classical Latin quōmodo.
Examples in context
- Cum a făcut asta?How did she make that?This example shows how to ask about the manner in which an action was performed using cum.Tatoeba #6586173 by CataG, translation #2176421 by dafp
- Cum ți s-a părut?How did you find him?This example demonstrates using cum to ask for an opinion or impression.Tatoeba #8624647 by CataG, translation #3918108 by CH
- Cum a fost afară?How was abroad?This example shows how to use cum to ask about the state of a place or condition.Tatoeba #11164540 by fathe, translation #2186476 by muatik
- Cum vă simțiți astăzi?How are you feeling today?
- Cum vă simțiți după călătorie?How are you feeling after your trip?
- Ce faci astăzi?How are you today?
- Cum te simți în noul apartament?How are you feeling in your new apartment?
- 273 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrei is asking Andreea for help with a recipe.
- AndreiCum pregătești acest sos?How do you prepare this sauce?
- AndreeaEste foarte simplu, Andrei.It is very simple, Andrei.
- AndreiSpune-mi cum se face exact.Tell me how it is done exactly.
- AndreeaMai întâi, taie ceapa fin.First, chop the onion finely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “how” translations and entries cum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
