limbă
/ˈlim.bə/feminine
The English word 'language' is translated into Romanian as limbă.
The term refers to a body of words used as a form of communication.
Meaning: body of words used as a form of communication (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word limbă literally means 'tongue', referring to the anatomical organ.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, particularly in rural areas, the word grai may be used to refer to language.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of limbă is limbi. When expressing 'of the language', the genitive/dative singular form is limbii.
How do you pronounce it?
limbă is pronounced /ˈlim.bə/. It has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The Romanian word limbă evolved from the Latin 'lingua', where the 'g' sound shifted to a 'b' sound, a change also seen in the Sardinian language.
- While limbă is the standard word for language, the term grai specifically evokes the sound and musicality of a person's speech, often tied to their regional identity.
- In Romanian, you can describe someone as having a limbă ascuțită, which literally means a 'sharp tongue', used to describe someone who is sarcastic or critical.
Examples in context
- Este o limbă moartă.It is a dead language.This sentence is useful for describing a language as being dead using limbă.Tatoeba #6595542 by CataG, translation #6561591 by Megz
- Româna, ce limbă frumoasă!Romanian – what a beautiful language!This sentence is useful for expressing admiration for the beauty of a language using limbă.Tatoeba #5000178 by fathe, translation #10703206 by vxern
- Ce limbă vei învața după asta?Which language are you going to learn next?This sentence is useful for asking about which language someone will learn next using limbă.Tatoeba #6607689 by CataG, translation #6607085 by diegohn
- Înțelegi limba română?Do you understand the Romanian language?
- Vorbiți limba engleză?Do you speak the English language?
- Studiez mai multe idiome străine.I study several foreign languages.
- A fost o poveste spusă în graiul locului.It was a story told in the local language.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Andrei and Elena are talking about their studies at a university.
- AndreiCare este limba ta maternă?What is your mother tongue?
- ElenaLimba mea este româna.My language is Romanian.
- AndreiEste o limbă foarte frumoasă.It is a very beautiful language.
- ElenaMulțumesc, Andrei!Thank you, Andrei!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language” translations and entries limbă, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries limbă, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
