D-na
The Romanian way to say "mrs." is D-na.
D-na is a title placed before a woman's surname. It is applied to any woman in a formal context, regardless of whether she is married or not.
What does it mean word for word?
The abbreviation D-na is a contraction of Doamna, which literally means Lady or Madam.
Which one should you use?
In English, "Mrs." specifically implies that a woman is married, but the Romanian D-na is used for any woman in formal situations, regardless of her marital status.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
D-na is the standard formal way to address a woman in professional or respectful social settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
D-na is used with the nominative case of the surname.
Did you know?
- Historically, the term doamnă was reserved strictly for the nobility. It only became a universal polite address for all women in more recent centuries as social structures shifted.
- While Doamna is the formal title, the word doamnă also means 'wife' in a general sense. For example, a man might introduce his spouse as doamna mea, meaning 'my lady' or 'my wife'.
- The term Doamna is the female counterpart to Domnul, which is used for 'Mr.'. Both terms derive from the same root referring to lordship and nobility.
Examples in context
- O cunoașteți pe doamna Popescu?Do you know Mrs. Popescu?
- Doamna doctor este aici.Mrs. Doctor is here.
- D-na Ionescu este foarte amabilă.Mrs. Ionescu is very kind.
- Vă rog să o contactați pe D-na Marin.Please contact Mrs. Marin.
Example conversation
Gabriel is at a reception desk asking about a client.
- GabrielBună ziua, este D-na Marin aici?Good day, is Mrs. Marin here?
- IoanaDa, ea este în biroul de lângă mine.Yes, she is in the office next to me.
- GabrielMulțumesc mult pentru ajutor.Thank you very much for the help.
- IoanaCu plăcere, domnule.You're welcome, sir.
