fratele meu
The Romanian phrase for "my brother" is fratele meu.
This phrase is used to refer to a male sibling of the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of fratele (the brother) and meu (mine).
Which one should you use?
While English uses the possessive adjective "my brother", Romanian often uses the definite article on the noun fratele followed by the possessive adjective meu. Additionally, if you wish to affectionately refer to a younger brother, you can use the diminutive form frățelul meu.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the phrase is used in the dative or genitive case, the form fratele changes to fratelui, resulting in fratelui meu (to/for my brother).
Did you know?
- In certain regional dialects, the word frate can be used ironically to address someone you are currently arguing with, acting as a sarcastic distance-marker.
- In Romanian, frate is frequently used as a slang term for a close friend, similar to 'bro' or 'mate' in English, regardless of actual kinship.
- The word frate is actually the root of the English word 'fraternity', both descending from the same ancient source meaning 'brotherhood'.
Examples in context
- Fratele meu este sănătos.My brother is healthy.This sentence is useful for describing the health status of fratele meu.Tatoeba #9554326 by CataG, translation #250709 by CK
- Fratele meu nu este ocupat.My brother is not busy.This sentence is useful for stating that fratele meu is not busy.Tatoeba #8398055 by CataG, translation #250730 by CK
- M-am certat cu fratele meu.I had an argument with my brother.This sentence is useful for describing an argument had with fratele meu.Tatoeba #13715247 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #13715244 by Ioan_Cristian
- Tatăl meu este mai înalt decât fratele meu.My father is taller than my brother.
- Am spus prietenului meu despre realizările fratelui meu.I told my friend about my brother's achievements.
- Fratele meu mare m-a ajutat să învăț pentru examen.My big brother helped me study for the exam.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Gabriel are talking about their families at a café.
- ElenaÎți amintești de fratele meu, Andrei?Do you remember my brother, Andrei?
- GabrielDa, fratele tău este foarte amabil.Yes, your brother is very kind.
- ElenaMulțumesc, fratele meu este un om bun.Thank you, my brother is a good man.
- GabrielSe pare că sunteți foarte apropiați.It seems you are very close.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries meu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
