portocală
[por.toˈka.lə]feminine
In Romanian, the English word 'orange' (referring to the fruit) is translated as portocală.
The word portocală is used specifically to refer to the citrus fruit.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Which one should you use?
While portocală refers to the fruit, the word portocaliu is used as an adjective to describe the color orange. The word oranj can also be used for the color.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
portocală is a feminine noun. When you want to say 'an orange', you use the indefinite article o, resulting in o portocală. The plural form of portocală is portocale.
Did you know?
- The word portocală shares an unexpected ancestor with the name of the country 'Portugal'. Both words trace back to the same linguistic roots related to the citrus fruit.
- While portocaliu is the standard word for the color, the word oranj is a direct loan from French or English and is often used in fashion or design contexts.
- When referring to the color of a sunset or autumn leaves, Romanians almost always use portocaliu rather than the loanword oranj.
Examples in context
- Emily a mâncat o portocală.Emily ate an orange.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of portocală in a past tense context.Tatoeba #2651819 by elenacristina260, translation #2651816 by CN
- Acesta nu este un măr. Este o portocală.This is not an apple. It is an orange.This sentence is useful for using portocală in a simple identification sentence.Tatoeba #8979870 by elenacristina260, translation #8978764 by Analu_Kalaka
- Femeia mănâncă o portocală.The woman eats an orange.This sentence is useful for using portocală in a present tense context.Tatoeba #487322 by koosy, translation #462996 by lukaszpp
- Vă rog, pot primi o portocală?Please, can I have an orange?
- Îmi plac portocalele dulci mai mult decât cele acreI prefer sweet oranges more than sour ones
Example conversation
Maria and Andrei are in the kitchen.
- MariaAndrei, ai o portocală pentru mine?Andrei, do you have an orange for me?
- AndreiDa, Maria, am una aici.Yes, Maria, I have one here.
- MariaMulțumesc mult, este o portocală bună.Thank you very much, it is a good orange.
- AndreiCu plăcere, bucură-te de ea.You're welcome, enjoy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “orange” translations and entries portocală, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries portocală, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
