sta
/ˈsta/
The English verb stay can be translated into Romanian using sta. Wiktionary also lists rămâne and zăbovi.
Meaning: to remain in a particular place (verb)
Ways to say it
| Romanian | IPA |
|---|---|
| sta | /ˈsta/ |
| rămâne | /rəˈmɨ.ne/ |
| zăbovi |
The verb is used to express the act of remaining in a particular place.
Which one should you use?
While sta focuses more on the physical act of being in a place, use rămâne when the sense of staying implies remaining in a state or staying behind after others have left.
How does it change in a sentence?
For the verb sta, the first person singular present indicative is stau (I stay), the second person singular present indicative is stai (you stay) and the third person singular present indicative is stă (he/she/it stays).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsta/
Did you know?
- The verb sta is used not only for 'staying' but also for 'standing' or 'sitting'. Depending on the context, saying stau could mean you are standing in line or sitting in a chair.
- In colloquial Romanian, the phrase stai așa literally means 'stay like this' but is frequently used as an exclamation meaning 'wait a minute' or 'hold on' when someone is surprised.
- The word zăbovi comes from a Slavic root related to 'fun' or 'amusement' rather than 'staying' in a literal sense.
Examples in context
- Stai aici cu noi.Stay here with us.This sentence is useful for using the form sta to tell someone to stay in a specific location.Tatoeba #7058879 by CataG, translation #23491 by CK
- Pot să stau aici?Can I stay here?This sentence is useful for using the form sta to ask for permission to stay.Tatoeba #11966907 by ridisegnandone, translation #3184872 by CK
- Nu sta prea mult!Don't stay too long!This sentence is useful for using the form sta to advise someone not to stay for an extended period.Tatoeba #12407012 by Oasis, translation #2757249 by verdulo
- Vă rog să stați!Please stay! (when addressing a group)
- Te rog să stai aici!Please stay here! (when addressing one person)
- Stați liniștit!Stay calm!
- Stai cu mine!Stay with me!
- Stai aici!Stay here!
- Rămâi peste noapte!Stay overnight!
- Rămâi un minut, te rog!Stay one minute, please!
- Stați la hotel!Stay at the hotel!
- Stați în cameră!Stay in the room!
- Stați acasă!Stay at home!
- 101 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Maria are deciding whether to go to a cafe.
- GabrielVrei să stai aici cu mine?Do you want to stay here with me?
- MariaNu pot să stau mult.I cannot stay long.
- GabrielDacă ea stă, stăm și noi.If she stays, we stay too.
- MariaAtunci putem sta puțin.Then we can stay a little bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stay” translations and entries sta, rămâne, zăbovi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rămâne, sta, zăbovi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
