încetează
The English phrase "stop it" is translated into Romanian as încetează.
Încetează is a command used to tell someone to end an annoying or inappropriate behavior. It is often used to command the cessation of an ongoing action, such as a noise or a repetitive behavior.
Which one should you use?
While încetează focuses on the cessation of an action, oprește-te is a common alternative used to tell someone to stop an action or to stop behaving in a certain way.
How does it change in a sentence?
The command încetează is the second-person singular imperative form of the verb a înceta, which means to stop or to cease.
Did you know?
- The verb a înceta is used in the specific euphemism a înceta respirația to describe death. This literally translates to 'to cease breathing' and is used similarly to the English 'passed away'.
- While încetează is the direct translation for 'stop it', Romanians often use nu mai to express the same sentiment. This phrase literally means 'no more' and is the most instinctive way to tell someone to stop a repetitive annoyance.
- To transform încetează from a stern command into a desperate plea, Romanians add the particle te rog. This phrase literally means 'I pray you', adding a layer of supplication to the request.
Examples in context
- Pentru numele lui Dumnezeu, încetează!For Christ's sake, stop it!This example shows how to use încetează in an emphatic expression.Tatoeba #11962493 by carlosalberto, translation #3762213 by Wuzzy
- Vă rog să vă opriți!Please stop it!
- Oprește-te!Stop it!
Example conversation
Andrei is making annoying noises while Andreea tries to read.
- AndreeaAndrei, încetează, te rog!Andrei, stop it, please!
- AndreiDe ce? Nu fac nimic.Why? I'm not doing anything.
- AndreeaMă enervezi cu zgomotul acesta.You are annoying me with this noise.
- AndreiBine, am înțeles.Fine, I understand.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
