broască țestoasă
/bro̯as.kə t͡ses.ˈto̯a.sə/word by wordfeminine
The English word turtle translates to Romanian as broască țestoasă.
The term refers to a land or marine reptile with a shell.
Meaning: land or marine reptile with a shell (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'shell frog'. The word țestoasă is an adjective derived from the word for shell or carapace, which is used to specify the type of frog.
Did you know?
- The adjective țestoasă comes from the Latin word testum, which referred to an earthenware pot or oven.
- The Romanian word broască is a cognate of the Albanian word breshkë, showing a deep historical link between the two languages.
- While broască țestoasă is the standard term, Romanians often use the shortened țestoasă in casual conversation to refer to the animal.
Examples in context
- În grădina zoologică am văzut o broască țestoasă uriașă.In the zoo, I saw a giant turtle.
- Azi am observat o țestoasă într-un lac de la marginea pădurii.Today, I saw a turtle in a lake at the forest's edge.
- Am o broască țestoasă mică.I have a small turtle.
- Vreau să văd o broască țestoasă.I want to see a turtle.
Example conversation
Ioana and Gabriel are visiting a zoo.
- IoanaUite, Gabriel, o broască țestoasă mare!Look, Gabriel, a big turtle!
- GabrielEste incredibil cât de veche pare.It is incredible how old it looks.
- IoanaÎmi place cum se ascunde în carapace.I like how it hides in its shell.
- GabrielDa, este un animal foarte interesant.Yes, it is a very interesting animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “turtle” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (broască, țestoasă) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries broască, țestoasă, CC BY-SA 4.0.
