Ways to say it
| Romanian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tu | /tu/ | familiar |
| dumneata | /dum.ne̯aˈta/ | polite |
| dumneavoastră | [dum.ne̯aˈvo̯as.trə] (narrow) | formal |
These forms function as subject pronouns to address the person you are speaking to. In many cases, the pronoun itself is omitted from a sentence because the verb conjugation makes it clear who is being addressed.
Which one should you use?
tu is the singular informal form used for friends, family, children or people you know well. dumneata is a polite singular form that sits between the informal tu and the formal dumneavoastră. It is often used by older generations or in specific traditional contexts. dumneavoastră is the standard formal way to address one or more people, making it suitable for use with strangers, superiors or in professional settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tu is the most common informal way to say you. dumneata is a polite singular form. dumneavoastră is the formal form.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Romanian verb endings indicate the person being addressed, you will frequently find that the subject pronouns tu or dumneavoastră are omitted in natural speech.
How do you pronounce it?
/tu/
When do people say it?
When you need to address someone in a formal and respectful manner, especially when using their surname, you may use Domnule (surname) or Doamnă (surname).
Did you know?
- The formal dumneavoastră is actually a frozen possessive phrase that translates to 'your lordship' in English.
- The word dumneata contains the root domn, which is also used in the word for 'God' (Dumnezeu).
- While tu is common, using it with a stranger in Romania can be perceived as a significant social slight or a sign of aggression.
Examples in context
- Tu în ce crezi?What do you believe in?This example shows the use of tu in a question about belief.Tatoeba #4989219 by fathe, translation #3395892 by CK
- Știi tu ce știi!You know what you know!This example demonstrates how tu is used in a declarative statement.Tatoeba #4989165 by fathe, translation #4989166 by fathe
- Tu nu poți veni.You may not come in.This example shows tu used in a sentence expressing inability.Tatoeba #8565851 by fathe, translation #281900 by CK
- Dumneavoastră sunteți binevenit(a).You are welcome.
- Domnule, aveți timp să discutăm?Sir, do you have time to discuss?
- Tu ești foarte amabil(ă).You are very kind.
- Voi sunteți extraordinari.You all are extraordinary.
- Tu, Maria, ai idee ce s-a întâmplat?You, Maria, have any idea what happened?
- 267 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Stefan are talking about a movie.
- MariaTu vrei să mergem la cinema?Do you want to go to the cinema?
- StefanDa, îmi place ideea.Yes, I like the idea.
- MariaCe film alegi tu?Which movie do you choose?
- StefanAlegem unul de acțiune.Let's choose an action one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries tu, dumneata, dumneavoastră, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dumneata, dumneavoastră, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
