Last Updated on January 2, 2026
Learning Romanian opens doors to a rich cultural and linguistic heritage deeply rooted in the history of Eastern Europe. As a Romance language directly descended from Vulgar Latin, Romanian shares a kinship with languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish, yet retains a distinct character shaped by its Dacian and Slavic influences over centuries.
A knowledge of Romanian enhances travel experiences throughout Romania and Moldova, where it is the primary language. Speaking Romanian facilitates deeper cultural immersion, allowing travelers to connect authentically with locals, understand traditional customs, and appreciate regional cuisine. In a globalized economy, proficiency in Romanian can also be advantageous, especially in sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare, where Romania plays a significant role.
Beyond its practical applications, Romanian offers access to a rich cultural history, including literature by renowned writers like Mihai Eminescu and Mircea Eliade, vibrant folk music traditions, and internationally acclaimed films from the Romanian New Wave. Exploring these cultural facets in their native language provides a nuanced understanding and deeper appreciation of Romania’s artistic contributions and societal complexities.
My Own Personal Experience with Romania
I had the opportunity to live in Romania in 2004, and I enjoyed my time there. Bucharest is a sprawling, vibrant capital of 2 million that has a lot to offer to tourists. The city’s architecture, in a neoclassical style, was inspired by the former leader Nicolae Ceaușescu’s visit to Pyongyang, North Korea, in the 1970s. The city is still occasionally referred to as “Little Paris,” especially when discussing its historical and cultural heritage. Although the city has evolved significantly over the years, developing its own unique identity, the nickname remains a nostalgic reference to a period when Bucharest was heavily influenced by French architecture and culture.
Three things that immediately stood out for me were how inexpensive rent was compared to that in other cities, how there seemed to be no crime—or at least very little of it—and the remarkable purchasing power of the dollar. Perhaps the country is much more expensive now, but back then, it seemed like a bargain. What I don’t particularly care for? Honestly, there’s not much I dislike about the country. In Bucharest, some taxi drivers may refuse short-distance trips, though with the abundance of taxis available, finding one isn’t typically an issue. As for bureaucratic places like the post office, bank, and supermarkets during holidays, expect long lines.
Romanians seemed sane, too. I never once felt in danger. The country gave the impression of being one large family, and this collective spirit of unity may explain the rarity of violence among Romanians themselves.
Regarding safety in Romania, it’s one of the safest countries in the world. Doubtful? Just Google ‘Is Romania safe?’, and you’ll find firsthand accounts from travelers—both locals and foreigners—who share their experiences of never feeling themselves in any danger. Gun violence is nearly nonexistent; during my time there, I never heard of a shooting incident. While there were occasional stabbings, these mostly occurred during altercations between acquaintances.
But this is a language post, and I can go on and on, so after a bit of cultural background, let’s now continue with 31 beautiful words, phrases, and sayings.
From poetic phrases and heartfelt expressions, to insightful proverbs and terms of endearment, each is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.
These expressions are not just linguistic tools; they are windows into the values, emotions, and traditions of the people who use them. Adding them to your vocabulary will enrich your language skills and provide you with a more nuanced and meaningful way to engage with the culture.
Beautiful Romanian Words
1. Dragoste – Love
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Dragoste is a simple Romanian word that means love. There is another word for love, spelled ‘Iubire’, and both are interchangeable. As in most languages, the term can be applied to any type of love, whether it be fraternal, maternal, or romantic. A useful and common word.
2. Dor – Longing
(https://vitahaute.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Dor.m4a%22][/audio)]
Out of the more than 170,000 Romanian words in existence, this is one that cannot be fully translated into English. The best approximation would be longing, though this word can carry several connotations. It’s a very useful word to know if you’re into poetry, or are of the sentimental type who wishes to express what they’re feeling after leaving their homeland or ending a relationship with a significant other.
3. Îmbrățișare – Embrace
(https://vitahaute.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Imbratisare.m4a%22][/audio)]
Îmbrățișare means hug. It is often used in Romanian, among family, as well as romantically between couples. It’s also filled with many accent marks, lending an air of sophistication to the word.
4. Lumină – Light
(https://vitahaute.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lumina.m4a%22][/audio)]
Lumină is one of the most beautiful words in Romanian, ending with an accented “a”. While it primarily refers to physical light, it also carries poetic connotations, symbolizing hope, clarity, and enlightenment.
5. Zâmbet – Smile
(https://vitahaute.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Zambet.m4a%22][/audio)]
Another beautiful word in Romanian, which means smile. The accented ‘ă’ lends an air of not only beauty but also sophistication to this word.
6. Povești – Stories
(https://vitahaute.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Povesti.m4a%22][/audio)]
Povești can be used to describe fables, or just ordinary stories that were told as children. It is also used in a number of expressions, and is a useful word to know.
7. Încântare – Delight
Încântare is a word that means pleasure. It can be used conversationally to describe what you’re feeling after meeting a beautiful woman, and hoping to get to know her better. The best English equivalent would be enchantment. Yes, in English enchantment is not a common word outside of poetry and literary expressions, but in Romanian it can work when used in ordinary conversation.
8. Călătorie – Journey
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Călătorie is the Romanian word for “trip,” specifically referring to a physical journey. When discussing life’s journey, though, another word is more fitting. Călătorie is not just practical; it’s also a beautiful word that captures the sense of adventure and exploration inherent in traveling. Its poetic resonance adds depth to describing the experience of journeying through life or across the world.
9. Inimă – Heart
(https://vitahaute.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Inima.m4a%22][/audio)]
Inimă is one of the most beautiful words in the Romanian language. Romanians use it often to describe how they’re feeling. It’s also commonly used in romantic and philosophical expressions. Use as often as possible.
I’m an entrepreneur and digital marketing enthusiast who loves helping people grow—not just in affiliate marketing, but in all areas of online business. I enjoy showing others how to build a strong brand, create meaningful content, and use tools that make work easier. Over the years, I’ve learned what truly works in digital marketing, from creating websites that convert to building an engaged audience through email and social media. After more than ten years in the field, I’ve gathered plenty of lessons I enjoy sharing through my writing and talks. I use my own experiences to help others reach their goals and build something lasting. Besides running my business, I’m a fiction writer in the speculative genre, with dozens of short stories published in various magazines and anthologies. For eighteen years, I was a Top 10% Reviewer at Zoetrope, an online venue for creatives, where I helped members strengthen their writing. When I’m not working as a writer or marketer, you’ll probably find me cooking, reading, or watching a good baseball game. I live in New York City, where I was born and raised.
