B1 Gerunds & Infinitives 6 min read Facile

Gerund Formation

Use the gerund to link simultaneous actions or describe 'how' something happens without changing the verb's form.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

The Romanian gerund uses the suffix -ind or -ând to describe an action in progress or simultaneous with another verb.

  • Verbs ending in -i or -î add -nd: 'a citi' -> 'citind'.
  • Verbs ending in -a or -e add -nd: 'a cânta' -> 'cântând'.
  • The gerund is invariable; it does not change based on person or number.
Verb Stem + (-ind / -ând) = Gerund

Overview

Welcome to the world of the Romanian gerund! In Romanian, this is called gerunziu. It is your secret weapon for making sentences flow naturally.
Think of it as the equivalent of the English -ing form. It helps you link two actions together without stopping for breath. You will sound much more fluent once you master this.
It is like adding a smooth transition between scenes in a movie. Instead of saying
I walked. I sang,
you say I walked singing. It is efficient, elegant, and very common in daily speech.
Whether you are telling a story or explaining a process, the gerund is there for you. Let's dive in and see how it works.

How This Grammar Works

The Romanian gerund is an adverbial form of the verb. This means it usually describes *how* or *when* an action happens. One of the best things about it?
It never changes! You do not need to worry about «I,» you, or they. The form stays exactly the same regardless of who is doing the action. It is like a universal remote for your verbs.
It generally describes an action that happens at the same time as the main verb. If you are eating while watching TV, the eating part is your gerund. It provides context and background information.
It can also explain the reason why something happened. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes, so do not worry. Just focus on the rhythm of the language.

Formation Pattern

1
Building a gerund is like following a simple recipe. You just need the right suffix for the right verb group. Follow these steps to get it right every time:
2
Start with the infinitive form of the verb (e.g., a cânta, a citi).
3
Remove the infinitive ending (-a, -ea, -e, -i, -î).
4
If the verb ends in -a, -ea, -e, or -î, add the suffix -ând.
5
If the verb ends in -i, add the suffix -ind.
6
For verbs ending in -i or -î that have a vowel before the ending, use -ind (e.g., a scrie becomes scriind).
7
Here are some quick examples of the transformation:
8
a lucra (to work) becomes lucrând (working).
9
a vedea (to see) becomes văzând (seeing).
10
a face (to do) becomes făcând (doing).
11
a vorbi (to speak) becomes vorbind (speaking).
12
a coborî (to descend) becomes coborând (descending).
13
Watch out for a fi (to be). It becomes fiind. It’s the most common exception you will use daily!

When To Use It

You will use the gerund in several real-world scenarios. It is perfect for describing simultaneous actions. Imagine you are in a job interview.
You might say,
Speaking three languages, I can help international clients.
In Romanian: Vorbind trei limbi, pot ajuta clienții internaționali. It also works for the manner of an action. How did you get home? Walking. Am ajuns acasă mergând.
Another great use is for expressing a cause.
Being tired, I went to bed early.
Fiind obosit, m-am culcat devreme. You can also use it for conditions.
Studying hard, you will pass the exam.
Învățând mult, vei trece examenul. It is like a grammar Swiss Army knife.
It handles time, cause, and manner all at once. Use it when you want to sound sophisticated but clear. It’s also very helpful when ordering food.
Waiting for the bill, I realized I forgot my wallet.
Așteptând nota, mi-am dat seama că am uitat portofelul. (A classic relatable moment!)

When Not To Use It

Here is a big warning: do not use the gerund for the present continuous. In English, you say I am eating. In Romanian, you never say Eu sunt mâncând. That is a huge Romglish trap!
You just say Mănânc. The gerund is also not a noun. In English, you can say Swimming is fun. In Romanian, you use the infinitive: A înota este distractiv.
Think of the gerund like a spice. It’s great for flavor and connection, but it’s not the main dish. Do not use it after prepositions like before or after. For After eating, use După ce am mâncat.
The gerund has its own lane; stay in it to avoid grammar traffic jams!

Common Mistakes

The most frequent mistake is the English influence we just mentioned. Beginners often try to translate
I am [verb]-ing
literally. Remember: Sunt lucrând is a crime in the Romanian grammar world! Another mistake is spelling. People often forget the double i in words like fiind, știind, or scriind. Think of those double is as a pair of eyes looking at the verb. Also, watch your pronunciation of -ând. It is a deep, nasal sound, not a sharp «a.» Finally, don't forget the hyphen when adding pronouns. It is văzându-l (seeing him), not văzând l. Adding that hyphen is like putting a seatbelt on your pronoun.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

How do you choose between the gerund and the present tense? Use the present tense (citesc) for the main action. Use the gerund (citind) for the background action.
How about the infinitive? Use the infinitive (a citi) when the verb is the subject or follows verbs like to want. Gerund is for the *process* or *circumstance*.
Let's compare:
  1. 1Vreau să citesc (I want to read) - Goal/Desire.
  2. 2Citesc o carte (I am reading a book) - Main action.
  3. 3Citind, am adormit (Reading, I fell asleep) - Background action.
It is all about the role the verb plays in your story. The gerund is always the supporting actor, never the lead star.

Quick FAQ

Q

Is the gerund used for the future?

No, use the future tense for that. The gerund describes the how of the future action.

Q

Can I use it to start a sentence?

Absolutely! It is a great way to set the scene. Mergând spre casă, am văzut un câine.

Q

Does it have a negative form?

Yes! Just add ne- to the front. Neștiind răspunsul, am tăcut. (Not knowing the answer, I stayed quiet).

Q

Is it formal?

It is used in both formal and informal Romanian. It is very versatile!

Meanings

The Romanian gerund (gerunziul) is a non-finite verb form used to express an action that is happening simultaneously with another action or as a continuous state.

1

Simultaneity

Two actions happening at the same time.

“Cântând, ea mergea spre casă.”

“Lucrând, am ascultat muzică.”

Gerund Formation Patterns

Infinitive Stem Suffix Gerund
a cânta cânt -ând cântând
a merge merg -ând mergând
a citi cit -ind citind
a coborî cobor -ând coborând
a veni ven -ind venind
a face făc -ând făcând

Reference Table

Reference table for Gerund Formation
Infinitive Ending Gerund Suffix Example Verb Gerund Form
-a -ând a lucra lucrând
-ea -ând a tăcea tăcând
-e -ând a trece trecând
-i -ind a fugi fugind
-î -ând a coborî coborând
Vowel + -i/-e -ind a scrie scriind
Irregular Special a fi fiind

Spectre de formalité

Formel
Mâncând, citesc.

Mâncând, citesc. (Daily routine)

Neutre
Mănânc și citesc.

Mănânc și citesc. (Daily routine)

Informel
Mănânc în timp ce citesc.

Mănânc în timp ce citesc. (Daily routine)

Argot
Mănânc și citesc, na.

Mănânc și citesc, na. (Daily routine)

Uses of the Romanian Gerund

Gerunziu

Time

  • Mâncând While eating

Manner

  • Fugind By running

Cause

  • Fiind bolnav Being sick

English -ing vs. Romanian Gerunziu

English -ing
I am reading Continuous action
Reading is fun Noun (Subject)
Romanian Gerunziu
Citesc Continuous action (Present)
A citi e distractiv Noun (Infinitive)

How to Form the Gerund

1

Does the infinitive end in -i?

YES ↓
NO
Add -ând (e.g., lucrând)
2

Is there a vowel before the -i?

YES ↓
NO
Add -ind (e.g., vorbind)
3

Use double -i?

YES ↓
NO
Add -ind

Gerund Suffix Groups

🟦

Suffix -ând

  • • cântând
  • • văzând
  • • făcând
  • • coborând
🟩

Suffix -ind

  • • citind
  • • fiind
  • • știind
  • • scriind
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Examples by Level

1

Mâncând, vorbesc.

Eating, I talk.

2

Citind, învăț.

Reading, I learn.

3

Cântând, merg.

Singing, I walk.

4

Lucrând, stau.

Working, I stay.

1

Văzându-l, am plecat.

Seeing him, I left.

2

Așteptând, am citit.

Waiting, I read.

3

Gătind, ascult muzică.

Cooking, I listen to music.

4

Plângând, ea a ieșit.

Crying, she went out.

1

Studiind zilnic, vei reuși.

Studying daily, you will succeed.

2

Mergi pe stradă uitându-te la telefon.

You walk on the street looking at the phone.

3

Dormind, am visat ceva frumos.

Sleeping, I dreamed something beautiful.

4

Învățând limba, am descoperit cultura.

Learning the language, I discovered the culture.

1

Analizând datele, am observat o eroare.

Analyzing the data, I noticed an error.

2

Călătorind prin țară, am cunoscut oameni noi.

Traveling through the country, I met new people.

3

Râzând, ne-am amintit de copilărie.

Laughing, we remembered childhood.

4

Scriind raportul, am realizat importanța lui.

Writing the report, I realized its importance.

1

Prezentând argumentele, a convins audiența.

Presenting the arguments, he convinced the audience.

2

Trecând prin momente dificile, a devenit mai puternic.

Going through difficult moments, he became stronger.

3

Observând schimbările, am decis să acționăm.

Observing the changes, we decided to act.

4

Așteptând rezultatele, am simțit o mare tensiune.

Waiting for the results, I felt great tension.

1

Contemplând natura, poetul a scris versurile.

Contemplating nature, the poet wrote the verses.

2

Sintetizând teoriile, am propus o nouă abordare.

Synthesizing the theories, I proposed a new approach.

3

Diferențiind nuanțele, am înțeles contextul istoric.

Differentiating the nuances, I understood the historical context.

4

Evoluând constant, sistemul a atins perfecțiunea.

Evolving constantly, the system reached perfection.

Easily Confused

Gerund Formation vs Gerund vs. Present Participle

Both look similar, but one is adverbial and one is adjectival.

Gerund Formation vs Gerund vs. Infinitive

Learners use the infinitive where a gerund is needed.

Gerund Formation vs Gerund vs. Subordinate Clause

Learners use gerunds when subjects are different.

Erreurs courantes

✗

Eu mâncând.

✓

Mănânc.

Gerund is not a main verb.
✗

Ea citindă.

✓

Ea citește.

Gerund is invariable.
✗

Mâncând, el a plecat.

✓

Eu mâncând, am plecat.

Subject mismatch.
✗

A citi-nd.

✓

Citind.

Wrong formation.
✗

Văzând-o pe ea, am vorbit.

✓

Văzând-o, am vorbit.

Redundant pronoun.
✗

El a venit cântândul.

✓

El a venit cântând.

Incorrect suffix usage.
✗

Fata mergea cântândă.

✓

Fata mergea cântând.

Invariable form.
✗

Fiindcă mâncând, am văzut.

✓

Mâncând, am văzut.

Redundant conjunction.
✗

Mâncând, telefonul a sunat.

✓

Mâncând, am auzit telefonul.

Subject mismatch.
✗

Așteptând, el a fost obosit.

✓

Așteptând, a obosit.

Stylistic awkwardness.
✗

Fiind obosit, munca a fost grea.

✓

Fiind obosit, am lucrat greu.

Dangling modifier.
✗

Văzându-l pe Ion, Ion a zâmbit.

✓

Văzându-l, Ion a zâmbit.

Repetitive subject.
✗

A fi citind.

✓

Citind.

Unnecessary auxiliary.

Sentence Patterns

___, am făcut asta.

___, ea a zâmbit.

___, am realizat că e important.

___, a reușit să convingă pe toată lumea.

Real World Usage

Social Media constant

Stând la cafea, mă gândesc la vacanță.

Texting very common

Așteptând autobuzul, vorbim?

Job Interview common

Dezvoltând acest sistem, am crescut vânzările.

Travel common

Călătorind prin munți, am văzut peisaje superbe.

Food Delivery occasional

Așteptând comanda, am citit meniul.

Academic Paper common

Analizând rezultatele, concluzionăm că...

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⚠️

The 'Am' Trap

Never use 'sunt' (I am) with a gerund. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Just use the normal present tense!
🎯

The Double 'I' Rule

If a verb ends in -i and you see another vowel right before it (like a-u-z-i), the gerund will often have two 'i's: auzind (wait, only one here, but scriind has two!). Actually, the rule is: if the stem ends in 'i', you get 'ii'. Think 'fiind', 'știind'.
💡

Negative is Easy

To say 'not doing something,' just slap 'ne-' at the beginning. 'Neștiind' = not knowing. It's like a grammar sticker!
💬

Storytelling Flow

Romanians use gerunds a lot when telling long stories to keep the action moving. It makes your stories sound more 'cinematic' and less like a list of facts.

Smart Tips

Use the gerund to avoid repetitive 'și' (and) clauses.

Am mâncat și am citit. → Mâncând, am citit.

If the subject changes, use 'când' + verb instead.

Mâncând eu, el a venit. → Când mâncam eu, el a venit.

Use multiple gerunds to paint a picture.

El a mers. El a cântat. El a zâmbit. → Mergând, cântând și zâmbind, el a trecut pe lângă mine.

Use the gerund to show cause.

Pentru că am analizat datele, am decis. → Analizând datele, am decis.

Prononciation

ci-TIND

Stress

The stress remains on the stem, not the suffix.

Rising-Falling

Mâncând, ↗am citit ↘ziarul.

Indicates the gerund clause is a subordinate thought.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember: 'Gerund' sounds like 'Going' (continuous). If it's happening now, add -ind or -ând.

Visual Association

Imagine a person walking while eating an apple. The 'walking' is the main verb, and the 'eating' (mâncând) is the gerund attached to the action.

Rhyme

Pentru acțiuni ce se întâmplă mereu, adaugă -ind sau -ând, nu e greu!

Story

Maria was running (alergând) to the store. While running, she was thinking (gândindu-se) about her list. She was also listening (ascultând) to music. All these actions happen at once.

Word Web

citindmergândcântândvăzândfăcândmâncând

Défi

Write 3 sentences about what you are doing while reading this (e.g., 'Stând pe scaun, citesc...').

Notes culturelles

The gerund is used in formal writing and literature to create flow.

Sometimes speakers use 'și' + gerund for emphasis.

Similar to standard, but often used in storytelling.

Derived from the Latin 'gerundium'.

Conversation Starters

“

Ce faci mâncând?

“

Ce ai învățat lucrând la proiect?

“

Cum te simți așteptând rezultatele?

“

Analizând situația, ce ai schimba?

Journal Prompts

Describe your morning routine using gerunds.
Write about a time you learned something while doing another activity.
Reflect on a professional challenge using gerunds.
Analyze a historical event using gerunds to show cause and effect.
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Test Yourself

Convert the verb 'a citi' into the correct gerund form.

___ scrisoarea, a început să plângă.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Citind
Verbs ending in -i like 'a citi' take the -ind suffix.
Choose the correct sentence to express 'I am working right now.'

___ în acest moment.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Lucrez
Romanian uses the present indicative, not the gerund, for continuous actions.
What is the negative gerund of 'a vrea' (to want)?

___ să meargă, a rămas în mașină.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Nevrând
The negative is formed by adding 'ne-' directly to the gerund form 'vrând'.

Score: /3

Exercices pratiques

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct gerund form.

___ (a citi), am adormit.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Citind
Correct suffix for -i verb.
Choose the correct sentence. Choix multiple

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mâncând, am vorbit.
Subject must be the same.
Correct the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ea mergea cântândă.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ea mergea cântând.
Gerund is invariable.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Combine: 'Am lucrat' + 'Am ascultat muzică'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Toate sunt corecte.
All are valid.
Match the infinitive to the gerund. Match Pairs

a veni -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: venind
Correct suffix.
Transform to gerund. Sentence Transformation

Când am văzut filmul, am plâns.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Văzând filmul, am plâns.
Maintains tense and subject.
Is this true? True False Rule

The gerund changes for person.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
It is invariable.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Ce faci? B: ___ (a lucra) la proiect.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Lucrez
This is a main verb, not a gerund.

Score: /8

FAQ (8)

No, unlike English, the Romanian gerund is strictly adverbial.

No, it is invariable.

No, that is a common error called a dangling modifier.

Yes, it is very common in formal and literary contexts.

Use -ind for -i/-î verbs and -ând for -a/-e verbs.

No, they have different functions (adverbial vs adjectival).

The gerund itself is timeless, but it takes the tense of the main verb.

Very few, like 'făcând' from 'a face'.

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Gerundio (-ando/-iendo)

Subject identity constraint is stricter in Romanian.

French moderate

Gérondif (en + participe présent)

Romanian gerund is a single word; French requires 'en'.

German low

Partizip I

German participle is adjectival; Romanian gerund is adverbial.

Japanese moderate

Te-form

Japanese te-form is a verb conjugation; Romanian gerund is a non-finite form.

Arabic partial

Hal (Adverbial Accusative)

Arabic Hal is a grammatical state; Romanian gerund is a specific verb form.

Chinese moderate

Verb + 着 (zhe)

Chinese 'zhe' is a particle; Romanian gerund is a suffix.

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