Signification
Describing low temperatures outdoors.
Contexte culturel
The 'curent' (draft) is a major cultural fear. Saying 'e frig afară' is often a warning to close windows to prevent 'curent'. In rural areas, 'frig afară' is the cue to start the 'sobă' (terracotta stove). It's a seasonal milestone. Winters here are particularly long. 'Frig afară' is often met with the offer of a 'pălincă' to warm up. Young people use 'frig afară' ironically on social media when the first slightly cool day of autumn arrives.
The Shiver Rule
If you are shivering, say 'Mi-e frig'. If you are looking out the window, say 'E frig afară'.
Avoid 'Sunt frig'
This is the most common mistake for English speakers. It makes no sense in Romanian.
Signification
Describing low temperatures outdoors.
The Shiver Rule
If you are shivering, say 'Mi-e frig'. If you are looking out the window, say 'E frig afară'.
Avoid 'Sunt frig'
This is the most common mistake for English speakers. It makes no sense in Romanian.
Add 'un pic'
To sound more native when it's just slightly cold, say 'E un pic frig afară'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form.
Azi ___ frig afară.
We use the 3rd person singular of 'a fi' (to be) for weather.
Which sentence is correct if you want to say YOU are cold?
How do you say 'I am cold'?
Personal feelings of cold use the dative 'mi-e'.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Andrei: Nu uita geaca! Maria: De ce? Andrei: ________.
Andrei is warning Maria to take a jacket, so it must be cold.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see snow falling and people shivering.
Snow and shivering are clear signs of cold weather.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Temperature Scale
Hot
- • E cald
Chilly
- • E răcoare
Cold
- • E frig
Freezing
- • E ger
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAzi ___ frig afară.
We use the 3rd person singular of 'a fi' (to be) for weather.
How do you say 'I am cold'?
Personal feelings of cold use the dative 'mi-e'.
Andrei: Nu uita geaca! Maria: De ce? Andrei: ________.
Andrei is warning Maria to take a jacket, so it must be cold.
You see snow falling and people shivering.
Snow and shivering are clear signs of cold weather.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, in casual conversation, omitting the 'E' is very common, especially as an exclamation.
'Frig' is a noun used for weather; 'rece' is an adjective used for things you touch.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You say 'Se face frig afară'.
It's a cultural habit and a way to bond over the harsh winters.
No, 'frig' is an uncountable noun in this context.
No, use 'rece' for an unfriendly person.
Usually anything below 10°C (50°F).
A fost frig afară.
No, you can just say 'E frig', but 'afară' specifies the location.
Expressions liées
Mi-e frig
similarI am cold
E ger
specialized formIt is freezing
E răcoare
contrastIt is chilly/cool
Vreme câinească
idiomDog's weather
A îngheța
builds onTo freeze
