Signification
Stating a lack of information or knowledge.
Contexte culturel
The 'Romanian Shrug' is a non-verbal equivalent of 'Nu știu'. It involves a slight lift of the shoulders, a pout, and sometimes a quick exhale. In Transylvania, 'Nu știu' is often preceded by 'No', a versatile filler word that can mean 'Well', 'So', or 'Indeed'. In the eastern part of Romania, the pronunciation might be softer, and 'Nu știu' might be followed by 'măi' in informal contexts. In modern Romanian business, 'Nu știu' is increasingly followed by 'dar mă interesez' (but I'll find out) to show proactiveness.
The Power of the Shrug
Don't be afraid to use body language. A shrug with 'Nu știu' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Avoid Standalone 'Nu știu'
In professional or service contexts, always add 'Îmi pare rău' (I'm sorry) or 'Voi afla' (I will find out).
Signification
Stating a lack of information or knowledge.
The Power of the Shrug
Don't be afraid to use body language. A shrug with 'Nu știu' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Avoid Standalone 'Nu știu'
In professional or service contexts, always add 'Îmi pare rău' (I'm sorry) or 'Voi afla' (I will find out).
Use 'Nsh' in Texts
If you're texting Romanian friends, use 'nsh' to sound cool and save time.
Polite Refusal
Sometimes 'Nu știu' is used to politely decline an invitation without being too direct.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'nu știu'.
Eu ___ unde este magazinul.
The subject 'Eu' (I) requires the 1st person singular form 'știu'.
Which phrase is used for people?
If you want to say 'I don't know Ion', you say:
'A cunoaște' is used for people and personal familiarity.
Match the Romanian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all variations of expressing lack of knowledge.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Știi unde e cheia? B: ___, caut-o în geantă.
The context implies the speaker doesn't know where the key is.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Știu vs. Cunosc
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEu ___ unde este magazinul.
The subject 'Eu' (I) requires the 1st person singular form 'știu'.
If you want to say 'I don't know Ion', you say:
'A cunoaște' is used for people and personal familiarity.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all variations of expressing lack of knowledge.
A: Știi unde e cheia? B: ___, caut-o în geantă.
The context implies the speaker doesn't know where the key is.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. However, in customer service, it should be followed by an apology or an offer to help.
Yes, but it's redundant. Romanians usually drop the 'Eu' unless they want to emphasize that *they* specifically don't know (while others might).
'Nu știu' is 'I don't know'. 'Habar n-am' is 'I have no clue' and is much more informal.
Use 'Nu știu să' followed by the verb. Example: 'Nu știu să înot' (I don't know how to swim).
No, use 'Nu-l/nu-o cunosc'.
'Știu' is for 'I' (Eu) and 'They' (Ei/Ele). 'Știi' is for 'You' (Tu).
Say 'Nu știu nimic'.
Yes, 'Nsh' in texting or 'Habar n-am' in speech.
Yes, it becomes 'Nu știam' (I didn't know/wasn't knowing) or 'Nu am știut' (I didn't know - specific event).
Yes, often followed by 'dacă' (if).
Expressions liées
Habar n-am
synonymI have no clue
N-am idee
similarI have no idea
Nu cunosc
contrastI am not familiar with
Nu-mi amintesc
builds onI don't remember
Cine știe?
specialized formWho knows?
