Signification
The historic center of a city.
Contexte culturel
The 'Centrul Vechi' of Bucharest is famous for its nightlife. It was the only part of the city center that escaped Nicolae Ceaușescu's 'systematization' (demolition) in the 1980s. In cities like Sibiu and Brașov, the 'oraș vechi' was built by German settlers. You will see 'the eyes of the city' (windows in the roofs) which are a unique architectural feature. Sighișoara is unique because its 'oraș vechi' is a still-inhabited medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Romanians love to 'ieși în oraș' (go out in the city), and the 'oraș vechi' is the primary destination for this, regardless of age.
The Article Rule
When giving directions, use 'orașul vechi' (the old town). When just describing a type of place, use 'un oraș vechi' (an old town).
Watch your feet!
If you are going to an 'oraș vechi', don't wear high heels. The 'piatră cubică' (cobblestones) is very uneven.
Signification
The historic center of a city.
The Article Rule
When giving directions, use 'orașul vechi' (the old town). When just describing a type of place, use 'un oraș vechi' (an old town).
Watch your feet!
If you are going to an 'oraș vechi', don't wear high heels. The 'piatră cubică' (cobblestones) is very uneven.
Local Lingo
In Bucharest, just say 'Centrul Vechi'. Everyone will know exactly what you mean.
Free Tours
Most 'orașe vechi' in Romania have 'Free Walking Tours'. They are the best way to learn the stories behind the stones.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'oraș vechi'.
Bucureștiul are un ______ ______ foarte animat.
The adjective follows the noun and we use 'vechi' for places.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the natural way to say 'I am in the old town'.
This uses the definite article correctly and the appropriate adjective for a place.
Match the Romanian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all related terms for urban areas.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Unde mergem diseară? B: Mergem în ______ ______, la un restaurant nou.
In a destination context, we use the definite article 'orașul'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Vechi vs. Bătrân
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesBucureștiul are un ______ ______ foarte animat.
The adjective follows the noun and we use 'vechi' for places.
Select the natural way to say 'I am in the old town'.
This uses the definite article correctly and the appropriate adjective for a place.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all related terms for urban areas.
A: Unde mergem diseară? B: Mergem în ______ ______, la un restaurant nou.
In a destination context, we use the definite article 'orașul'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot exactly. 'Downtown' usually refers to the commercial business district. 'Oraș vechi' specifically refers to the historical, architectural core.
No! That would be very disrespectful. Use 'bătrân' for people.
'Centrul Vechi' is a more common proper name for the district, while 'oraș vechi' is a descriptive phrase.
Yes, Romanian 'orașe vechi' are generally very safe and well-lit, as they are major social hubs.
Most do, but some were completely rebuilt during the communist era and lack a traditional historic core.
You say: 'Locuiesc în orașul vechi'.
The plural is 'orașe vechi'.
In 99% of cases, yes. Putting it before ('vechiul oraș') is for poetic or very formal emphasis.
Look for the 'primărie' (city hall), the 'biserică' (church), and the 'piață' (square).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Expressions liées
Centru istoric
synonymHistoric center
Piatră cubică
builds onCobblestones
Zonă pietonală
similarPedestrian zone
Clădire de patrimoniu
specialized formHeritage building
Orașul nou
contrastThe new town
