B1 Gerunds & Infinitives 5 min read かんたん

Gerund Usage

Use the Romanian gerund to describe how or when an action happens simultaneously with the main verb.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

The Romanian gerund expresses simultaneous actions or the manner in which an action occurs, formed by adding -ind or -ând.

  • Use -ând for verbs ending in -a or -â (e.g., cântând).
  • Use -ind for verbs ending in -e or -i (e.g., mergând/venind).
  • It never changes form regardless of the subject (invariable).
Verb stem + (-ând/-ind) = Simultaneous Action

Overview

The Romanian gerund, or gerunziul, is your new best friend for storytelling. It is a verb form that usually ends in -ând or -ind. You can think of it as the Romanian cousin of the English -ing form.
It helps you describe actions that happen at the same time. It also explains how someone does something. It makes your Romanian sound fluid and natural.
Instead of using short, choppy sentences, you can connect ideas smoothly. It is like the glue of the Romanian language. Most learners find it easier than other moods because it rarely changes.
You don't have to worry about person or number here. It stays the same whether you are talking about yourself or a group of friends.

How This Grammar Works

This grammar point acts like an adverb. It modifies the main verb in your sentence. Imagine you are walking and singing.
In English, you say
I am walking while singing.
In Romanian, you use the gerund for the secondary action. It tells us the circumstances of the main event. It answers questions like How? or When?.
If you are at a job interview, you might use it to describe your skills. If you are ordering food, you might use it to describe your preferences. It adds a layer of detail that simple tenses lack.
Think of it like a grammar traffic light. It tells the listener how the flow of actions is moving. It is simple, consistent, and very powerful once you master the endings.

Formation Pattern

1
Creating the gerund is a straightforward process. You only need to know the infinitive of the verb. Follow these simple steps to build your own:
2
Identify the verb's ending in its dictionary form (the infinitive).
3
If the verb ends in -a, -ea, or -e, add the suffix -ând to the root.
4
For example, a cânta (to sing) becomes cântând.
5
For example, a vedea (to see) becomes văzând.
6
For example, a face (to do) becomes făcând.
7
If the verb ends in -i or -î, add the suffix -ind to the root.
8
For example, a citi (to read) becomes citind.
9
For example, a coborî (to go down) becomes coborând (Note: -î verbs are special but usually follow the -ând sound pattern).
10
Yes, even native speakers sometimes hesitate on tricky verbs. But generally, if it sounds like -and or -ind, you are on the right track!

When To Use It

You should reach for the gerund in several real-world scenarios. Use it when two actions happen simultaneously. For example,
He arrived at the restaurant zâmbind (smiling).
You can also use it to express the cause of something.
Știind că e târziu, am plecat.
(Knowing it is late, I left). It is perfect for giving directions.
Mergând tot înainte, veți găsi banca.
(Going straight ahead, you will find the bank).
Use it in formal settings too. In a cover letter, you might write
Așteptând răspunsul dumneavoastră...
(Waiting for your answer...). It shows a high level of fluency.
It is also great for describing a state of being. If you are standing in line, you are stând la coadă. It adds a sense of continuity to your speech.

When Not To Use It

This is where many English speakers get tripped up. Do not use the gerund to form the continuous present. In English, you say I am eating. In Romanian, you just say mănânc.
Never say sunt mâncând. That sounds very strange to a Romanian ear! Also, do not use the gerund as a noun.
In English, Swimming is fun uses a gerund. In Romanian, you must use the infinitive: A înota este distractiv. The gerund is also not used for future plans.
Don't use it after prepositions like pentru (for). If you want to say Thanks for helping, use the infinitive: Mulțumesc pentru ajutor or Mulțumesc că m-ai ajutat. Think of it as a specialized tool, not a universal one.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is mixing up -ând and -ind. Remember that -i verbs almost always want -ind. Another slip-up is the placement of pronouns. In Romanian, pronouns attach to the end of the gerund. You say văzându-l (seeing him), not îl văzând. This can feel like a tongue twister at first. Don't forget the hyphen! Another mistake is using the gerund when you should use a conjunction. If the two actions have different subjects, the gerund can be confusing. For example,
Venind acasă, mama a gătit.
This sounds like the mother was the one coming home. If you meant yourself, use Când am venit acasă. It is a small detail, but it changes the whole story. Even advanced learners make these mistakes, so don't sweat it too much.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

How does the gerund differ from the participle? The participle (trecut) usually ends in -at, -ut, or -it. It describes a finished state, like the closed door (ușa închisă).
The gerund describes an ongoing action. Compare citit (read) with citind (reading). One is a result; the other is a process.
Also, contrast it with the subjunctive (să). Use the subjunctive for desires or goals. Use the gerund for the how of an action.
Vreau să citesc
(I want to read) vs.
Învăț citind
(I learn by reading). It is all about the relationship between the two verbs in your head.

Quick FAQ

Q

Does the gerund change for gender?

No, it is totally gender-neutral.

Q

Can I start a sentence with a gerund?

Absolutely! It is a very common way to set the scene.

Q

Is it used more in writing or speaking?

It is used in both, but it feels slightly more elegant in writing.

Q

What about the verb a fi (to be)?

It becomes fiind. You will use this one all the time!

Meanings

The gerund is a non-finite verb form used to indicate an action happening at the same time as the main verb or the manner of an action.

1

Simultaneity

Actions happening at the same time.

“Văzându-l, am zâmbit.”

“Cântând, timpul trece repede.”

Gerund Formation by Infinitive Ending

Infinitive Ending Example (Inf) Gerund Form Translation
-a a cânta cântând singing
-â a coborî coborând descending
-e a merge mergând walking
-i a veni venind coming
-i a dormi dormind sleeping

Reference Table

Reference table for Gerund Usage
Infinitive Ending Gerund Suffix Example Verb Gerund Form
-a -ând a lucra lucrând
-ea -ând a tăcea tăcând
-e -ând a scrie scriind*
-i -ind a vorbi vorbind
-î -ând a coborî coborând
Irregular Special a fi fiind

フォーマル度スペクトル

フォーマル
Lucrează ascultând muzică.

Lucrează ascultând muzică. (Work environment)

ニュートラル
El lucrează ascultând muzică.

El lucrează ascultând muzică. (Work environment)

カジュアル
Lucrează și ascultă muzică.

Lucrează și ascultă muzică. (Work environment)

スラング
E pe treabă cu muzica în căști.

E pe treabă cu muzica în căști. (Work environment)

The Roles of the Gerund

Gerunziul

Time

  • Mâncând While eating

Manner

  • Alergând By running

Reason

  • Fiind bolnav Being sick

Romanian vs. English '-ing'

Romanian Gerunziu
Simultaneous actions Mergând și vorbind
Adverbial use A venit plângând
English Gerund
Continuous Tense I am working
Noun Subject Reading is good

How to Form the Gerund

1

Does the infinitive end in -i or -î?

YES ↓
NO
Add -ând (e.g., lucrând, tăcând)
2

Use the root + -ind

YES ↓
NO
vorbind, citind

Common Gerund Categories

🏃

Movement

  • • mergând
  • • fugind
🗣️

Communication

  • • spunând
  • • vorbind
👁️

Perception

  • • văzând
  • • auzind
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Examples by Level

1

Mănânc citind.

I eat while reading.

2

Mergi cântând.

You walk while singing.

3

Ea lucrează stând.

She works while sitting.

4

Ei vin alergând.

They come running.

1

Ascult muzică gătind.

I listen to music while cooking.

2

Vorbind, am uitat timpul.

Talking, I forgot the time.

3

Plângând, ea a plecat.

Crying, she left.

4

Învățând, devii mai bun.

Learning, you become better.

1

Analizând situația, am decis să plec.

Analyzing the situation, I decided to leave.

2

Așteptând autobuzul, am citit o carte.

Waiting for the bus, I read a book.

3

Neștiind ce să fac, am întrebat.

Not knowing what to do, I asked.

4

Zâmbind, el mi-a răspuns.

Smiling, he answered me.

1

Văzându-l pe stradă, l-am salutat imediat.

Seeing him on the street, I greeted him immediately.

2

Lucrând intens, am terminat proiectul la timp.

Working intensely, I finished the project on time.

3

Neavând altă soluție, am acceptat oferta.

Having no other solution, I accepted the offer.

4

Dormind, am visat ceva ciudat.

While sleeping, I dreamt something strange.

1

Auzind zgomotul, s-a trezit brusc.

Hearing the noise, he woke up suddenly.

2

Gândindu-se la viitor, a devenit melancolic.

Thinking about the future, he became melancholic.

3

Trecând prin oraș, am văzut schimbări majore.

Passing through the city, I saw major changes.

4

Bănuind adevărul, a refuzat să vorbească.

Suspecting the truth, he refused to speak.

1

Sperând într-o schimbare, poporul a ieșit în stradă.

Hoping for a change, the people took to the streets.

2

Cunoscându-i slăbiciunile, a acționat cu prudență.

Knowing his weaknesses, he acted with caution.

3

Păstrând tăcerea, a evitat un conflict inutil.

Keeping silent, he avoided a useless conflict.

4

Dovedind curaj, a salvat situația.

Proving courage, he saved the situation.

Easily Confused

Gerund Usage 対 Gerund vs. Present Participle

Both end in similar ways, but one is a verb and one is an adjective.

Gerund Usage 対 Gerund vs. Infinitive

Learners use gerunds where infinitives are required as subjects.

Gerund Usage 対 Gerund vs. Subordinate Clause

Using gerunds when subjects are different.

よくある間違い

✗

Eu citind.

✓

Eu citesc citind.

Gerund is not a main verb.
✗

Cântând este frumos.

✓

A cânta este frumos.

Gerund cannot be a subject.
✗

Ei mergând.

✓

Ei merg.

Gerund needs a main verb.
✗

Ea mâncândă.

✓

Ea mâncând.

Gerund is invariable.
✗

Eu mergând, el stă.

✓

În timp ce eu merg, el stă.

Subjects must be the same.
✗

Mergând la magazin, ploaia a început.

✓

Mergând la magazin, am fost prins de ploaie.

Subject of gerund must be the subject of the sentence.
✗

Ne-cântând.

✓

Necântând.

Prefix is attached.
✗

Văzând-o pe ea, am vorbit.

✓

Văzând-o, am vorbit.

Redundant pronoun.
✗

El a venit alergat.

✓

El a venit alergând.

Confusing participle with gerund.
✗

Fiind obosit, patul m-a chemat.

✓

Fiind obosit, m-am dus la culcare.

Dangling modifier.
✗

Considerând că e târziu, decizia a fost luată.

✓

Considerând că e târziu, am luat decizia.

Subject mismatch.
✗

Auzindu-se zgomot, m-am speriat.

✓

Auzind zgomotul, m-am speriat.

Reflexive vs active.

Sentence Patterns

___ (verb) + ___ (gerund).

___ (gerund), am ___ (main verb).

___ (gerund) + ___ (pronoun), am ___ (main verb).

___ (negative gerund), am ___ (main verb).

Real World Usage

Texting common

Mergând spre casă, îți scriu.

Job Interview common

Analizând datele, am observat o creștere.

Social Media very common

Savurând cafeaua de dimineață!

Travel common

Așteptând trenul, am făcut poze.

Food Delivery occasional

Așteptând comanda, am citit meniul.

Academic Writing common

Studiind fenomenul, am concluzionat că...

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💡

The 'U' Connection

When you add a pronoun to a gerund ending in -ând, you must add a 'u' before the hyphen (e.g., văzând-u-l). It makes it easier to pronounce!
⚠️

The Present Continuous Trap

Never translate 'I am doing' literally. Use the simple present. The gerund is for the 'background' action, not the main one.
🎯

Master 'Fiind'

The gerund of 'a fi' is 'fiind'. Use it to explain reasons, like 'Fiind obosit, m-am culcat' (Being tired, I went to bed).
💬

Sound Like a Local

Romanians use the gerund to describe someone's state in a very vivid way. It’s more poetic than just using 'and'.

Smart Tips

Use the gerund for the secondary action.

El mergea. El cânta. → El mergea cântând.

Ensure the subject of the gerund is the subject of the sentence.

Mergând pe stradă, ploaia a început. → Mergând pe stradă, am fost prins de ploaie.

Use the gerund to describe the manner of the main action.

Ea a vorbit. Ea era zâmbitoare. → Ea a vorbit zâmbind.

Check the infinitive ending: -a/-â -> -ând, -e/-i -> -ind.

Ea a venit (venind). → Ea a venit venind.

発音

cân-tând

Stress

The stress remains on the stem of the verb.

mer-gând

Final -nd

Ensure the 'd' is clearly articulated.

Rising-Falling

Văzându-l, ↗ am zâmbit ↘.

Signals the connection between the two actions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember: 'A' likes 'Â' (cântând), 'E/I' likes 'I' (mergând/venind).

Visual Association

Imagine a person walking (mergând) while eating (mâncând). The two actions are glued together by the -nd ending.

Rhyme

Pentru -a și -â, pune -ând la final, Pentru -e și -i, -ind e ideal.

Story

Maria was cooking (gătind) while listening (ascultând) to music. Suddenly, she started dancing (dansând) while holding (ținând) a spoon. She was multitasking perfectly!

Word Web

cântândmergândvenindmâncândcitindstând

チャレンジ

Write 3 sentences about what you are doing right now using the gerund.

文化メモ

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

Often used in speech to describe long, continuous processes.

Frequently used in storytelling and oral traditions.

Comes from the Latin 'gerundium', which was a verbal noun.

Conversation Starters

“

Ce faci de obicei ascultând muzică?

“

Cum te simți așteptând la coadă?

“

Analizând ziua de azi, ce ai schimba?

“

Cunoscându-te mai bine, ce crezi despre tine?

Journal Prompts

Descrie o zi obișnuită folosind gerunziul.
Povestește despre un moment când ai învățat ceva nou.
Analizează o decizie importantă din viața ta.
Reflectează asupra viitorului tău.
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Test Yourself

Choose the correct gerund form for the verb 'a citi' (to read).

___ cartea, am adormit pe canapea.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Citind
Verbs ending in '-i' take the '-ind' suffix to form the gerund.
Complete the sentence with the correct negative gerund of 'a avea'.

___ bani, nu am putut cumpăra biletul.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Neavând
The negative gerund is formed by adding the prefix 'ne-' to the gerund form 'având'.
Identify the correct way to attach the pronoun 'o' (her/it) to 'văzând'.

___ pe Maria, i-am dat florile.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Văzând-o
Pronouns must be attached to the end of the gerund using a hyphen.

Score: /3

練習問題

8 exercises
Fill in the correct gerund form.

Ea (a cânta) ___ pe scenă.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: cântând
Correct suffix for -a verb.
Choose the correct sentence. 選択問題

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mâncând, citesc.
Gerund is invariable.
Correct the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Mergând eu, ploaia a început.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: În timp ce mergeam, ploaia a început.
Subject mismatch.
Combine the sentences. Sentence Transformation

El citește. El bea cafea.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: El citește bând cafea.
Using gerund to combine.
Match the verb to its gerund. Match Pairs

Match: a merge, a veni, a cânta.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: mergând, venind, cântând
Correct suffix rules.
Select the correct usage. 選択問題

Ea a plecat ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: plângând
Gerund describes manner.
Fill in the negative form.

___ (a ști) răspunsul, am tăcut.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Neștiind
Negative gerund.
Transform into gerund. Sentence Transformation

Ea stă și se uită la TV.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ea stă uitându-se la TV.
Combining with reflexive.

Score: /8

よくある質問 (8)

No, never. Use the present tense or 'a fi' + participle.

No, it is invariable.

You must use a subordinate clause like 'în timp ce'.

It is neutral but often used in formal writing.

Add 'ne-' to the beginning.

No, use the infinitive for that.

Yes, very common for describing actions.

Gerund is an action; participle is a description.

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Gerundio

Romanian gerund cannot form continuous tenses.

French moderate

Gérondif

French requires the preposition 'en'.

German low

Partizip I

German form is adjectival.

Japanese partial

Te-form

Japanese te-form is much more versatile.

Arabic moderate

Hal (Adverbial Accusative)

Arabic uses a specific case/structure.

Chinese moderate

Verb + zhe

Chinese uses a particle, not a suffix.

Previous
Gerund Formation
Next
Infinitival Clauses

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