B1 Gerunds & Infinitives 6 min read मध्यम

Gerund vs Infinitive

Use gerunds for background actions and infinitives after prepositions, but always prefer the subjunctive for personal desires.
सीखा हुआ चिह्नित करें
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

In Romanian, some verbs take the infinitive (a face) while others require the subjunctive (să facă) or gerund.

  • Use the infinitive after modal verbs like 'pot' (I can) or 'vreau' (I want). Ex: 'Vreau să plec' (I want to leave).
  • Use the gerund for ongoing actions or simultaneous events. Ex: 'Mergând pe stradă, am văzut un câine.'
  • Most 'to' structures in English translate to 'să' + subjunctive in Romanian.
Verb 1 + (să) + Verb 2

Overview

Welcome to the world of Romanian verb forms! Today, we are diving into the gerunziu and the infinitiv. These two forms are like the secret spices of the Romanian language.
They help you describe actions without worrying about person or number. Think of them as the doing and to do of Romanian. However, Romanian has its own unique rhythm.
You might be used to English rules, but throw those out for a moment. In Romanian, the gerunziu is your go-to for simultaneous actions. The infinitiv is a bit more formal and structured.
It often appears after specific prepositions or helping verbs. Don't worry if it feels like a grammar traffic light at first. We will navigate these streets together.
By the end of this, you will sound much more natural. You will move beyond basic sentences into real, flowing conversation. Let's get started on this journey!

How This Grammar Works

In Romanian, both the gerund and infinitive are non-finite verb forms. This means they don't change based on who is doing the action. Whether I am doing it or we are doing it, the form stays the same.
The gerunziu usually ends in -ând or -ind. It tells us how or when something is happening. It acts like an adverb most of the time.
The infinitiv is the dictionary form of the verb. It usually starts with the particle a. For example, a citi means to read.
In modern Romanian, we use the infinitiv less than in English. We often prefer the subjunctive (să) for many things. But the infinitiv is still crucial for formal writing and specific phrases.
Think of the gerunziu as a movie happening in the background. Think of the infinitiv as the name of the movie itself. Both are essential for your B1 toolkit.

Formation Pattern

1
Creating these forms is actually quite satisfying. It’s like a simple math equation for your brain.
2
For the gerunziu, look at the verb ending.
3
If the verb ends in -a or -ea, add -ând. Example: a lucra becomes lucrând.
4
If the verb ends in -e or -i/-î, add -ind. Example: a citi becomes citind.
5
For the infinitiv, it is simply the base form you find in the dictionary.
6
Always include the particle a before the verb in its short infinitive form.
7
To make a gerund negative, just add ne- to the front: necitind (not reading).
8
To make an infinitive negative, add nu before the particle a: nu a merge (not to go).
9
Yes, even native speakers find the -ind vs -ând choice easy after some practice. It becomes a reflex, like knowing which way to turn a key.

When To Use It

Use the gerunziu when two actions happen at the exact same time. Imagine you are walking and singing. You would say: Mergând pe stradă, cânt. It describes the background action.
It’s also great for explaining how you did something.
He arrived by running
becomes A sosit alergând. You can use it in a job interview to describe your skills.
I worked as a manager, leading a team
is Am lucrat ca manager, conducând o echipă.
Use the infinitiv after certain verbs like a putea (to be able to). For example: Pot alege orice. (I can choose anything). It also follows prepositions like fără (without) or pentru (for).
If you are ordering food and want it without onions, you might say: fără a adăuga ceapă. It sounds a bit more polished and formal. It’s perfect for signs or instructions too. To not smoke is A nu fuma. It keeps things clear and direct.

When Not To Use It

Don't use the gerunziu as a noun like you do in English. In English, you say Swimming is fun. In Romanian, you cannot say Înotând e distractiv. That sounds very strange to a local! Instead, use the long infinitive or a noun: Înotul este distractiv. Also, avoid using the infinitiv where the subjunctive (să) is more natural.
If you want to say
I want to eat,
don't say Vreau a mânca. While grammatically okay, it sounds like you are in a 19th-century poem. Say Vreau să mănânc instead. Avoid using the gerunziu to describe a noun.
The crying baby is not bebelușul plângând. Use an adjective or a relative clause instead. Keeping these boundaries will save you from many tourist mistakes.

Common Mistakes

One big mistake is trying to translate I am eating as Sunt mâncând. This is a classic trap! Romanian doesn't use the gerund for continuous tenses. You just say Mănânc. Another slip-up is the spelling of gerunziu. Remember, it’s scriind (with two i's) because the root is scri-. If you only use one 'i', it looks naked! Many people also forget the a in the infinitiv. Without the a, it’s just a verb stem, not an infinitive. Also, watch out for the negative gerund. It’s neștiind (not knowing), not nu știind. It’s a tiny prefix that makes a huge difference. Don't worry, even Romanian kids mix these up when they are tired. Just take a breath and remember the patterns.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

The biggest rival to the infinitiv is the conjunctiv (subjunctive). The subjunctive uses să and is much more common in daily speech. Use să for desires, goals, and possibilities. Use the infinitiv for formal rules or after fără.
How about gerunziu vs. the present tense? Use the present tense for the main action. Use the gerunziu only for the secondary, simultaneous action.
Another contrast is the long infinitive (ending in -re). The long infinitive is basically a noun now. Citire means
the act of reading.
The short infinitive a citi is the verb form.
If you want to talk about the concept, use the -re form. If you want to focus on the action, use the a form or the gerunziu.

Quick FAQ

Q

Can I start a sentence with a gerunziu?

Yes! It’s a great way to set the scene. Auzind zgomotul, m-am speriat. (Hearing the noise, I got scared).

Q

Is the infinitiv used after vrea (to want)?

Rarely in speech. Use să instead. Vreau să plec is the standard way.

Q

Does the gerunziu change for gender?

No, it is totally gender-neutral. It’s one of the few easy parts of Romanian grammar!

Q

Is fără a common?

Yes, very common in both speech and writing. It means without ...-ing.

Meanings

The choice between using an infinitive, a gerund, or a subjunctive clause to link two verbs.

1

Infinitive usage

Used after modals or specific verbs of preference.

“Pot veni.”

“Trebuie să plec.”

2

Gerund usage

Describes an action in progress or simultaneous to the main verb.

“Văzându-l, am zâmbit.”

“Ea lucrează cântând.”

Subjunctive vs Gerund Formation

Form Structure Example
Subjunctive să + conjugated verb să mănânc
Gerund verb stem + -ând/-ind mâncând
Infinitive a + verb a mânca

Reference Table

Reference table for Gerund vs Infinitive
Form Ending/Marker Typical Use Example
Gerunziu -ând / -ind Simultaneous actions Mergând (walking)
Infinitiv a + verb After prepositions Fără a spune
Negative Gerunziu ne- + verb Not doing something Neștiind (not knowing)
Negative Infinitiv a nu + verb Rules/Instructions A nu călca (don't step)
Long Infinitive -re Nouns/Concepts Plecare (departure)
Subjunctive să + verb Daily 'to do' actions Vreau să vin

औपचारिकता का स्तर

औपचारिक
Doresc să plec.

Doresc să plec. (Leaving a place)

तटस्थ
Vreau să plec.

Vreau să plec. (Leaving a place)

अनौपचारिक
Vreau să mă duc.

Vreau să mă duc. (Leaving a place)

बोलचाल
O șterg.

O șterg. (Leaving a place)

Uses of the Gerunziu

Gerunziu

Time

  • Mâncând While eating

Manner

  • Alergând By running

Cause

  • Fiind Being/Since it is

Gerunziu vs. Infinitiv

Gerunziu (-ând/-ind)
Vorbind Speaking
Lucrând Working
Infinitiv (a ...)
A vorbi To speak
A lucra To work

Which Form Should I Use?

1

Is the action simultaneous with the main verb?

YES ↓
NO
Check for Infinitiv or Subjunctive
2

Is it a background action (while)?

YES ↓
NO
Use Infinitiv after 'fără'
3

Is it used as a noun?

YES ↓
NO
Use Gerunziu (-ând/-ind)

Common Triggers

🔗

Prepositions (Infinitiv)

  • • fără a
  • • pentru a
  • • înainte de a
⏳

Simultaneous (Gerunziu)

  • • ascultând
  • • privind
  • • mergând
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Vreau să dorm.

I want to sleep.

2

Pot să vin?

Can I come?

3

Trebuie să plec.

I must leave.

4

Îmi place să citesc.

I like to read.

1

Mâncând, m-am uitat la TV.

While eating, I watched TV.

2

Ea a plecat plângând.

She left crying.

3

Vrei să mergem?

Do you want to go?

4

Nu vreau să știu.

I don't want to know.

1

Auzind zgomotul, am ieșit.

Hearing the noise, I went out.

2

Sper să ne vedem curând.

I hope we see each other soon.

3

A refuzat să vorbească.

He refused to speak.

4

Stând la fereastră, am văzut ploaia.

Sitting at the window, I saw the rain.

1

A insistat să mergem împreună.

He insisted that we go together.

2

Lucrând din greu, a reușit.

Working hard, he succeeded.

3

E necesar să fim punctuali.

It is necessary to be punctual.

4

A plecat fără să spună nimic.

He left without saying anything.

1

A preferat să tacă, considerând că e mai bine.

He preferred to stay silent, considering it better.

2

Să fii sau să nu fii, aceasta-i întrebarea.

To be or not to be, that is the question.

3

A fost surprins văzându-l acolo.

He was surprised seeing him there.

4

A acceptat să colaboreze, știind riscurile.

He accepted to collaborate, knowing the risks.

1

Văzându-se încolțit, a recurs la tertipuri.

Seeing himself cornered, he resorted to tricks.

2

A fi a fi, dar a deveni este altceva.

To be is one thing, but to become is another.

3

Nereușind să convingă, a renunțat.

Failing to convince, he gave up.

4

A plecat murmurând cuvinte de neînțeles.

He left murmuring incomprehensible words.

Easily Confused

Gerund vs Infinitive बनाम Infinitive vs Subjunctive

Learners use 'a' instead of 'să'.

सामान्य गलतियाँ

✗

Vreau a mânca

✓

Vreau să mănânc

Use 'să' for desires.
✗

Mergând la magazin am cumpărat pâine

✓

Mergând la magazin, am cumpărat pâine

Need a comma for the gerund clause.
✗

Aș vrea a merge

✓

Aș vrea să merg

Subjunctive is required here.
✗

Văzându-l pe el, am plecat

✓

Văzându-l, am plecat

Redundant pronoun.

Sentence Patterns

Vreau să ___.

Real World Usage

Ordering food constant

Vreau să comand o pizza.

Sign up free to see all examples
💡

The 'While' Test

If you can replace the word with 'while doing', use the Gerunziu. It's the easiest way to check!
⚠️

No 'Sunt' + Gerunziu

Never use 'sunt' (I am) with a gerund. It's a direct translation from English that doesn't exist in Romanian.
🎯

Double 'I' Alert

Verbs like 'a scrie' or 'a ști' keep their 'i' before the '-ind' ending. So it's 'scriind' and 'știind'. Don't let one 'i' go missing!
💬

Formal vs. Friendly

In a formal email, 'pentru a clarifica' (to clarify) sounds professional. In person, you'd likely say 'ca să clarific'.

Smart Tips

Always use 'să'.

Vreau a merge. → Vreau să merg.

उच्चारण

cânt-ÂND

Gerund stress

The stress is always on the suffix -ând or -ind.

Subjunctive clause

Vreau să plec ↗

Rising intonation for requests.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Să is for 'to', -ând is for 'doing'.

Visual Association

Imagine a 'Să' sign pointing to a door (to go) and a person running while singing (-ând).

Rhyme

Vrei să faci, vrei să mergi, cu 'să' mereu te alegi.

Story

Maria wanted to dance (Vrea să danseze). While dancing (Dansând), she saw her friend. She decided to stop (A decis să se oprească) to say hello.

Word Web

săamâncândcântândvăzândpotvreau

चैलेंज

Write 5 sentences about your day using 'să' and 5 using a gerund.

सांस्कृतिक नोट्स

The 'să' construction is the backbone of the language.

The 'să' comes from Latin 'sic'.

Conversation Starters

“

Ce vrei să faci azi?

Journal Prompts

Scrie despre ce îți place să faci.
Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Choose the correct gerund form for the verb 'a scrie'.

Am petrecut toată noaptea ___ poezii.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: scriind
Verbs in -ie or -i take the -ind ending, and 'a scrie' keeps the double 'i' in 'scriind'.
Complete the sentence using the correct form after the preposition 'fără'.

Nu poți pleca fără ___ factura.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a plăti
After 'fără', we use the short infinitive form with 'a'.
Identify the correct way to express a simultaneous action.

M-a salutat ___ pe lângă mine.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: trecând
We use the gerund 'trecând' to show he greeted me while he was passing by.

Score: /3

अभ्यास प्रश्न

1 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Vreau ___ plec.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: să
Desire requires 'să'.

Score: /1

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल (1)

It's archaic in many contexts.

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish partial

Quiero comer

Romanian requires 'să'.

French partial

Je veux manger

Romanian uses subjunctive.

German low

Ich will essen

Romanian uses 'să'.

Japanese none

Tabetai

Romanian uses particles.

Arabic high

Urid an akul

Very similar structure.

Chinese low

Wo yao chi

Romanian conjugates.

Previous
Infinitival Clauses

Related Grammar Rules

B1

Gerund Formation

Overview Welcome to the world of the Romanian gerund! In Romanian, this is called `gerunziu`. It is your secret weapon...
B1

Infinitival Clauses

Overview Welcome to the world of the Romanian infinitive. It is like a secret agent. It hides in plain sight, but you r...
B1

Gerund Usage

Overview The Romanian gerund, or `gerunziul`, is your new best friend for storytelling. It is a verb form that usually...
Was this helpful?

टिप्पणियाँ (0)

टिप्पणी के लिए लॉगिन करें
अभी तक कोई टिप्पणी नहीं। अपने विचार साझा करने वाले पहले व्यक्ति बनें!