Meaning
Deciding something different.
Cultural Background
In Romanian business culture, changing your mind is acceptable if backed by new data, but doing it too often can make you seem 'neserios' (unreliable). There is a shared cultural trait of high flexibility and 'negotiation' even after a decision is made. 'A-și schimba părerea' is often a tool for social maneuvering. In Romanian intellectual circles, admitting you changed your mind is seen as a sign of 'onestitate intelectuală' (intellectual honesty). Influencers often use 'Mi-am schimbat părerea' as a clickbait title for videos where they review products they previously liked or disliked.
The 'Waiter' Trick
Use this phrase to sound more natural when ordering. It shows you are thinking in Romanian, not just translating.
No 'Mind'!
Never say 'schimb mintea'. It's the #1 giveaway that you are an English speaker translating literally.
Meaning
Deciding something different.
The 'Waiter' Trick
Use this phrase to sound more natural when ordering. It shows you are thinking in Romanian, not just translating.
No 'Mind'!
Never say 'schimb mintea'. It's the #1 giveaway that you are an English speaker translating literally.
Dative Mastery
Practice the dative pronouns (îmi, îți, își) separately. They are the engine that makes this phrase work.
Flexibility
Don't be afraid to use this. In Romania, being able to change your mind is often seen as being 'open' rather than 'indecisive'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and verb form for 'Eu'.
Eu ______ ______ părerea despre acest film.
For 'Eu', the dative reflexive is 'îmi' and the verb 'a schimba' becomes 'schimb'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'He changed his mind' in a neutral context?
Select the correct option:
It requires the dative reflexive 'și' and the noun 'părerea'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a restaurant and want to change your order.
'Îmi schimb hainele' means changing clothes, and 'schimb banii' means exchanging money.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Mergem la mare? B: Nu știu... ieri am vrut, dar azi ______ ______ ______.
The speaker (B) is talking about themselves in the past tense.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Părere vs. Opinie
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ______ ______ părerea despre acest film.
For 'Eu', the dative reflexive is 'îmi' and the verb 'a schimba' becomes 'schimb'.
Select the correct option:
It requires the dative reflexive 'și' and the noun 'părerea'.
You are at a restaurant and want to change your order.
'Îmi schimb hainele' means changing clothes, and 'schimb banii' means exchanging money.
A: Mergem la mare? B: Nu știu... ieri am vrut, dar azi ______ ______ ______.
The speaker (B) is talking about themselves in the past tense.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, but 'opinie' is more formal. Use 'părere' for daily life (food, movies) and 'opinie' for serious topics (politics, philosophy).
'A se răzgândi' is more informal and usually refers to a specific plan or action. 'A-și schimba părerea' is broader.
Say 'Mi-am schimbat părerea'.
It's a reflexive pronoun in the dative case, meaning the change happens 'to your own' opinion.
Yes, this is very common when your impression of someone changes.
Generally no, especially in social settings. It's part of the natural flow of conversation.
Yes, it's used for changing money, clothes, or opinions.
Use 'Ne-am schimbat părerea' (We changed our mind).
No, for that use 'a schimba' without the reflexive 'și' (e.g., 'Schimb becul' - I change the lightbulb).
Yes, 'a o da la întors' is a common slang way to say someone is changing their story or mind.
Puh-reh-reh-ah. Focus on the 'ă' sound which is neutral.
Related Phrases
A se răzgândi
synonymTo change one's mind (more informal)
A-și schimba optica
specialized formTo change one's perspective
A reveni asupra unei decizii
formalTo revisit a decision
A o întoarce ca la Ploiești
idiomTo flip-flop
A fi nestatornic
contrastTo be fickle/unsteady
