Meaning
The act of eating lunch or dinner.
Cultural Background
The 'Sunday Lunch' (Masa de duminică) is the most important meal of the week, where 'a lua masa' involves the whole extended family and multiple courses. In the Republic of Moldova, 'a lua masa' is often accompanied by 'un pahar de vin' (a glass of wine) as a sign of hospitality. In cities like Bucharest, 'a lua masa în oraș' (eating out) is a major social activity, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Traditionally, 'a lua masa' happened around a 'pirostrie' or a low table, and the head of the family would start the meal by making the sign of the cross.
Politeness
Always use 'a lua masa' when inviting someone you don't know well; it sounds much more sophisticated than 'a mânca'.
Conjugation
Don't forget that 'a lua' is irregular. 'Eu iau' is very different from 'Noi luăm'.
Meaning
The act of eating lunch or dinner.
Politeness
Always use 'a lua masa' when inviting someone you don't know well; it sounds much more sophisticated than 'a mânca'.
Conjugation
Don't forget that 'a lua' is irregular. 'Eu iau' is very different from 'Noi luăm'.
The 'Poftă Bună' Rule
Before you 'iei masa', it is mandatory to say 'Poftă bună!' (Enjoy your meal!) to everyone at the table.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'a lua'.
Noi ______ masa la ora două.
The subject 'Noi' (we) requires the first-person plural form 'luăm'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to invite someone to lunch?
Vrei să...?
'A lua masa' is the standard idiom for having a meal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Unde ai ______ masa ieri? B: Am ______ masa la bunica mea.
Both parts of the dialogue use the past participle 'luat' of the idiom 'a lua masa'.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: A formal dinner party.
This is the most polite and appropriate form for a formal setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'A lua masa'
Meals
- • Prânz (Lunch)
- • Cină (Dinner)
- • Mic dejun (Breakfast)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNoi ______ masa la ora două.
The subject 'Noi' (we) requires the first-person plural form 'luăm'.
Vrei să...?
'A lua masa' is the standard idiom for having a meal.
A: Unde ai ______ masa ieri? B: Am ______ masa la bunica mea.
Both parts of the dialogue use the past participle 'luat' of the idiom 'a lua masa'.
Context: A formal dinner party.
This is the most polite and appropriate form for a formal setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but it's better to say 'a lua micul dejun'. 'A lua masa' alone usually implies lunch or dinner.
It's more formal, but 'a lua masa' is never wrong and sounds more natural in most daily situations.
Yes, it is almost always 'a lua masa' (the table), not 'a lua masă'.
No. You must say 'mănânc un sandviș'. 'A lua masa' is for the whole meal event, not specific items.
Related Phrases
A servi masa
similarTo have a meal (formal)
A sta la masă
builds onTo sit at the table
Masa de prânz
specialized formLunchtime/The lunch meal
A pune masa
contrastTo set the table
A strânge masa
contrastTo clear the table
