Signification
The act of going to sleep.
Contexte culturel
In villages, 'culcarea' was often preceded by 'șezătoare' (a social gathering for work and storytelling). When the host said 'mergem la culcare', it was the polite signal for the community to disperse. In cities, 'a merge la culcare' is often delayed by 'night owl' habits. However, the phrase remains the standard sign-off on social media apps like WhatsApp. For many religious Romanians, 'a merge la culcare' is preceded by an evening prayer (rugăciunea de seară). The phrase marks the transition to a spiritual time of rest. Some believe that if you 'mergi la culcare' with your socks on, you will have bad dreams. This adds a layer of ritual to the phrase.
The 'Goodnight' Combo
Always follow 'Merg la culcare' with 'Noapte bună' for maximum politeness.
Avoid 'În Pat'
Don't say 'Merg în pat' unless you are literally pointing at the bed furniture.
Signification
The act of going to sleep.
The 'Goodnight' Combo
Always follow 'Merg la culcare' with 'Noapte bună' for maximum politeness.
Avoid 'În Pat'
Don't say 'Merg în pat' unless you are literally pointing at the bed furniture.
Reflexive Shortcut
If you are in a hurry, just say 'Mă culc'. It's faster and very natural.
Somn Ușor
If someone tells you they are going to bed, respond with 'Somn ușor!'
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'a merge'.
Eu sunt obosit. Eu ______ la culcare.
The first person singular form of 'a merge' is 'merg'.
Which phrase is the most natural way to say 'I'm going to bed'?
Select the correct option:
'Merg la culcare' is the standard idiomatic expression in Romanian.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
Mama: E ora zece, copile! Copilul: Bine, mamă. ______.
Given it's 10 PM and the mother is prompting the child, 'going to bed' is the logical response.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a friend's house and you are yawning. What do you say?
Yawning indicates tiredness, making 'going to bed' the correct choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Bedtime Registers
Sleep Vocabulary
Objects
- • Pat
- • Pernă
- • Pătură
Actions
- • A merge
- • A dormi
- • A visa
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEu sunt obosit. Eu ______ la culcare.
The first person singular form of 'a merge' is 'merg'.
Select the correct option:
'Merg la culcare' is the standard idiomatic expression in Romanian.
Mama: E ora zece, copile! Copilul: Bine, mamă. ______.
Given it's 10 PM and the mother is prompting the child, 'going to bed' is the logical response.
You are at a friend's house and you are yawning. What do you say?
Yawning indicates tiredness, making 'going to bed' the correct choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it is neutral. You can use it with anyone.
It's understandable but less common than 'Merg la culcare' or 'Mă bag la somn'.
'A se culca' is a reflexive verb meaning 'to lie down', while 'a merge la culcare' focuses on the movement toward sleep.
Use 'Am mers la culcare'.
Yes, 'la' is essential as it indicates the direction/purpose.
Usually no. For naps, use 'a trage un pui de somn'.
It is a noun meaning 'the act of lying down' or 'bedtime'.
Only if you are on very friendly terms with the colleague. Otherwise, it's too personal.
Yes, 'Mă bag la somn' is the most common slang/informal version.
Say 'Du-te la culcare!' or 'Hai la culcare!'.
No, in this idiom it is always singular.
Yes, like most Romanian 'r' sounds, it is a slight tap or trill.
Expressions liées
A se culca
synonymTo lie down/go to bed
A dormi
builds onTo sleep
A se trezi
contrastTo wake up
A trage un pui de somn
specialized formTo take a nap
Somn ușor
similarSleep easy / Good night
Noapte bună
similarGood night
