Meaning
Asking what someone is searching for.
Cultural Background
Directness is common. Asking 'Ce cauți?' is not usually seen as rude among acquaintances; it's a way to start a helpful interaction. In big cities like Bucharest, 'Ce cauți?' can be used defensively if someone is in your private space (like a parking spot). Shop assistants are trained to be very proactive. You will hear 'Ce căutați?' almost immediately upon entering a small shop. The concept of 'searching' is linked to the 'dor' (longing). Many folk songs talk about searching for a lost love or a lost home.
The 'Pe' Rule
Always use 'pe' if you are looking for a person: 'Pe cine cauți?'
Tone Matters
A sharp 'Ce cauți?!' can sound like 'What are you doing here?!' (aggressive).
Meaning
Asking what someone is searching for.
The 'Pe' Rule
Always use 'pe' if you are looking for a person: 'Pe cine cauți?'
Tone Matters
A sharp 'Ce cauți?!' can sound like 'What are you doing here?!' (aggressive).
Shopping Tip
If a clerk asks 'Ce căutați?', you can reply 'Doar mă uit' (I'm just looking).
Hospitality
Asking 'Ce cauți?' is often the first step to Romanian hospitality.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'a căuta' for 'tu'.
Ce ___ tu în dulap?
The 2nd person singular (informal) of 'a căuta' is 'cauți'.
Choose the formal version of the question.
How do you ask a stranger what they are looking for?
'Ce căutați?' is the polite/formal form used with strangers.
Complete the dialogue.
Andrei: 'Nu-mi găsesc portofelul!' Maria: '___?'
Maria is asking what Andrei is looking for because he lost his wallet.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a child looking under a sofa.
Informal 'Ce cauți?' is appropriate for a child.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCe ___ tu în dulap?
The 2nd person singular (informal) of 'a căuta' is 'cauți'.
How do you ask a stranger what they are looking for?
'Ce căutați?' is the polite/formal form used with strangers.
Andrei: 'Nu-mi găsesc portofelul!' Maria: '___?'
Maria is asking what Andrei is looking for because he lost his wallet.
You see a child looking under a sofa.
Informal 'Ce cauți?' is appropriate for a child.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on the tone and the person. With friends, it's helpful. With strangers, use 'Ce căutați?' to be safe.
You say 'Caut cheile mele' or just 'Caut cheile'.
Yes, 'Ce cauți aici?' is a very common way to ask that.
The formal version is 'Ce căutați?'.
No, 'a căuta' already means 'to look for'. Never say 'Ce cauți pentru?'.
Use 'Pe cine cauți?'.
Yes, many Romanian pop and rock songs use it to talk about searching for love or meaning.
'A căuta' is searching for something specific. 'A se uita' is just looking or watching.
Only in a very informal email to a friend. Otherwise, use more formal language.
That would be 'La ce te uiți?'.
Related Phrases
a se uita după
similarto look for / to eye something
a cerceta
specialized formto investigate / to research
a găsi
contrastto find
a scotoci
specialized formto rummage
a urmări
similarto follow / to track
