Meaning
Asking who else is involved.
Cultural Background
Romanians are very social and often travel or go out in large groups called 'gașcă'. Asking 'Cu cine?' is a standard way to show interest in someone's social circle. In villages, knowing who someone is walking with ('cu cine se însoțește') was historically a matter of family reputation and social matchmaking. In cities like Bucharest, 'Cu cine?' is often used when discussing networking and professional 'connections' (pile), reflecting a society that values who you know. In the Moldavian region, the intonation of 'Cu cine?' might be more melodic, often ending on a high note to express curiosity or surprise.
The 'Plus One' Rule
Whenever you hear someone planning an action, 'Cu cine?' is the most natural follow-up question you can ask.
People Only!
Never use 'Cu cine?' for objects. If you're asking about a tool or transport, use 'Cu ce?'.
Meaning
Asking who else is involved.
The 'Plus One' Rule
Whenever you hear someone planning an action, 'Cu cine?' is the most natural follow-up question you can ask.
People Only!
Never use 'Cu cine?' for objects. If you're asking about a tool or transport, use 'Cu ce?'.
Short and Sweet
In casual conversation, you don't need a full sentence. Just saying 'Cu cine?' is perfectly correct.
Don't be shy
In Romania, asking 'Cu cine?' isn't usually seen as nosy; it's seen as being friendly and interested.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to ask 'With whom are you going to the party?'
___ ___ mergi la petrecere?
'Cu cine' is the correct way to ask 'With whom'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct question:
The preposition 'cu' must come before 'cine' at the start of the question.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Plec în vacanță în Italia! B: Wow! ___ ___?
B is asking who the friend is going with.
Match the question to the situation.
You see your sister talking to a stranger on the street. What do you ask her later?
'Cu cine' is used for people you are interacting with.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises___ ___ mergi la petrecere?
'Cu cine' is the correct way to ask 'With whom'.
Choose the correct question:
The preposition 'cu' must come before 'cine' at the start of the question.
A: Plec în vacanță în Italia! B: Wow! ___ ___?
B is asking who the friend is going with.
You see your sister talking to a stranger on the street. What do you ask her later?
'Cu cine' is used for people you are interacting with.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in any situation, from a casual chat to a business meeting.
No, Romanian prepositions always come before the pronoun in questions.
'Cu cine?' is for 'With whom?' (general), while 'Cu care?' is for 'With which one?' (from a specific group).
Start your answer with 'Cu...' followed by the person. e.g., 'Cu mama', 'Cu prietenii'.
No, 'cine' stays the same whether you are asking about one person or many people.
Yes, Romanians often use 'cine' for pets they consider part of the family.
'Cu cine?' is the question (With whom?), 'Cu cineva' is the statement (With someone).
You can answer with a description: 'Cu un băiat de la școală' (With a boy from school).
Not really a different phrase, but you might hear 'Cu cine mai?' to mean 'Who else?'.
Because 'cu' requires the accusative case, and 'cine' is the accusative form.
Yes, it's perfectly fine for professional emails when asking about project partners.
A little bit! If you can say 'Cuisine', you're halfway to pronouncing 'Cu cine' correctly.
Related Phrases
Cu cineva
similarWith someone
Cu nimeni
contrastWith no one
Împreună cu
builds onTogether with
Cu care?
similarWith which one?
Alături de cine?
specialized formAlongside whom?
