Meaning
Expressing strong disapproval or dislike.
Cultural Background
Romanians are known for being very direct about their dislikes, especially regarding food and weather. It is not considered rude to say you don't like something as long as you are honest. In the Republic of Moldova, you might hear 'nu-mi place nicidecum', which is a slightly more regional way to say 'at all'. In Transylvania, people might use 'no' as an introductory particle: 'No, nu-mi place deloc.' It adds a bit of local flavor to the disapproval. Young people often replace 'deloc' with 'deloc, deloc' (doubled) for extra emphasis on social media.
The 'Plural' Trap
Always check if the thing you dislike is plural. If it is, use 'plac' instead of 'place'.
Too Blunt?
If you are at a friend's house, add 'dar mulțumesc' (but thank you) to avoid sounding rude.
Meaning
Expressing strong disapproval or dislike.
The 'Plural' Trap
Always check if the thing you dislike is plural. If it is, use 'plac' instead of 'place'.
Too Blunt?
If you are at a friend's house, add 'dar mulțumesc' (but thank you) to avoid sounding rude.
The 'De' Trick
When talking about a person's personality, you can say 'Nu-mi place deloc de el' (I don't like him at all).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct dative pronoun for 'I'.
Nu-___ place deloc această muzică.
'Mi' is the short form of 'îmi' (to me), used after 'nu'.
Choose the correct verb form for plural objects.
Nu-mi ____ deloc aceste legume.
Since 'legume' (vegetables) is plural, the verb must be 'plac'.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone offers you a drink that tastes like medicine.
'Nu-mi place deloc' expresses the strong dislike appropriate for a bad taste.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vrei să mergem la munte? B: Nu, ______. E prea frig.
The context of 'too cold' implies a dislike for the mountains.
Match the Romanian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Direct translation of the target phrase.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Intensity Scale
Practice Bank
5 exercisesNu-___ place deloc această muzică.
'Mi' is the short form of 'îmi' (to me), used after 'nu'.
Nu-mi ____ deloc aceste legume.
Since 'legume' (vegetables) is plural, the verb must be 'plac'.
Someone offers you a drink that tastes like medicine.
'Nu-mi place deloc' expresses the strong dislike appropriate for a bad taste.
A: Vrei să mergem la munte? B: Nu, ______. E prea frig.
The context of 'too cold' implies a dislike for the mountains.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation of the target phrase.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in modern Romanian, 'deloc' is only used to intensify a negative statement.
Yes, but it's very direct. 'Nu-mi place deloc de el' means you really don't like his personality.
The second one is much stronger. It's the difference between 'I don't like it' and 'I don't like it at all.'
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a store, but maybe not in a very formal speech.
Use the past tense: 'Nu mi-a plăcut deloc.'
Yes, moving 'deloc' to the front adds even more emphasis, like 'At all, I do not like it!'
Because Romanian uses a dative construction where the thing is the subject and you are the recipient of the feeling.
Yes, 'Nu-mi place neam' or 'E nașpa' are very casual alternatives.
Yes, e.g., 'Nu-mi place deloc să gătesc' (I don't like cooking at all).
Literally, yes, but its meaning has shifted to 'not at all.'
Related Phrases
Nu prea-mi place
similarI don't really like it
Îmi displace
synonymI dislike
Nu-mi place absolut deloc
builds onI don't like it absolutely at all
Mă enervează
contrastIt annoys me
Nu-mi place deloc de el
specialized formI don't like him at all
