Significado
To prepare the table for eating.
Contexto cultural
In villages, 'a pune masa' often involved a 'ștergar' (traditional embroidered towel) placed over the bread, symbolizing respect for the food. For the Christmas Eve meal ('Ajunul Crăciunului'), the table is set with specific fasting foods before the priest comes to bless the house. It is considered impolite to start eating before the person who 'pune masa' (usually the host) sits down and says 'Poftă bună!'. In busy cities, 'a pune masa' has become a shared chore between partners, moving away from traditional gender roles.
The Definite Article
Always remember the 'a' at the end of 'masa'. 'A pune masă' sounds like you are installing furniture.
Don't use 'Face'
Avoid saying 'a face masa'. It's a common mistake for English speakers. Stick to 'a pune'.
Significado
To prepare the table for eating.
The Definite Article
Always remember the 'a' at the end of 'masa'. 'A pune masă' sounds like you are installing furniture.
Don't use 'Face'
Avoid saying 'a face masa'. It's a common mistake for English speakers. Stick to 'a pune'.
Use with 'Te rog'
When asking someone to set the table, always add 'te rog' (please) to sound natural and polite: 'Pune masa, te rog'.
Hospitality
If you are a guest, offering to 'pui masa' is a very polite gesture that will be highly appreciated by Romanian hosts.
Teste-se
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'a pune' in the present tense.
Eu ___ masa în fiecare seară.
The first person singular ('Eu') requires the form 'pun'.
Which phrase is the correct way to say 'to set the table'?
Cum se spune corect?
'A pune masa' is the standard idiom. 'A lua masa' means 'to have a meal'.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
Mama: 'Mâncarea este gata!' Fiul: 'Bine, mamă. Imediat ___.'
Since the food is ready, the next logical step is to set the table.
Match the action to the correct Romanian phrase.
You are clearing the plates after dinner.
'A strânge masa' is the opposite of 'a pune masa' and is used for clearing up.
Use the past tense (perfect compus) of 'a pune masa'.
Ieri, noi ___ masa în grădină.
The past tense of 'a pune' for 'noi' is 'am pus'.
🎉 Pontuação: /5
Recursos visuais
Setting vs. Clearing
Banco de exercicios
5 exerciciosEu ___ masa în fiecare seară.
The first person singular ('Eu') requires the form 'pun'.
Cum se spune corect?
'A pune masa' is the standard idiom. 'A lua masa' means 'to have a meal'.
Mama: 'Mâncarea este gata!' Fiul: 'Bine, mamă. Imediat ___.'
Since the food is ready, the next logical step is to set the table.
You are clearing the plates after dinner.
'A strânge masa' is the opposite of 'a pune masa' and is used for clearing up.
Ieri, noi ___ masa în grădină.
The past tense of 'a pune' for 'noi' is 'am pus'.
🎉 Pontuação: /5
Perguntas frequentes
14 perguntasNo, it specifically refers to arranging the plates, cutlery, and glasses. Cooking is 'a găti'.
Yes, waiters use it when they are preparing a table for customers.
It is neutral and can be used in any setting, from a casual home to a formal banquet.
The past tense is 'am pus masa' (I set the table).
The '-a' is the definite article. You are setting 'the' specific table for the meal.
The opposite is 'a strânge masa', which means to clear the table.
Yes, 'a așeza masa' sounds slightly more refined and formal.
Yes, you can say 'punem masa pe iarbă' (we set the table on the grass).
Only when using the infinitive form. In a sentence, you conjugate it: 'Eu pun masa'.
Yes, it is a very common and polite gesture for close friends or family.
Usually, yes. It implies the whole setup, including the 'față de masă'.
No, for a desk you would say 'a pregăti biroul' or 'a aranja masa de lucru'.
It's a common way to say 'the table is set' or 'dinner is served'.
Yes, it is a standard expression used throughout the country and in Moldova.
Frases relacionadas
A strânge masa
contrastTo clear the table after a meal.
A lua masa
similarTo have a meal / to eat.
A sta la masă
builds onTo sit at the table.
A așeza masa
synonymTo set the table.
Masa e gata
similarThe meal/table is ready.
