Learn Hardcore Romanian: Jocul pe calculator este ușor, dar interesant. - The game on the computer is easy but interesting.

In Romanian, the definite article for masculine singular nouns attaches to the end of the noun (enclitic article). So joc (game) becomes jocul (the game). If you wanted to say “a game,” you’d use the indefinite article before the noun: un joc.

What does pe calculator mean, and why do we use pe instead of la?

The preposition pe indicates location “on” (for a surface or device). pe calculator literally means “on (the) computer,” i.e. playing a game on the computer. While some speakers might say la calculator, the more idiomatic phrasing for “on the computer” in standard Romanian is pe calculator.

Why is there a comma before dar? Is it necessary?

Putting a comma before dar (but) is optional when linking adjectives or clauses. Here it creates a slight pause and highlights the contrast. You could drop it—Jocul pe calculator este ușor dar interesant—but many writers include the comma for clarity and rhythm.

What function does dar serve in this sentence? Does it only mean “but”?

In this sentence, dar is a coordinating conjunction meaning “but,” introducing a mild contrast: the game is easy, yet it remains interesting. Depending on context, dar can also be translated as “yet” or “however,” but its core function is to show contrast.

Why don’t ușor and interesant change their endings to match jocul?

Romanian adjectives agree in gender and number with their nouns. jocul is masculine singular. The base forms ușor and interesant are already in the correct masculine singular form, so no extra endings are needed.

Could I swap the adjectives, e.g. interesant, dar ușor? Would it still make sense?

Yes. You can say Jocul pe calculator este interesant, dar ușor, which simply shifts the emphasis—highlighting that it’s interesting first. Romanian word order is relatively flexible, but changing the order can subtly change what you stress.

Why is este used instead of the informal contraction e?

e is the colloquial contraction of este and is common in speech or informal writing. In formal or standard written Romanian, you use the full form este.

How would I say “the computer game is easy and interesting” instead of contrasting the two qualities?

Use the conjunction și (and) to list both attributes without contrast:
Jocul pe calculator este ușor și interesant.