Vântul este puternic acum.

The wind is strong now.

Breakdown of Vântul este puternic acum.

• a fi: to be
• acum: now
• puternic: strong
• vântul: the wind

Questions & Answers about Vântul este puternic acum.

What does the suffix -ul do in vântul?

In Romanian the definite article (“the”) is attached to the end of the noun, not a separate word.
• vânt = “wind” (indefinite)
• vântul = “the wind” (definite; -ul is the masculine-singular definite article)

How would I say “a strong wind” instead?

Use the free (indefinite) article un before the noun, and place the adjective after:
• un vânt puternic = “a strong wind”

Why is puternic placed after vântul rather than before?

Romanian adjectives normally follow the noun when they’re attributive, and in predicative position (after este) they function as complements. So in
• vântul este puternic
the adjective puternic (“strong”) naturally comes after the verb.

How does puternic agree with vântul? Why isn’t it puternică?

Adjectives must match the noun in gender and number.
• vânt is masculine singular → adjective takes the masculine-singular ending, which is zero here: puternic
If it were a feminine noun (e.g. apă “water”), you’d get apă puternică.

What role does acum play, and can I move it?

acum = “now” (adverb of time). Romanian adverbs are relatively flexible:
• at the end: Vântul este puternic acum.
• at the start: Acum vântul este puternic.
• before the adjective: Vântul este acum puternic.
All mean “The wind is strong now,” with only slight focus shifts.

How do I turn it into a question or a negative statement?

Yes/no question: invert subject and verb or just use intonation.
• Este vântul puternic acum?
• Vântul este puternic acum? (rising intonation)
Negation: insert nu before the verb.
• Vântul nu este puternic acum. (“The wind is not strong now.”)

How do I pronounce vântul? What’s that â sound?

• â (same as î) is a central vowel [ɨ], somewhat like an “uh” sound.
• Pronounce vântul roughly as [vɨn-tul], with the stress on the first syllable: VÂN-tul.

Can I use a shorter form of este?

Absolutely. In colloquial speech este often contracts to e.
• Vântul e puternic acum.
sounds fully natural in conversation.