Replacing Objects: "It" and "Them"
When you want to refer back to an object without repeating its name, you use a direct object pronoun. Unlike in English, where these pronouns come after the verb (e.g., "I see it"), Romanian object pronouns are placed directly before the verb.
In negative sentences, the pronoun gets sandwiched between nu and the verb (nu + pronoun + verb).
Because Romanian nouns have gender, the words for "it" and "them" change depending on the specific noun you are replacing:
| Gender | Singular ("it") | Plural ("them") |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine | îl | îi |
| Feminine | o | le |
| Neuter | îl | le |
Singular Objects: îl and o
To replace a singular masculine or neuter noun, use îl.
| Where is the package? I am looking for it now. | Unde este pachetul? Îl caut acum. |
| We do not use the dictionary. We put it in the closet. | Noi nu folosim dicționarul. Îl punem în dulap. |
To replace a singular feminine noun, use o.
| The plate is clean. I am using it now. | Farfuria este curată. O folosesc acum. |
Plural Objects: îi and le
To replace a plural masculine noun, use îi. Keep in mind that everyday items like banii (the money) and ochelarii (the glasses) are masculine plural in Romanian!
| The money is here. Do I take it? | Banii sunt aici. Îi iau eu? |
| I am looking for the glasses, but I do not find them. | Caut ochelarii, dar nu îi găsesc. |
To replace a plural feminine or neuter noun, use le.
| The books are on the bed. Do you take them? | Cărțile sunt pe pat. Le luați dumneavoastră? |
| I lose the tickets and I do not find them. | Pierd biletele și nu le găsesc. |
