Imperative double object pronouns (adu-mi-l)

Stacking Pronouns on Commands

In emergencies, communication needs to be fast. When using affirmative commands (imperatives) with double object pronouns (like "give it to me"), Romanian attaches the pronouns directly to the end of the verb using hyphens.

The order is always: Verb + Indirect Object (to whom) + Direct Object (what).

Commands with "to me"

Let's look at attaching the indirect object mi (to me) and a direct object to a command.

For a masculine or neuter "it" (like bandajul), we use l. They combine at the end of the verb as -mi-l.

For a feminine "it" (like seringa), we use the direct object o. They combine as -mi-o.

Commands with "to us"

The indirect object pronoun for "to us" is ne. When combining ne with the feminine direct object o, they stack predictably: -ne-o.

However, Romanian pronunciation flows better when certain vowel sounds shift. When ne is followed by the masculine/neuter pronoun l (or the plural le), the e turns into an i.

So, "to us it" (masculine/neuter) becomes -ni-l.

Commands with "to him / to her"

The Dative pronoun for "to him" or "to her" is îi. When attached to a command and stacked with another pronoun, it usually drops the î and shortens to just -i-.

For example, "to him it" (masculine/neuter) becomes -i-l.