Mutual Actions with Plural Reflexives
In English, we usually add "each other" or "one another" to a verb to show that an action is mutual. In Romanian, you can express this simply by using plural reflexive pronouns before the verb. You don't need to add any extra phrases like unul pe altul.
The plural reflexive pronouns for mutual actions are:
- ne (we / to each other)
- vă (you all / to each other)
- se (they / to each other)
Let's look at how ne is used to show actions that "we" do to each other, such as getting along or becoming friends.
| We are a couple and we get along well. | Noi suntem un cuplu și ne înțelegem bine. |
| If we see each other again often, we become friends quickly. | Dacă ne revedem des, ne împrietenim repede. |
Similarly, use vă for actions "you all" do to each other, and se for actions "they" do to each other.
| Why are you breaking up if you love each other? | De ce vă despărțiți dacă vă iubiți? |
Verbs for physical affection, relationships, or socializing naturally take these reflexive pronouns when the action is shared.
| The girls hug each other now. | Fetele se îmbrățișează acum. |
| They kiss each other now, but tomorrow they break up. | Ei se sărută acum, dar mâine se despart. |
Many of these mutual verbs have related nouns that you can use to describe the relationship or the physical action itself.
| The kiss and the hug show their friendship. | Sărutul și îmbrățișarea arată prietenia lor. |
| That hug means a lot to our friendship. | Acea îmbrățișare înseamnă mult pentru prietenia noastră. |