Reporting Commands with "să"
When transforming a direct command (like "Set a limit!") into reported speech ("I told him to set a limit"), Romanian replaces the imperative mood with the subjunctive.
To do this, use a reporting verb—such as a spune (to tell) or a cere (to ask/demand)—usually followed by an indirect object pronoun indicating who is receiving the command, and then the conjunction să plus the conjugated verb.
| The grandfather told them to respect discipline. | Bunicul le-a spus să respecte disciplina. |
| I told him to impose a limit. | I-am spus să impună o limită. |
Negative Reported Commands
To report a negative command (what someone was told not to do), place the negative particle nu immediately after să. The structure simply becomes să nu followed by the verb.
| The woman asked the boy not to be naughty. | Femeia i-a cerut băiatului să nu fie obraznic. |
| The policeman told you not to punish the dog. | Polițistul v-a zis să nu pedepsiți câinele. |
Advising, Forbidding, and Requesting
You are not limited to using "told" or "asked." To convey different tones of discipline or instruction, you can nuance your reported commands using verbs like a interzice (to forbid), a ruga (to request/beg), or a sfătui (to advise).
Regardless of the reporting verb used, the action being commanded remains in the subjunctive mood with să.
| The parent forbade him to exceed the limit. | Părintele i-a interzis să depășească limita. |
| I asked you to ask him for permission. | V-am rugat să îi cereți permisiunea. |
| My father advised me to praise him when he is quiet. | Tatăl meu m-a sfătuit să îl laud când este liniștit. |