Subjunctive for wishes (să)

Raising a Glass

You already know that the Romanian subjunctive (using să) connects verbs, such as when expressing wants, plans, or hopes. You will use this standard structure often to propose a toast at a formal event.

I want to toast to your health!
Vreau să închin pentru sănătatea voastră!

Making Suggestions ("Let's...")

However, the subjunctive can also stand entirely on its own! When a sentence starts directly with să without a main verb before it, it expresses a strong wish, suggestion, or polite command.

If you use an independent să clause with a "we" verb, it functions as a suggestion and translates nicely to "Let's...".

Let's listen to the first toast of this evening!
Să ascultăm primul toast din această seară!

Expressing Hopes ("May you...")

When you use an independent să clause to address others or describe a situation, it translates to "May..." or "Let it be...". This is the standard way to wish someone well, making it perfect for extending greetings during a toast at a banquet.

May it be the best banquet of this year!
Să fie cel mai bun banchet din acest an!
May you have an unforgettable banquet!
Să aveți un banchet de neuitat!

These independent wishes are frequently paired with festive vocabulary for prosperity, such as armonia (the harmony) and belșugul (the abundance), or hopes for the future.

May there be much harmony and abundance in your house!
Să fie multă armonie și belșug în casa voastră!
May every wonderful dream come true!
Să se împlinească fiecare vis minunat!

Whether you are suggesting a toast in honor of your host or wishing your friends a rich feast, starting your sentence with să immediately establishes a warm, uplifting tone.

Let's toast together in honor of the family!
Să închinăm împreună în cinstea familiei!
May we enjoy this rich feast!
Să ne bucurăm de acest ospăț bogat!

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