Learn Romanian: Banii sunt aici. Îi iau eu? - The money is here. Do I take it?

In English, "money" is a singular word, so we use "it". In Romanian, bani is a masculine plural word (the singular is un ban, meaning a coin). Because you are replacing a masculine plural noun (banii), you must use the masculine plural direct object pronoun îi (them).

How does the word bani become banii?

Bani means "money" in a general sense. To say "the money", you attach the masculine plural "the" ending, which is -i, to the end of the word. Since bani already ends in an i, you add a second one, creating banii.

Why does eu come at the very end of Îi iau eu? instead of the beginning?

In Romanian, subject pronouns like eu (I) are usually left out because the verb form already tells you who is acting. When a pronoun is included, it is often for emphasis. Putting eu at the end of the sentence heavily emphasizes the person: "Do I take it?" or "Should I be the one taking it?".

Why does the pronoun îi come before the verb iau?

Short direct object pronouns (like îl, o, îi, and le) are placed directly in front of the verb in Romanian. Instead of the English order "I take them", the Romanian structure is literally "Them I take" (Îi iau).