Question 1

Why isn't there a word for "you" in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

In Romanian, the verb ending tells you who is doing the action. Poți specifically means "you can" (informal singular). You can add tu at the beginning (Tu poți veni mâine?) for emphasis, but it is usually left out.

Question 2

Why is "veni" used here instead of the connected form with "să" (să vii)?

Accepted Answer

Usually, when you connect two verbs in Romanian, you use the linking word să (like Vrei să vii? - Do you want to come?). However, the verb a putea (can/to be able to) is special. It can be followed directly by the short dictionary form of the next verb without să or the particle a. So, Poți veni is perfectly correct and very common.

Question 3

Could I say "Poți să vii mâine?" instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! Both Poți veni (using the short dictionary form) and Poți să vii (using the connected să form) mean exactly the same thing. You will hear native speakers use both interchangeably.

Question 4

How does this sentence become a question without changing the word order?

Accepted Answer

Romanian doesn't rearrange words or use helper words like "Do" to make a basic question. You simply take the normal statement (Poți veni mâine. - You can come tomorrow.) and raise the pitch of your voice at the end when speaking, or add a question mark when writing.

Poți veni mâine?

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