Log inSign up

Aici se vorbește engleza.

Aici se vorbește engleza.
English is spoken here.
From Lesson 79:Impersonal statements (se)·Romanian

Questions & Answers about Aici se vorbește engleza.

Why do we need "se" in this sentence?
The word se acts as an impersonal pronoun here. Without it, Aici vorbește engleza would sound like "He or she speaks English here." Adding se changes the meaning to a general statement or passive voice: "English is spoken here" or "People speak English here."
Why is the word for English engleza instead of just engleză?
In Romanian, when a language is the subject of a sentence, it usually takes the definite article (like saying "the English"). The base word is engleză, and adding the suffix -a makes it engleza. Since English is the thing being spoken, it acts as the subject and needs that article.
Could I say Engleza se vorbește aici instead?
Yes, Romanian word order is very flexible! Engleza se vorbește aici is completely correct. Placing Aici at the beginning of the sentence just puts a little more emphasis on the location, as if pointing out that this is the specific place where it happens.
Why is the verb vorbește in the "he/she" form?
When you use the impersonal se, the verb matches the thing being acted upon. Since engleza is a singular noun, you use the third-person singular form of the verb a vorbi, which is vorbește. If the subject were plural, the verb would be plural too.

Learn Aici se vorbește engleza and more in Romanian

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Romanian →