Question 1

Why does colegii have a double i at the end?

Accepted Answer

The first i makes the word plural (colegi, meaning colleagues). The second i is the definite article meaning "the". You need the definite article here because it is followed by the possessive word mei (my). In Romanian, you generally structure this as "the colleagues my" (colegii mei).

Question 2

What is the difference between printre and între? Could I use între here?

Accepted Answer

While both can translate to "among" or "between", printre is the natural choice when something is scattered or mixed within a larger group (like foreigners among a group of colleagues). între is typically used for "between" two specific things, people, or distinct boundaries.

Question 3

How do we know străini means "foreigners" and not "strangers"?

Accepted Answer

The word străin can mean either "foreigner" or "stranger" (and it is also an adjective meaning "foreign"). You have to rely on context. In a professional setting among colleagues (colegii mei), it usually makes more sense to talk about people from other countries rather than people you don't know.

Question 4

Why is there no word for "there" before sunt?

Accepted Answer

In English, we use the placeholder word "there" to show that something exists. Romanian doesn't need a dummy subject for this. The verb a fi (to be) on its own can express existence, so sunt directly translates to "there are" in this sentence.

Printre colegii mei sunt mulți străini.

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