I'm learning română

sunt — meaning in English: are

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for are
răbdare
empatie
conducere
ciorbă
sunt
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Romanian for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers use 'sunt' in a variety of everyday situations, from casual conversations to more formal discussions. For instance, you might hear someone say 'Eu sunt aici' ('I am here') when arriving at a gathering, or 'Ei sunt profesori' ('They are teachers') in an educational context.
Synonyms & nuances
'Sunt' is often compared with 'există', which means 'exists'. While 'sunt' is used for stating identity or presence, 'există' emphasizes existence in a more abstract sense. You would choose 'sunt' when identifying yourself or others directly.
Culture
'Sunt' is derived from the Latin word 'sum', which is fascinating because it connects Romanian to its Latin roots, showcasing the language's evolution over centuries. In Romanian culture, understanding the subtleties of this verb can reveal the speaker's social interactions, as it’s fundamental for self-identification and expressing existence in conversation.
FAQ
Q.What does 'sunt' mean in English?
'Sunt' translates to 'are' or 'am' in English, depending on the subject of the sentence. It is the first-person and third-person plural form of the verb 'to be'.
Q.How do you use 'sunt' in a sentence?
You can use 'sunt' followed by a noun or adjective to describe a subject, such as 'Eu sunt student' (I am a student) or 'Noi sunt fericiți' (We are happy).
Q.What are common mistakes when using 'sunt'?
A common mistake is to confuse 'sunt' with 'să fie' (to be). Remember that 'sunt' is used for present tense declarations, while 'să fie' is used in subjunctive or future contexts.
Learn romanian with Maspeak →
Romanian Vocabulary