#11 · Subordinating conjunction · SCONJ
In Romanian, că means “that (introducing a subordinate clause after verbs of saying, thinking, feeling, knowing, etc.)”. It’s the #11 most frequently used Romanian word. Below you’ll find how to use it, its forms, real example sentences, and common word pairings.
Subordinating conjunction meaning roughly “that” or introducing a reason/explanation, very common in standard Romanian.
neutralOften omitted in English, but usually required in Romanian.
He says that he’s coming later.
I know that you’re right.
I’m glad that you came.
Can sound explanatory or causal depending on context.
I’m staying home because it’s raining.
Come on, faster, because we’re going to be late.
I can’t go out, since I have a lot of work.
Used to present a reason or premise in a slightly more formal or explanatory way.
Since we’re here anyway, we can also discuss this issue.
The fact that he didn’t call didn’t mean he forgot.
Ranked by how often each form shows up in spoken Romanian. The top form cover about 99% of everyday use — learn these first.
Introduces a subordinate clause after verbs, adjectives, and expressions of belief, speech, emotion, or knowledge.
Very common after verbs like a spune, a crede, a ști, a spera, a se bucura.
Sper că ajungi la timp.
I hope you arrive on time.
Can introduce a reason in informal or spoken Romanian.
In this use, English often prefers because, since, or so.
Nu mai pleca, că e devreme.
Don’t leave yet, because it’s early.
Often appears after expressions like e bine, e posibil, e clar, e normal.
It links the evaluating expression to the proposition being evaluated.
E clar că știe despre ce vorbește.
It’s clear that he knows what he’s talking about.
vs. pentru că
pentru că is the more explicit and common conjunction for ‘because’; că can be shorter, more conversational, or follow certain speech patterns.
Nu ies, pentru că sunt obosit.
I’m not going out because I’m tired.
vs. fiindcă
fiindcă also means ‘because’ and is often a bit more explicit; că is shorter and very frequent in speech.
Am rămas acasă fiindcă ploua.
I stayed home because it was raining.
Mi-a spus că nu poate veni.
He told me that he can’t come.
că - Introduces a direct reported-content clause.
Cred că ai nevoie de o pauză.
I think you need a break.
că - Follows a verb of opinion or mental state.
E trist că s-a terminat așa.
It’s sad that it ended like this.
că - Introduces a subordinate clause after an adjective.
Stai puțin, că am uitat cheile.
Wait a moment, because I forgot the keys.
că - Used with a causal, explanatory sense in speech.