how; in what way
asks about manner, means, or condition
Cum ajungi la gară?
How do you get to the station?
Cum te simți azi?
How do you feel today?
Nu știu cum a reușit.
I don't know how he managed it.
#41 · Adverb · ADV
In Romanian, cum means “how; in what way”. It’s the #41 most frequently used Romanian word. Below you’ll find how to use it, its forms, real example sentences, and common word pairings.
Common Romanian adverb/interrogative meaning 'how'; also used in several fixed structures for manner, comparison, and reported speech.
neutralasks about manner, means, or condition
How do you get to the station?
How do you feel today?
I don't know how he managed it.
introduces a comparison or manner clause
I do it the way I know best.
It turned out exactly as I wanted.
As you said, it was simpler.
used in questions or exclamations to express disbelief or repetition
How could I not come?
What do you mean you didn't see the message?
Ranked by how often each form shows up in spoken Romanian. The top form cover about 100% of everyday use — learn these first.
cum + verb
Direct question about manner or means.
Cum merge trenul?
How does the train go / run?
cum + subiect + verb
Indirect question or reported clause.
Nu mi-ai spus cum ajungi acolo.
You didn't tell me how you're getting there.
cum + să + verb
Used in exclamations, disbelief, or rhetorical questions.
Cum să plec acum?
How could I leave now?
Cum ai ajuns aici atât de repede?
How did you get here so quickly?
cum - asking about manner
Spune-mi cum ai rezolvat problema.
Tell me how you solved the problem.
cum - introducing an indirect question
A făcut totul cum i s-a cerut.
He did everything as he was asked.
cum - meaning 'as / the way that'
Common phrases built around cum — worth learning as whole units.
lit. “as and how”
lit. “how of”
lit. “after how”