but
the most common meaning; introduces contrast or a correction
Aș vrea să vin, dar nu pot.
I’d like to come, but I can’t.
E simplu, dar eficient.
It’s simple but effective.
Am încercat, dar fără succes.
I tried, but without success.
#29 · Coordinating conjunction · CCONJ
In Romanian, dar means “but”. It’s the #29 most frequently used Romanian word. Below you’ll find how to use it, its forms, real example sentences, and common word pairings.
Coordinating conjunction meaning most often "but" or "yet". It links two clauses or ideas and signals contrast, correction, or a mild objection.
neutralthe most common meaning; introduces contrast or a correction
I’d like to come, but I can’t.
It’s simple but effective.
I tried, but without success.
more literary or emphatic in some contexts, often close to "but"
He was tired, yet he kept working.
It was raining, yet people stayed outside.
used to add a surprising contrast, often after a pause or emphasis
Small, but strong.
He said nothing, but he understood everything.
Ranked by how often each form shows up in spoken Romanian. The top form cover about 100% of everyday use — learn these first.
Connects two clauses or sentence parts of equal status.
As a coordinating conjunction, dar usually joins independent clauses or parallel elements.
A plouat, dar am ieșit.
It rained, but we went out.
Often follows a comma in writing when it joins clauses.
In standard written Romanian, a comma usually comes before dar when it introduces contrast.
E târziu, dar mai putem merge.
It’s late, but we can still go.
Can join words or phrases, not only full clauses.
It works with adjectives, nouns, and short phrases when the contrast is clear.
o casă mică, dar confortabilă
a small but comfortable house
vs. iar
iar also links ideas, but it is more often used for simple addition, sequence, or a mild contrast; dar is the direct contrastive conjunction.
El citește, iar ea scrie.
He reads, while she writes.
vs. însă
însă is a more formal/less spoken alternative meaning "but/however"; dar is more common and neutral.
Am vrut să vin, însă nu am putut.
I wanted to come, however I couldn’t.
vs. ori
ori means "or" and expresses choice, not contrast.
Ce vrei: ceai ori cafea?
What do you want: tea or coffee?
Vreau să merg, dar sunt ocupat.
I want to go, but I’m busy.
dar - Basic contrast between two clauses.
E un om calm, dar hotărât.
He is a calm but determined person.
dar - Links two adjectives with contrast or balance.
Am vrut să ajut, dar nu am știut cum.
I wanted to help, but I didn’t know how.
dar - Shows a correction or limitation after an intention.