#69 · Preposition · ADP
In Romanian, despre means “about; concerning; regarding”. It’s the #69 most frequently used Romanian word. Below you’ll find how to use it, its forms, real example sentences, and common word pairings.
Preposition used very often to mark topic, aboutness, or rough approximation. It commonly introduces a noun, pronoun, or clause in standard Romanian.
neutralmost common use: topic of speech, writing, or thought
They were talking about the holiday.
The book is about history.
I know nothing about that.
used with numbers, age, quantity, or time estimates
It cost about 100 lei.
He was about 30 years old.
We'll arrive around eight o'clock.
Ranked by how often each form shows up in spoken Romanian. The top form cover about 100% of everyday use — learn these first.
despre + noun/pronoun
Introduces the topic or subject being discussed.
Am primit un mesaj despre proiect.
I received a message about the project.
despre + numeral / time expression
Can express an approximate value or time.
Sunt despre zece persoane în sală.
There are about ten people in the room.
despre + clause
Can introduce a whole clause after words that refer to speaking, writing, knowing, or thinking.
Nu știe despre ce vorbești.
He doesn't know what you're talking about.
vs. cu privire la
Both can mean 'about/regarding', but despre is more common and neutral in everyday speech; cu privire la is more formal.
Am trimis un e-mail despre întâlnire.
I sent an email about the meeting.
vs. în jur de
Both can express approximation, but despre is less common in this sense and can sound a bit more general or conversational in some contexts.
Sunt despre două sute de participanți.
There are about two hundred participants.
Am citit un articol despre schimbările climatice.
I read an article about climate change.
despre - topic
Vorbeam despre tine aseară.
We were talking about you last night.
despre - topic
A plecat despre dimineață.
He left around morning.
despre - approximation