more; to a greater degree; in comparison
Used with comparatives and superlatives, and to express increase or addition.
mai bun
better / more good
mai mare
bigger / larger
mai mult
more
#19 · Adverb · ADV
In Romanian, mai means “more; to a greater degree; in comparison”. It’s the #19 most frequently used Romanian word. Below you’ll find how to use it, its forms, real example sentences, and common word pairings.
Very common Romanian adverb with several core uses: it marks comparison, continuation, and degree/intensity. In context, it can mean "more", "still/yet", or "rather/quite".
neutralUsed with comparatives and superlatives, and to express increase or addition.
better / more good
bigger / larger
more
Shows that something continues or has not stopped.
stay a little longer
there is still time
there are two days left
Softens or grades an adjective, often in informal everyday speech too.
it is harder than it seems
it is more interesting this way
a better solution
Ranked by how often each form shows up in spoken Romanian. The top form cover about 100% of everyday use — learn these first.
mai + adjective/adverb
Forms the comparative or an intensified degree.
mai calm
calmer / more calm
mai + verb
Often means "still" or "continue to".
mai aștept
I'm still waiting
mai + mult / puțin / bine
Very frequent everyday combinations expressing quantity, degree, or preference.
mai puțin zgomot
less noise
Vreau mai multă apă.
I want more water.
mai multă - Comparison/quantity.
Mai am puțin de lucru.
I still have a little work left.
mai am - Continuation/remaining time or work.
Poți vorbi mai încet?
Can you speak more slowly?
mai încet - Comparison of degree.
Mai bine mergem mâine.
We’d better go tomorrow.
mai bine - Common fixed comparative use.