#5 · Particle · PART
In Romanian, să means “to / that / so that, marking a subordinate clause often with the subjunctive”. It’s the #5 most frequently used Romanian word. Below you’ll find how to use it, its forms, real example sentences, and common word pairings.
Romanian particle used mainly in subordinate clauses, very often with the subjunctive after verbs, expressions, and conjunctions. It helps form meanings like purpose, desire, possibility, recommendation, or indirect command.
neutralCore grammatical use; English translation depends on context.
I want to leave.
It is important to study every day.
I came to help you.
Often follows a verb that controls another clause.
You can come in.
We must leave now.
I recommend that you read the book.
Very frequent in everyday Romanian.
I'm going to the store to buy bread.
I don't think he'll come today.
We should call later.
Ranked by how often each form shows up in spoken Romanian. The top form cover about 97% of everyday use — learn these first.
Usually introduces a subordinate clause and is followed by a verb in the subjunctive form.
It is one of the most frequent markers of subordination in Romanian.
Știu să gătesc.
I know how to cook.
Common after many verbs and expressions, especially those of wanting, obligation, permission, recommendation, and intention.
In this role, English often uses an infinitive or 'that' clause.
Poți să stai aici.
You may stay here.
Used in purpose clauses after main verbs of movement or action.
English often translates this with 'to' or 'in order to'.
Mă duc să cumpăr apă.
I'm going to buy water.
vs. ca să
Both can introduce purpose clauses, but ca să is more explicit as 'in order to/so that'; să alone is more general and more common after many verbs.
Am venit să te ajut. / Am venit ca să te ajut.
I came to help you. / I came in order to help you.
vs. ca
ca is a preposition or conjunction with other uses; să is specifically a particle used to form subordinate clauses, often with the subjunctive.
Vreau să plec.
I want to leave.
vs. a + infinitive
Romanian normally prefers să + subjunctive instead of a bare infinitive in most modern standard contexts.
Vreau să citesc.
I want to read.
Vreau să merg acasă.
I want to go home.
să + verb (subjunctive) - Very common after verbs of desire.
Am venit să te văd.
I came to see you.
să + verb (subjunctive) - Often expresses purpose.
Trebuie să terminăm acum.
We have to finish now.
să + verb (subjunctive) - Common after modal/necessity expressions.