LOANWORDS IN ROMANIAN

SPEAK ROMANIAN AROUND THE WORLD

Romanian, while a Romance language with strong Latin roots, has absorbed thousands of loanwords from many languages over the centuries due to trade, migration, conquest, religion, education, and cultural exchange.

From Slavic languages came many everyday and cultural terms, while Turkish influence during the Ottoman period added words connected to food, clothing, administration, and daily life, such as ciorbă soup and iaurt yogurt. Greek influence brought words linked to religion, commerce, and urban life, while Hungarian contact added regional and historical vocabulary. French had a major impact in the modern period, enriching Romanian with words related to education, politics, fashion, and culture, such as birou office and jurnal journal. In more recent times, English has contributed a wealth of modern vocabulary, especially in technology, business, media, and pop culture, like internet, blog, and software.

You may already understand a large part of Romanian vocabulary through Latin roots, internationalisms, borrowings, and cognates. This makes the language far less daunting than it may first appear, inviting you to make Romanian your own, one familiar word at a time.

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Romanian has not absorbed a large, everyday layer of direct Afrikaans loanwords. Unlike French, Slavic, Turkish, Greek, German, or Hungarian, Afrikaans did not have long historical contact with Romanian. The Afrikaans-related words that appear in Romanian are mostly cultural, historical, geographical, botanical, zoological, or political terms connected with South Africa, often entering Romanian through English, journalism, travel writing, history, or international media. For this reason, many remain specialized borrowings rather than ordinary household vocabulary. Romanian’s main foreign layers are instead Latin, French, Slavic, Italian, German, Greek, Hungarian, Russian, and Turkish.

apartheid apartheid
afrikaner Afrikaner
afrikaans Afrikaans language
bur Boer
boer Boer farmer
boeri Boers
trek migration journey
marele trek Great Trek
voortrekker pioneer settler
veld open grassland
veldt South African grassland
kraal enclosure, village
laager defensive wagon circle
kommando militia unit
springbok springbok antelope
oryx oryx antelope
wildebeest gnu
gnu wildebeest
aardvark antbear
meerkat suricate
suricat meerkat
rooibos red bush tea
biltong dried cured meat
braai barbecue
boerewors farmer sausage
sosatie skewered meat
potjiekos stew cooked in a small pot
koeksister syrup pastry
melktert milk tart
bobotie spiced baked meat dish
droëwors dried sausage
rusk dry biscuit
klipspringer rock-jumping antelope
steenbok small antelope
blesbok white-faced antelope
bontebok marked antelope
quagga extinct zebra-like animal
springhaas springhare
dik-dik small antelope
karoo semi-desert region
fynbos South African shrubland
rand South African currency
transvaal Transvaal
orangia Orange region
cape dutch Cape Dutch style
township segregated urban settlement
baas boss, master
rooinek British person, redneck
uitlander foreigner, outsider
volkstaat ethnic homeland
bantustan segregated homeland
trekker migrant, pioneer
jager hunter
kopje small hill
spruit small stream

Afrikaans Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian and Albanian are often discussed together because they share several old Balkan vocabulary items and structural similarities. Some words are not simple one-way loans from Albanian into Romanian, but rather part of a deeper Balkan layer, possibly inherited from ancient contact among Latin, Thracian, Dacian, Illyrian, and early Albanian-speaking communities. These terms are especially visible in rural life, shepherding, landscape, animals, plants, household objects, and traditional society. Because of this, Albanian-related vocabulary in Romanian feels older and more deeply integrated than modern international borrowings.

brad fir tree
baltă pond, marsh
bucur joyful, glad
bucurie joy
bucura to rejoice
buză lip
căciulă fur cap
cioară crow
copac tree
crâng grove
gard fence
gata ready
grapă harrow
mazăre pea
măgar donkey
mânz foal
moș old man, elder
moașă midwife
pârâu stream
rață duck
strungă sheepfold passage
țap he-goat
vatră hearth
zgardă collar
zăr whey
zară buttermilk
abur steam
baci chief shepherd
bâr sheep call
brânză cheese
butuc log, stump
căpușă tick
cătun hamlet
cioc beak
ciucure tassel
curpen vine tendril
doină traditional lyrical song
fluier flute, whistle
groapă pit, hole
gușă goiter, throat pouch
leurdă wild garlic
mal bank, shore
măgură hill, mound
murg dark-colored horse
năpârcă slowworm, viper-like creature
pupăză hoopoe
sâmbure kernel, seed
stână sheepfold
țarc enclosure, pen
urdă whey cheese
viezure badger
viscol blizzard
zăpadă snow
zer whey
zestre dowry

Albanian Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has no substantial historical layer of direct Amharic loanwords. Contact between Romanian and Amharic-speaking communities has been limited, so the vocabulary connected with Ethiopia usually entered Romanian through international languages such as English, French, Italian, or scholarly writing. These words are mostly used in history, geography, religion, food, politics, ethnography, and travel contexts. Because of that, they should be understood less as common everyday Romanian loanwords and more as Amharic- or Ethiopia-related terms used in Romanian when describing Ethiopian culture and society.

amhară Amhara person
amharic Amharic language
etiopian Ethiopian
Etiopia Ethiopia
Abisinia Abyssinia
abisinian Abyssinian
Addis Abeba Addis Ababa
Tigray Tigray
tigrinya Tigrinya language
oromo Oromo
afar Afar
somali Somali
habesha Habesha
negus king
negusa nagast king of kings
ras duke, chief
dejazmach military commander
fitawrari vanguard commander
balambaras fortress commander
mesfin prince
kebra nagast Glory of the Kings
fetha nagast Law of the Kings
geez Geʽez language
falasha Beta Israel Jew
beta Israel Ethiopian Jewish community
lalibela Lalibela
aksum Aksum
axum Axum
stela aksumită Aksumite stela
biserica tewahedo Tewahedo Church
tewahedo united, Orthodox tradition
injera sourdough flatbread
teff teff grain
wat stew
doro wat chicken stew
shiro chickpea stew
tibs fried meat pieces
kitfo minced raw beef dish
berbere spice blend
mitmita hot spice mix
niter kibbeh spiced clarified butter
tej honey wine
tella traditional beer
buna coffee
jebena coffee pot
mesob woven food basket
eskista shoulder dance
krar lyre
masenqo one-string fiddle
kebero drum
timkat Epiphany festival
meskel Finding of the True Cross festival
fasika Easter
genna Christmas
birr Ethiopian currency

Amharic Loanwords in Hungarian

Arabic words entered Romanian through several routes: directly through Ottoman Turkish, through Balkan trade and administration, through religion and scholarship, and later through French or other international languages. Many Arabic-origin words in Romanian are connected with commerce, food, clothing, science, mathematics, religion, administration, and everyday objects. Some feel completely natural today, while others remain linked to Islamic culture, the Middle East, North Africa, or historical vocabulary.

cafea coffee
zahăr sugar
sirop syrup
alcool alcohol
algebră algebra
algoritm algorithm
cifră digit
zero zero
azimut azimuth
zenit zenith
nadir nadir
almanah almanac
chitară guitar
lăută lute
magazin shop
tarif tariff
vamă customs
divan sofa, council
saltea mattress
sofa sofa
halat robe
bumbac cotton
lămâie lemon
portocală orange
spanac spinach
șofran saffron
chimion cumin
chimen caraway, cumin
carafă carafe
borcan jar
catran tar
lac lacquer
talisman talisman
amiral admiral
arsenal arsenal
calif caliph
sultan sultan
vizir vizier
emir emir
imam imam
muftiu mufti
moschee mosque
minaret minaret
muezin muezzin
islam Islam
musulman Muslim
coran Quran
ramadan Ramadan
halal halal
haram forbidden
harem harem
cadână odalisque
odalisca odalisque
beduin Bedouin
șeic sheikh
jihad jihad
fakir fakir
saharian Saharan

Arabic Loanwords in Hungarian

Romanian has no large historical layer of direct Armenian loanwords, but Armenian communities were present for centuries in Moldavia, Wallachia, Transylvania, and important trade towns. Because Armenians were active in commerce, crafts, diplomacy, printing, and urban life, Armenian-related vocabulary in Romanian appears mostly in history, religion, surnames, community institutions, food, and cultural references. Some terms entered Romanian directly through Armenian communities, while others arrived through Turkish, Persian, Greek, Russian, or wider international usage.

armean Armenian person
armenească Armenian, feminine
armenește in Armenian
Armenia Armenia
Erevan Yerevan
ararat Ararat
nagorno-karabah Nagorno-Karabakh
karabah Karabakh
haik Hayk
hayastan Armenia
grigorian Gregorian
biserică armeană Armenian church
apostolic apostolic
catolicos Catholicos
ecimiadzin Etchmiadzin
khachkar cross-stone
vank monastery
vardapet doctor of the church
matenadaran manuscript repository
mashtots Mesrop Mashtots
grabar Classical Armenian
ashkharhabar Modern Armenian
diasporă diaspora
genocid genocide
fedai freedom fighter
dashnak Dashnak party member
hunchak Hunchak party member
dram Armenian currency
lavash flatbread
dolma stuffed grape leaves
tolma stuffed vegetables
khorovats Armenian barbecue
harissa wheat and meat porridge
gata sweet pastry
sujukh spiced sausage
basturma cured beef
matnakash Armenian bread
lahmajoun flatbread with meat
tan yogurt drink
mulukhiyah mallow stew
tarhana fermented soup base
duduk Armenian woodwind instrument
zurna reed instrument
kanun zither
kochari traditional dance
sharakn hymn
noravank New Monastery
sevan Sevan
gyumri Gyumri
vanadzor Vanadzor
cilicia Cilicia
urartu Urartu
artaxiad Artaxiad
bagratid Bagratid
arsacid Arsacid

Armenian Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has no significant layer of direct Azerbaijani loanwords, because Romanian and Azerbaijani developed in different historical and cultural spaces. However, some Azerbaijani-related terms appear in Romanian through geography, politics, energy, history, food, music, and Caucasus studies. Many of these words reached Romanian through Russian, Turkish, Persian, English, or international journalism rather than through direct borrowing from Azerbaijani. They are therefore best understood as cultural and regional terms connected with Azerbaijan and the Turkic-speaking Caucasus.

azer Azeri person
azerbaidjan Azerbaijan
azerbaidjană Azerbaijani language
Baku Baku
Ganja Ganja
Nakhchivan Nakhchivan
Șușa Shusha
Karabah Karabakh
Nagorno-Karabah Nagorno-Karabakh
Absheron Absheron
Caspică Caspian
manat Azerbaijani currency
qəpik coin, minor currency unit
mugham traditional modal music
ashiq bard, folk singer
tar long-necked lute
kamancha bowed string instrument
balaban wind instrument
nagâra drum
zurna reed instrument
saz lute
meykhana improvised poetic performance
novruz spring festival
yalli folk dance
lezginka Caucasian dance
kelaghayi silk headscarf
chokha Caucasian coat
papakha fur hat
plov rice pilaf
dolma stuffed vegetables
dovga yogurt soup
qutab filled flatbread
lavash flatbread
kebab grilled meat
shashlik skewered meat
pakhlava baklava
shekerbura sweet pastry
badambura almond pastry
halva sweet confection
sherbet sweet drink
ayran yogurt drink
çayhana tea house
samovar tea urn
petrol oil, petroleum
naftă naphtha, petroleum
gazoduct gas pipeline
oleoduct oil pipeline
khanat khanate
han khan
beg bey, noble title
pașă pasha
oguz Oghuz
turcic Turkic
selgiucid Seljuk
safavid Safavid
shirvanshah ruler of Shirvan

Azerbaijani Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has not developed a major direct layer of Bengali loanwords, because contact between Romanian and Bengali-speaking communities has been relatively recent and limited. Bengali-related words in Romanian usually appear through literature, religion, colonial history, food, geography, politics, music, and South Asian cultural studies. Many entered Romanian through English, French, Hindi, Sanskrit, or international media rather than directly from Bengali, so they often remain specialized cultural terms rather than fully everyday Romanian vocabulary.

bengalez Bengali person
bengaleză Bengali language
Bengal Bengal
Bangladesh Bangladesh
Dhaka Dhaka
Calcutta Calcutta
Kolkata Kolkata
Gange Ganges
delta Gangelui Ganges Delta
sundarbani Sundarbans
babu gentleman, clerk
zamindar landowner
nawab provincial ruler
raj rule, kingdom
rupiă rupee
taka Bangladeshi currency
tagore Tagore
baul mystic folk singer
kirtan devotional singing
tabla pair of drums
sitar string instrument
sarod string instrument
tanpura drone instrument
raga melodic framework
bhangra dance style
adda informal conversation gathering
puja worship ritual
durga puja Durga festival
kali Kali goddess
brahman priestly caste member
pandit scholar, priest
guru teacher
ashram spiritual retreat
mantra sacred formula
karma deed, destiny
nirvana liberation
sari traditional women’s garment
dhoti men’s wrapped garment
kurta long tunic
lungi wrapped skirt-like garment
bindi forehead mark
curry spiced dish
chutney spiced condiment
dal lentil dish
biryani spiced rice dish
roti flatbread
paratha layered flatbread
chapati flatbread
samosa stuffed pastry
pakora fried fritter
rasgulla syrup dessert
sandesh milk sweet
mishti doi sweet yogurt
jhal muri spiced puffed rice
panch phoron five-spice blend

Bengali Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has no important historical layer of direct Bhutanese loanwords. Words connected with Bhutan normally appear in Romanian through travel writing, Buddhism, geography, diplomacy, anthropology, and international media. Many of these terms come from Dzongkha, Tibetan, Sanskrit, Nepali, Hindi, or English rather than entering Romanian through direct contact. They are therefore mostly cultural and regional terms, used when discussing Bhutanese society, religion, clothing, food, politics, and the Himalayan world.

bhutanez Bhutanese person
bhutaneză Bhutanese, feminine
Bhutan Bhutan
Dzongkha Dzongkha language
Thimphu Thimphu
Paro Paro
Punakha Punakha
Trongsa Trongsa
Jakar Jakar
Bumthang Bumthang
Himalaya Himalayas
dzong fortress-monastery
lhakhang temple
chorten stupa
gompa monastery
lama Buddhist teacher
rinpoche precious teacher
tulku reincarnated lama
khenpo Buddhist scholar
dratshang monastic body
driglam namzha traditional code of conduct
tashi delek auspicious greeting
druk thunder dragon
drukpa Bhutanese Buddhist school
druk gyalpo Dragon King
gyalpo king
ngultrum Bhutanese currency
gross national happiness gross national happiness
fericire națională brută gross national happiness
kira women’s traditional dress
gho men’s traditional robe
kabney ceremonial scarf
rachu women’s ceremonial scarf
yathra woven wool textile
ema datshi chili cheese stew
kewa datshi potato cheese dish
shamu datshi mushroom cheese dish
jasha maru spicy chicken dish
phaksha paa pork with chili
momos dumplings
suja butter tea
ara traditional alcoholic drink
zow shungo rice and vegetable dish
red rice red rice
losar New Year festival
tsechu religious festival
cham masked ritual dance
thangka religious painting
mandala sacred diagram
vajrayana tantric Buddhism
mahayana great vehicle Buddhism
stupa Buddhist monument
mani prayer jewel
om mani padme hum Buddhist mantra

Bhutanese Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian and Bulgarian have influenced each other for many centuries because of geography, Orthodox Christianity, medieval administration, trade, and shared life in the Balkans. A very important part of this contact came through Old Church Slavonic, which shaped Romanian religious, legal, and written culture for a long period. Many Bulgarian or South Slavic words in Romanian are connected with church life, family, village society, agriculture, emotions, administration, and everyday speech. Some are now so natural in Romanian that they no longer feel foreign.

drag dear
dragoste love
prieten friend
nevastă wife
rudă relative
slugă servant
boier boyar, nobleman
stăpân master, owner
vreme weather, time
veac century, age
ceas hour, clock
hrană food
grijă care, worry
groază terror
jale sorrow
milă mercy, pity
nădejde hope
noroc luck
poruncă command
război war
vină guilt
glas voice
slavă glory
sfânt saint, holy
duh spirit
rai paradise
iad hell
cruce cross
icoană icon
mănăstire monastery
preot priest
slujbă religious service, job
praznic feast day
post fasting period
blagoslovi to bless
bogat rich
sărac poor
vesel cheerful
slab weak, thin
prost simple, foolish
iubit beloved
rău bad, evil
bolnav ill
boli to be ill, to ache
plăti to pay
primi to receive
citi to read
iubi to love
izbi to strike
robi to enslave
zidi to build with masonry
grădină garden
livadă orchard
plug plough
coasă scythe
snop sheaf
prag threshold

Bulgarian Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has no major layer of direct Burmese loanwords. Words connected with Burma or Myanmar usually appear in Romanian through travel, Buddhism, politics, geography, cuisine, colonial history, and international reporting. Many of these terms reached Romanian through English, French, Pali, Sanskrit, or regional Asian languages rather than through direct Romanian–Burmese contact. They are therefore mostly cultural, religious, historical, and geographical terms rather than common everyday Romanian vocabulary.

birman Burmese person
birmaneză Burmese language
Myanmar Myanmar
Birmania Burma
Rangoon Rangoon
Yangon Yangon
Mandalay Mandalay
Naypyidaw Naypyidaw
Irrawaddy Irrawaddy River
Ayeyarwady Ayeyarwady
Bagan Bagan
Shan Shan
Karen Karen
Kachin Kachin
Rakhine Rakhine
Rohingya Rohingya
Mon Mon
Chin Chin
kyat Burmese currency
pagodă pagoda
stupa Buddhist monument
zedi stupa
hpaya Buddha image, pagoda
nat spirit
nats spirits
nat pwe spirit festival
theravada Theravada Buddhism
sangha monastic community
bhikkhu Buddhist monk
samanera novice monk
vipassana insight meditation
metta loving-kindness
dhamma Buddhist teaching
karma karma
nirvana liberation
thanaka cosmetic tree paste
longyi wrapped garment
paso men’s longyi
htamein women’s longyi
mohinga fish noodle soup
laphet fermented tea leaves
laphet thoke tea leaf salad
ngapi fermented fish paste
ohn no khao swe coconut noodle soup
shan noodles Shan-style noodles
mont let saung sweet coconut dessert
paan betel quid
cheroot Burmese cigar
saung arched harp
pat waing drum circle
hsaing waing traditional ensemble
thingyan water festival
tazaungdaing festival of lights
thadingyut Buddhist lights festival
shinbyu novitiation ceremony

Burmese Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has no broad historical layer of direct Cantonese loanwords. Cantonese-related words usually appear in Romanian through migration, food culture, cinema, Hong Kong history, trade, and international media. Many of these terms entered Romanian through English or through wider Chinese cultural vocabulary, so they are best understood as Cantonese- or Hong-Kong-related terms used in Romanian contexts rather than deeply naturalized Romanian words.

cantonez Cantonese person
cantoneză Cantonese language
Canton Canton, Guangzhou
Guangzhou Guangzhou
Hong Kong Hong Kong
Kowloon Kowloon
Macau Macau
dim sum small dishes
yum cha tea brunch
wonton dumpling
char siu barbecued pork
siu mei roasted meats
cheung fun rice noodle roll
har gow shrimp dumpling
siu mai pork dumpling
lo mai gai sticky rice in lotus leaf
congee rice porridge
jook rice porridge
chow mein fried noodles
chow fun fried rice noodles
hoisin sweet bean sauce
bok choy Chinese cabbage
pak choi Chinese cabbage
lychee lychee fruit
longan longan fruit
kumquat small citrus fruit
oolong oolong tea
pu-erh fermented tea
mahjong tile game
feng shui geomancy
kung fu martial art
wing chun martial art style
lion dance lion dance
dragon boat dragon boat
junk Chinese sailing ship
qipao Chinese dress
cheongsam Chinese dress
triadă triad criminal society
cantopop Cantonese pop music
shaw brothers Hong Kong film studio
wuxia martial heroes genre
chop suey mixed stir-fry dish
sweet and sour sweet-and-sour dish
baozi steamed bun
mantou steamed bread
tofu bean curd
soy sauce soy sauce
cha siu bao barbecue pork bun
egg tart custard tart
milk tea milk tea
hongkonger person from Hong Kong
kowtow ritual bow
taipan foreign business leader
comprador commercial intermediary

Cantonese Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has no large layer of direct Catalan loanwords, because Romanian and Catalan developed in separate Romance-speaking regions with limited direct historical contact. However, both languages belong to the wider Romance family, so many Romanian and Catalan words resemble each other because they descend from Latin or because they share later international vocabulary. Catalan-related words in Romanian are mostly connected with geography, politics, literature, architecture, food, art, tourism, and the cultural identity of Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and Andorra.

catalan Catalan
catalană Catalan language
Catalonia Catalonia
Barcelona Barcelona
Tarragona Tarragona
Girona Girona
Lleida Lleida
Valencia Valencia
valenciană Valencian language
Mallorca Majorca
Menorca Minorca
Ibiza Ibiza
Formentera Formentera
Andorra Andorra
Pirinei Pyrenees
Generalitat Catalan government
corts courts, parliament
rambla promenade
barri gotic Gothic quarter
sagrada familia Holy Family basilica
modernism catalan Catalan modernism
trencadís broken-tile mosaic
castellet little castle
castell human tower
casteller human-tower participant
sardana Catalan dance
cobla traditional music ensemble
havanera song style
rumba catalană Catalan rumba
diada national day
senyera Catalan flag
estelada pro-independence flag
caganer Christmas figurine
tió de nadal Christmas log
correfoc fire-run festival
gegants festival giants
capgrossos big-headed festival figures
pa amb tomàquet bread with tomato
calçot spring onion
calçotada grilled-onion feast
escalivada roasted vegetable dish
botifarra Catalan sausage
fuet dry sausage
xató salt-cod salad
fideuà noodle seafood dish
crema catalană Catalan cream
coca flat pastry
panellet small almond sweet
mel i mató honey and fresh cheese
allioli garlic and oil sauce
romesco pepper and nut sauce
cava sparkling wine
porró wine pitcher
vermut vermouth
xarnego Catalan migrant term

Catalan Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has borrowed Chinese-related vocabulary mainly through trade, food, medicine, philosophy, politics, martial arts, technology, and international media. Some words refer to objects and ideas that reached Europe centuries ago, such as tea, porcelain, silk, and paper culture, while others are modern terms connected with Chinese cuisine, history, religion, politics, or popular culture. Many entered Romanian through French, English, Russian, or wider international usage, but they still point to Chinese cultural influence.

ceai tea
soia soy
tofu tofu
wok wok
dim sum small dishes
wonton dumpling
baozi steamed bun
mantou steamed bread
ramen noodle soup
tăiței noodles
chow mein fried noodles
congee rice porridge
hoisin sweet bean sauce
bok choy Chinese cabbage
pak choi Chinese cabbage
lychee lychee fruit
kumquat small citrus fruit
longan longan fruit
oolong oolong tea
pu-erh fermented tea
porțelan porcelain
mătase silk
hârtie paper
tipar printing
feng shui geomancy
yin yin
yang yang
tao way, principle
dao way, principle
taoism Taoism
confucianism Confucianism
mandarin Mandarin official, language
han Han Chinese
yuan Chinese currency
renminbi Chinese currency
maoism Maoism
maoist Maoist
gărzile roșii Red Guards
revoluție culturală Cultural Revolution
marele salt înainte Great Leap Forward
kung fu martial art
tai chi martial art, exercise
qigong energy practice
wushu martial arts
shaolin Shaolin
wing chun martial art style
mahjong tile game
go board game
panda panda
dragon dragon
pagodă pagoda
junco Chinese sailing ship
qipao Chinese dress
cheongsam Chinese dress
triadă triad society
taifun typhoon

Chinese Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has no large separate layer of direct Croatian loanwords, but Croatian belongs to the South Slavic area that influenced Romanian for centuries through religion, administration, trade, migration, and Balkan contact. Many Slavic-origin Romanian words are difficult to assign only to Bulgarian, Serbian, Croatian, or Old Church Slavonic, because they circulated across a wider South Slavic cultural zone. These words often concern village life, family relations, emotions, church language, social hierarchy, tools, nature, and everyday actions.

prieten friend
drag dear
dragoste love
nevastă wife
rudă relative
slugă servant
stăpân master, owner
boier nobleman
vreme weather, time
veac century, age
ceas hour, clock
glas voice
grijă care, worry
jale sorrow
milă mercy, pity
nădejde hope
noroc luck
poruncă command
război war
vină guilt
slavă glory
sfânt holy, saint
duh spirit
rai paradise
iad hell
cruce cross
icoană icon
mănăstire monastery
preot priest
slujbă service, religious office
post fasting period
praznic feast day
bogat rich
sărac poor
vesel cheerful
slab weak, thin
prost simple, foolish
iubit beloved
rău bad, evil
bolnav ill
citi to read
iubi to love
plăti to pay
primi to receive
izbi to strike
zidi to build with masonry
robi to enslave
grădină garden
livadă orchard
plug plough
coasă scythe
snop sheaf
prag threshold
lopată shovel
ostrov island
izvor spring, source
zăvoi riverside grove

Croatian Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has no large independent layer of direct Czech loanwords, but Czech influenced Romanian in limited cultural, technical, political, and Central European contexts. Some words reached Romanian through Austro-Hungarian administration, military life, industry, music, literature, journalism, and later socialist terminology. In many cases, Czech-related forms overlap with broader Slavic or German-mediated vocabulary, so they are often better understood as Central European terms rather than purely Czech borrowings.

robot robot
pistol pistol
polcă polka
hașiș hashish
havelcă cloak
șvejkian Švejk-like
șvejkism Švejk-like attitude
ceh Czech person
cehă Czech language
Cehia Czechia
Boemia Bohemia
boem bohemian
boemă bohemian lifestyle
morav Moravian
Moravia Moravia
sudeți Sudeten Germans
sudet Sudeten
praghez Prague-related
Praga Prague
kronă crown, koruna
korună koruna
husit Hussite
hussitism Hussitism
defenestrație defenestration
pilsner pilsner beer
pils pilsner beer
budvar Budvar beer
becherovka herbal liqueur
knedlík dumpling
gulaș goulash
trdelník sweet pastry
koláč filled cake
svičková cream-sauce beef dish
bramborák potato pancake
utopenec pickled sausage
slivoviță plum brandy
absint absinthe
școală school
mașină machine
fabrică factory
uzină industrial plant
brigadă brigade
cooperativă cooperative
comitet committee
secretar secretary
activist activist
normă quota
plan plan
program program
tehnic technical
inginer engineer
locomotivă locomotive
tramvai tram
troleibuz trolleybus
metrou metro
cristal de Boemia Bohemian crystal
marionetă puppet
teatru de marionete puppet theatre

Czech Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has no major direct layer of Danish loanwords, since Denmark and Romania did not share long periods of close linguistic contact. Danish-related vocabulary in Romanian is therefore mostly modern, specialized, or international: it appears in geography, design, shipping, literature, politics, food, history, science, and Scandinavian cultural references. Many such words reached Romanian through English, German, French, or general European usage rather than through direct borrowing from Danish.

danez Danish person
daneză Danish language
Danemarca Denmark
Copenhaga Copenhagen
Iutlanda Jutland
Zealand Zealand
Fionia Funen
Bornholm Bornholm
Groenlanda Greenland
feroez Faroese
Feroe Faroe Islands
scandinav Scandinavian
nordic Nordic
viking Viking
drakkar Viking longship
rună rune
sagă saga
skald Norse poet
hygge cosiness
smørrebrød open sandwich
frikadelle meatball
rødgrød red berry pudding
akvavit aquavit
glogg mulled drink
kringle pretzel-shaped pastry
wienerbrød Danish pastry
lego construction toy
design danez Danish design
funcționalism functionalism
minimalism minimalism
mobilier scandinav Scandinavian furniture
porțelan danez Danish porcelain
faianță earthenware
ambarcațiune boat
șantier naval shipyard
feribot ferryboat
container container
logistică logistics
maritim maritime
fiord fjord
tundră tundra
ghețar glacier
auroră boreală northern lights
coroană daneză Danish krone
krone krone
folketing Danish parliament
ombudsman ombudsman
stat social welfare state
flexicuritate flexicurity
cooperativă cooperative
luteran Lutheran
protestant Protestant
basm fairy tale
sirena mică Little Mermaid
existențialism existentialism
kierkegaardian Kierkegaardian

Danish Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has no large historical layer of direct Dutch loanwords, but Dutch-related vocabulary entered Romanian through trade, shipping, geography, art history, colonial history, finance, agriculture, technology, and modern international communication. Some terms are connected with the Netherlands and Flanders, while others reached Romanian through English, French, German, or general European usage. These words often appear in specialized contexts rather than in the oldest everyday Romanian vocabulary.

olandez Dutch person
olandeză Dutch language
Țările de Jos Netherlands
Olanda Holland
flamand Flemish
flamandă Flemish language
Flandra Flanders
Amsterdam Amsterdam
Rotterdam Rotterdam
Haga The Hague
Utrecht Utrecht
Brabant Brabant
Zeeland Zeeland
frizon Frisian
frizonă Frisian language
afrikaans Afrikaans
boer Boer farmer
apartheid apartheid
gulden guilder
florin florin
rijksdaalder rix-dollar
bursă stock exchange
acțiune share, stock
companie company
cartel cartel
broker broker
iaht yacht
skipper ship captain
doc dock
dig dike
polder reclaimed lowland
ecluză lock, sluice
canal canal
marină navy
port port
șantier naval shipyard
balenieră whaling ship
hering herring
cod codfish
gouda Gouda cheese
edam Edam cheese
gin gin
jenever Dutch gin
vafă wafer
stroopwafel syrup waffle
speculaas spiced biscuit
clătită olandeză Dutch pancake
lalea tulip
bulb bulb
moară de vânt windmill
sabot wooden shoe
faianță de Delft Delftware
delft Delft ceramic style
baroc flamand Flemish Baroque
natură moartă still life
peisaj olandez Dutch landscape

Dutch Loanwords in Hungarian

English has become one of the most important sources of new vocabulary in modern Romanian, especially since the second half of the 20th century. The influence accelerated after 1990 with globalization, the Internet, business, science, entertainment, technology, and international communication. Many English loanwords are now fully integrated into everyday Romanian, while others remain associated with professional fields or contemporary culture. Some retain their original spelling, whereas others have been adapted to Romanian pronunciation and grammar.

computer computer
laptop laptop
desktop desktop computer
smartphone smartphone
tabletă tablet
browser browser
website website
link link
server server
software software
hardware hardware
driver driver (software)
update update
upgrade upgrade
download download
upload upload
streaming streaming
podcast podcast
blog blog
vlog video blog
hashtag hashtag
selfie selfie
emoji emoji
chat chat
email email
spam spam
hacker hacker
startup startup
marketing marketing
branding branding
manager manager
management management
leader leader
team team
meeting meeting
briefing briefing
feedback feedback
deadline deadline
target target
business business
cash cash
cashback cashback
discount discount
voucher voucher
shopping shopping
mall shopping mall
fast-food fast food
cheeseburger cheeseburger
hotdog hot dog
milkshake milkshake
cocktail cocktail
weekend weekend
hobby hobby
fitness fitness
jogging jogging
camping camping
show show
showbiz show business
casting casting
thriller thriller
blockbuster blockbuster
spoiler spoiler
fan fan
hit hit (successful song)
playlist playlist
DJ disc jockey
remix remix
trend trend
influencer influencer
follower follower
coach coach
trainer trainer
outsourcing outsourcing
freelancer freelancer
networking networking
cloud cloud computing
backup backup
scanner scanner
printer printer
mouse computer mouse
keyboard keyboard
router router
Wi-Fi wireless internet
Bluetooth Bluetooth
app application
gaming gaming
gamer gamer
e-sport esport
streamer streamer
content creator content creator
fake news fake news
fact-checking fact-checking
workshop workshop
webinar webinar
coworking coworking
pitch business presentation
brainstorming brainstorming
know-how practical expertise

English Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has no major historical layer of direct Estonian loanwords. Estonian-related vocabulary in Romanian appears mainly through geography, politics, linguistics, digital society, folklore, music, cuisine, and modern European Union contexts. Because contact has been limited, many of these words are cultural or regional references rather than deeply integrated Romanian vocabulary.

eston Estonian person
estonă Estonian language
Estonia Estonia
Tallinn Tallinn
Tartu Tartu
Narva Narva
Pärnu Pärnu
Saaremaa Saaremaa
Hiiumaa Hiiumaa
Baltica Baltic region
finno-ugric Finno-Ugric
ugrofinic Finno-Ugric
kalevipoeg Estonian national epic
laulupidu song festival
e-rezidență e-residency
e-guvernare e-government
saună sauna
kama grain flour mixture
kiluvõileib sprat sandwich
verivorst blood sausage
mulgipuder potato and barley porridge
kohuke curd snack
leib black bread
kali fermented drink
vana tallinn Estonian liqueur
suitsusaun smoke sauna
seto Seto people
setomaa Setomaa region
leelo Seto polyphonic singing
runo runic song
regilaul traditional runic song
kannel zither-like instrument
torupill bagpipe
jõulud Christmas
jaanipäev Midsummer Day
vabariik republic
riigikogu Estonian parliament
kroonă Estonian kroon
kroon kroon
maakond county
vald municipality
linn town, city
mõis manor
lahemaa Lahemaa
soomaa bog land
raba bog
bog peatland
metsa forest-related
kadriorg Kadriorg
toompea Toompea
maarjamäe Maarjamäe
lauluväljak song festival grounds
muhu Muhu Island
kihnu Kihnu Island
võro Võro language

Estonian Loanwords in Romanian

Finnish has had only limited direct influence on Romanian, so its presence is mostly visible in names of places, cultural practices, political concepts, food, design, music, winter life, and Finno-Ugric studies. Rather than forming an old everyday vocabulary layer, these terms usually appear in Romanian when Finland is discussed as a country, society, language, or cultural model. Some words are internationalized Finnish terms, while others are Romanian forms used for Finnish realities.

finlandez Finnish person
finlandeză Finnish language
Finlanda Finland
Helsinki Helsinki
Turku Turku
Tampere Tampere
Espoo Espoo
Vantaa Vantaa
Oulu Oulu
Laponia Lapland
lapon Lappish, Sami
sami Sami person or language
suomi Finnish language, Finland
finno-ugric Finno-Ugric
ugrofinic Finno-Ugric
kalevala Finnish national epic
kantele Finnish zither
joik Sami chant
saună sauna
sisu resilience, determination
mökki summer cottage
löyly sauna steam
avanto ice hole for swimming
vihta sauna birch whisk
vasta sauna birch whisk
juhannus Midsummer festival
vappu May Day celebration
joulupukki Santa Claus
salmiakki salty liquorice
karjalanpiirakka Karelian pasty
kalakukko fish pie
korvapuusti cinnamon bun
lohikeitto salmon soup
leipäjuusto bread cheese
karhu bear
koskenkorva Finnish spirit
marimekko Finnish design brand
iittala Finnish glassware brand
nokian Nokia-related
molotov Molotov cocktail
mannerheim Mannerheim
karelian Karelian
karelia Karelia
savo Savo region
tavastia Tavastia
ostrobotnia Ostrobothnia
aland Åland
markka Finnish markka
eduskunta Finnish parliament
peruskoulu comprehensive school
neuvola family health clinic
kela social insurance institution
talvisota Winter War
jatkosota Continuation War
pesäpallo Finnish baseball

Finnish Loanwords in Romanian

French reshaped Romanian vocabulary on a very large scale, especially from the 18th and 19th centuries onward, when Romanian culture, education, law, politics, literature, diplomacy, fashion, and urban life looked strongly toward France. Many French words helped modernize Romanian and gave it a more Western Romance character. Some are so common today that they feel entirely Romanian, while others still carry a formal, elegant, cultural, or administrative tone.

birou office, desk
bulevard boulevard
garaj garage
etaj floor, storey
parter ground floor
șofer driver
mașină car, machine
tren train
avion airplane
bagaj luggage
bilet ticket
voiaj journey
hotel hotel
restaurant restaurant
meniu menu
desert dessert
salată salad
sos sauce
omletă omelette
croasant croissant
șampanie champagne
parfum perfume
bluză blouse
costum suit
palton overcoat
cravată tie
corset corset
modă fashion
coafor hair salon
machiaj makeup
ruj lipstick
bijuterie jewel
jurnal journal
ziar newspaper
reportaj report
interviu interview
redactor editor
autor author
roman novel
poem poem
teatru theatre
scenă stage
actor actor
artist artist
tablou painting
muzeu museum
galerie gallery
expoziție exhibition
educație education
școală school
liceu high school
universitate university
facultate faculty
diplomă diploma
examen exam
lecție lesson
profesor teacher, professor
student student
guvern government
minister minister
parlament parliament
prefect prefect
primar mayor
justiție justice
tribunal court
contract contract
dosar file, case file
adresă address
document document
certificat certificate
administrație administration

French Loanwords in Romanian

Georgian words reached Romanian mostly as cultural, geographic, historical, culinary, religious, and political references connected with the Caucasus. Romanian does not use many Georgian-origin words in daily speech, but terms linked to Georgia appear in travel writing, Orthodox history, wine culture, regional politics, music, and food. They usually identify specific Georgian realities rather than forming a broad inherited vocabulary layer.

georgian Georgian person
georgiană Georgian language
Georgia Georgia
Gruzia Georgia
Tbilisi Tbilisi
Kutaisi Kutaisi
Batumi Batumi
Sukhumi Sukhumi
Abhazia Abkhazia
Osetia Ossetia
Adjara Adjara
Samegrelo Samegrelo
Svaneti Svaneti
Kartli Kartli
Kakheti Kakheti
Imereti Imereti
lari Georgian currency
tetri minor currency unit
kartvelian Kartvelian
mkhedruli Georgian script
asomtavruli old Georgian script
nuskhuri Georgian ecclesiastical script
supra Georgian feast
tamada toastmaster
khachapuri cheese bread
adjaruli khachapuri Adjarian cheese bread
imeruli khachapuri Imeretian cheese bread
khinkali dumplings
lobio bean stew
lobiani bean bread
mtsvadi grilled meat
churchkhela walnut grape sweet
satsivi walnut sauce dish
tkemali sour plum sauce
ajika spicy paste
kharcho meat and walnut soup
puri bread
tonis puri oven bread
chacha grape brandy
qvevri clay wine vessel
saperavi red grape variety
rkatsiteli white grape variety
polyfonie georgiană Georgian polyphony
panduri Georgian lute
chonguri Georgian lute
doli drum
salamuri flute
khorumi war dance
lezginka Caucasian dance
tbilisoba Tbilisi festival
alaverdi Alaverdi monastery
svetitskhoveli Georgian cathedral
gelati Gelati monastery
vardzia cave monastery

Georgian Loanwords in Romanian

German influence on Romanian is especially visible in Transylvania, Banat, Bukovina, administration, crafts, military life, urban culture, education, technology, and trade. Saxon, Swabian, Austrian, and broader German-speaking contacts brought many practical words into Romanian, some regional and some widely understood. These terms often describe tools, professions, buildings, food, clothing, machinery, and organized urban life.

șnițel schnitzel
ștrudel strudel
covrig pretzel
cartof potato
bere beer
halba beer mug
crenvurst frankfurter sausage
șuncă ham
cașcaval yellow cheese
șvaițer Swiss cheese
șorț apron
rucsac backpack
șapcă cap
guler collar
nasture button
cizmă boot
șurub screw
șină rail
șmirghel sandpaper
șpaclu putty knife
șpiț point, tip
ștanță stamp, die
știft pin, peg
ștecăr plug
ștecher plug
șubler caliper
șaibă washer
țiglă roof tile
horn chimney
turn tower
burg fortress
șanț ditch
șopron shed
magazie storehouse
atelier workshop
meșter craftsman
calfă journeyman
ucenic apprentice
șef chief, boss
maistru foreman
banc workbench
blat countertop
raft shelf
dulap cupboard
ladă chest, crate
școală school
clasă classroom, class
lecție lesson
examen exam
notă grade, note
cancelarie teachers’ office
primar mayor
burghez bourgeois
jandarm gendarme
ofițer officer
soldat soldier
cartier district, quarter
gară railway station
tren train
tramvai tram
vagon railway carriage
locomotivă locomotive

German Loanwords in Romanian

Greek influence on Romanian is old, layered, and especially important in religion, education, trade, administration, philosophy, medicine, and urban culture. Some Greek words entered through Byzantine and Orthodox channels, while others arrived later through Phanariot rule, commerce, schools, and modern scientific vocabulary. Because of this, Greek-origin terms in Romanian range from very common church and cultural words to learned international terms used in science and academia.

biserică church
icoană icon
înger angel
apostol apostle
episcop bishop
patriarh patriarch
mitropolit metropolitan bishop
mănăstire monastery
călugăr monk
diacon deacon
psalm psalm
evanghelie gospel
liturghie liturgy
parohie parish
catapeteasmă iconostasis
aghiasmă holy water
acatist akathist hymn
anatema anathema
drac devil
filozofie philosophy
logică logic
idee idea
teorie theory
metodă method
sistem system
problemă problem
temă topic, assignment
gramatică grammar
alfabet alphabet
bibliotecă library
școală school
academie academy
pedagogie pedagogy
istorie history
geografie geography
matematică mathematics
geometrie geometry
astronomie astronomy
biologie biology
fizică physics
chimie chemistry
psihologie psychology
democrație democracy
politică politics
monarhie monarchy
aristocrație aristocracy
strategie strategy
diplomație diplomacy
economie economy
teatru theatre
dramă drama
comedie comedy
muzică music
ritm rhythm
scenă stage
poezie poetry
mit myth
simbol symbol
arhivă archive
farmacie pharmacy
clinic clinical
diagnostic diagnosis

Greek Loanwords in Romanian

Haitian Creole has had virtually no direct influence on Romanian vocabulary. Words associated with Haitian Creole appear in Romanian primarily through discussions of Haiti's history, Caribbean culture, religion, music, migration, humanitarian affairs, and Francophone studies. Most entered Romanian through French, English, or international media rather than through direct linguistic contact, and they generally refer to specifically Haitian cultural and historical realities.

creol haitian Haitian Creole
haitian Haitian person
Haiti Haiti
Port-au-Prince Port-au-Prince
Cap-Haïtien Cap-Haïtien
Jacmel Jacmel
Gonaïves Gonaïves
Caraibe Caribbean
Antile Antilles
gourde Haitian currency
centim minor currency unit
vodou Vodou religion
lwa spirit, deity
houngan Vodou priest
mambo Vodou priestess
veve ritual symbol
peristil Vodou temple
zombi zombie
bokor sorcerer
loa spirit
rara street music festival
kompa popular music genre
mizik rasin roots music
tanbou drum
vaksen bamboo trumpet
meringue haitiană Haitian méringue
kanaval carnival
lakou traditional family compound
tap-tap shared taxi bus
gingerbread house ornate Haitian house
griot fried pork dish
diri ak pwa rice and beans
joumou pumpkin soup
pikliz spicy pickled vegetables
tassot fried dried meat
akra malanga fritters
banann peze fried plantains
marinad savory fritters
clairin sugarcane spirit
barbancourt Haitian rum
kasav cassava flatbread
mayi moulen cornmeal porridge
dous makos layered milk sweet
kenep Spanish lime fruit
mango francisc Francisque mango
Ayiti Haiti (Creole name)
Dessalines Jean-Jacques Dessalines
Toussaint Louverture Toussaint Louverture
Henri Christophe Henri Christophe
Citadelle Laferrière Citadelle Laferrière
Palais Sans-Souci Sans-Souci Palace
Revoluția Haitiană Haitian Revolution
Creolă franceză French-based creole
Francofonie Francophonie
Caraibe francofone French-speaking Caribbean
diaspora haitiană Haitian diaspora

Haitian Creole Loanwords in Romanian

Hausa has had almost no direct influence on Romanian vocabulary. Hausa-related words in Romanian are mainly found in texts about Nigeria, Niger, Sahelian trade, Islam in West Africa, music, clothing, food, migration, and African studies. These terms usually reached Romanian through English, French, Arabic, or academic writing, so they function mostly as cultural and regional references rather than common Romanian loanwords.

hausa Hausa language
hausa Hausa person
Nigeria Nigeria
Niger Niger
Kano Kano
Kaduna Kaduna
Katsina Katsina
Zaria Zaria
Sokoto Sokoto
Daura Daura
Sahel Sahel
savană savanna
naira Nigerian currency
franc CFA CFA franc
emir emir
emirat emirate
sultan sultan
califat caliphate
califatul Sokoto Sokoto Caliphate
imam imam
mullah religious teacher
ulema religious scholars
madrasă Islamic school
moschee mosque
minaret minaret
șaria Islamic law
ramadan Ramadan
halal permitted by Islamic law
haram forbidden
jihad holy struggle
boubou wide robe
kaftan long robe
babban riga large robe
tagelmust veil, turban
turban turban
kufi cap
kente woven cloth
adire dyed textile
suya spiced grilled meat
kilishi dried spiced meat
tuwo thick grain porridge
miyan kuka baobab leaf soup
miyan taushe pumpkin soup
fura da nono millet balls with milk
kunu grain drink
masa rice cake
dambu steamed grain dish
zobo hibiscus drink
kola kola nut
baobab baobab tree
arahide peanuts
sorg sorghum
mei millet
djembe drum
talking drum talking drum
griot traditional storyteller
afrobeats Afrobeats music
nollywood Nigerian film industry

Hausa Loanwords in Romanian

Hebrew-related vocabulary in Romanian appears through religion, biblical translation, Jewish history, scholarship, philosophy, politics, and modern Israeli culture. Some terms are ancient religious words known through Christianity and Judaism, while others refer to Jewish community life, Hebrew scripture, Israeli institutions, holidays, food, and modern Hebrew identity. Many entered Romanian through Greek, Latin, Yiddish, German, French, English, or direct Jewish cultural contact.

ebraic Hebrew
ebraică Hebrew language
ivrit Modern Hebrew
evreu Jew
iudaism Judaism
Israel Israel
Ierusalim Jerusalem
Sion Zion
sionism Zionism
Tora Torah
Tanah Hebrew Bible
Talmud Talmud
Mișna Mishnah
Cabala Kabbalah
rabin rabbi
sinagogă synagogue
șabat Sabbath
kosher ritually permitted food
kibbutz collective settlement
moshav cooperative village
knesset Israeli parliament
șekel shekel
menora seven-branched lamp
mezuză doorpost scroll
kipă skullcap
tallit prayer shawl
tefilin phylacteries
sidur prayer book
hagadă Passover text
pesah Passover
hanuka Hanukkah
purim Purim
roș hașana Jewish New Year
iom kipur Day of Atonement
sucot Feast of Tabernacles
bar mițva coming-of-age ceremony
bat mițva coming-of-age ceremony for girls
halaha Jewish law
midraș rabbinic commentary
goi non-Jew
șalom peace, greeting
amin amen
aleluia hallelujah
mesia messiah
serafim seraphim
heruvim cherubim
satan adversary, Satan
golem artificial creature
sabra native-born Israeli
aliyah immigration to Israel
diasporă diaspora
mizrahi Eastern Jewish
așkenaz Ashkenazi
sefard Sephardi
falafel fried chickpea balls
hummus chickpea spread
matzo unleavened bread

Hebrew Loanwords in Romanian

Hindi-related vocabulary in Romanian appears mainly through South Asian religion, cinema, food, music, clothing, history, yoga, colonial studies, and modern international culture. Some terms come directly from Hindi or Hindustani, while others passed through Sanskrit, Persian, Urdu, English, or wider Indian cultural vocabulary before becoming familiar in Romanian. They are often used to describe Indian society, traditions, spirituality, art, cuisine, and everyday cultural objects.

hindi Hindi language
hindus Hindu
hindusă Hindu woman
India India
indian Indian
Delhi Delhi
Mumbai Mumbai
Bollywood Bollywood
raja king
maharajah great king
rani queen
pandit scholar, priest
guru teacher
yoga yoga
mantra sacred formula
karma karma
nirvana liberation
ashram spiritual retreat
avatar divine incarnation
sari traditional women’s garment
kurta long tunic
dhoti men’s wrapped garment
bindi forehead mark
henna henna dye
mehndi henna body art
curry spiced dish
chutney spiced condiment
dal lentil dish
biryani spiced rice dish
roti flatbread
chapati flatbread
naan flatbread
paratha layered flatbread
samosa stuffed pastry
pakora fried fritter
masala spice mixture
tandoori cooked in a clay oven
lassi yogurt drink
chai tea
ghee clarified butter
paneer fresh cheese
raita yogurt sauce
puri fried bread
korma mild curry dish
vindaloo spicy curry dish
garam masala warm spice blend
tabla pair of drums
sitar string instrument
raga melodic framework
bhangra dance style
ghazal lyric song
diwali festival of lights
holi festival of colors
namaste greeting
rupee Indian currency

Hindi Loanwords in Romanian

Hungarian has influenced Romanian especially in Transylvania, where centuries of coexistence shaped vocabulary connected with administration, food, village life, clothing, social relations, crafts, agriculture, and everyday speech. Some Hungarian-origin words are regional, while others are widely understood across Romania. They often preserve traces of historical contact between Romanian-speaking and Hungarian-speaking communities.

oraș town, city
hotar border, boundary
gazdă host
neam kin, nation
chip face, image
fel kind, type
gând thought
meșteșug craft
viclean cunning
bănui to suspect
cheltui to spend
îngădui to allow
mântui to save
tăgădui to deny
alcătui to compose, arrange
bir tax, tribute
birău village judge
jude judge, local official
vameș customs officer
vamă customs
cătană soldier
pușcă rifle
pușcaș rifleman
haiducesc outlaw-like
bătaie beating, fight
șir row, sequence
belșug abundance
beteșug illness
bănat Banat region
Ardeal Transylvania
secui Szekler
ceangău Csango
gulaș goulash
papricaș paprikash
paprica paprika
boia paprika powder
pogace small savory cakes
langos fried flatbread
colac ring-shaped bread
halászlé fish soup
palincă fruit brandy
tokay Tokaj wine
dobos layered cake
gomboț dumpling
tău small mountain lake
heleșteu pond
șopron shed
hambar granary
talpă sole, base
ham harness
căpăstru halter
bici whip
tolcer funnel
lăcătuș locksmith
lacăt lock

Hungarian Loanwords in Romanian

Icelandic has left almost no direct imprint on Romanian everyday vocabulary, because the two languages developed far apart and without sustained historical contact. Icelandic-related words in Romanian usually appear through geography, medieval literature, Norse mythology, volcanology, tourism, music, politics, and Nordic cultural studies. Most of these terms identify Icelandic places, traditions, natural phenomena, or historical concepts rather than functioning as deeply integrated Romanian loanwords.

islandez Icelander
islandeză Icelandic language
Islanda Iceland
Reykjavik Reykjavik
Akureyri Akureyri
Keflavik Keflavik
Hafnarfjordur Hafnarfjörður
Thingvellir Thingvellir
Althing Icelandic parliament
króna Icelandic crown
sagă saga
edda Edda
skald Norse poet
viking Viking
rună rune
valkirie Valkyrie
valhalla Valhalla
ragnarok Ragnarok
elf elf
trol troll
fiord fjord
gheizer geyser
geotermal geothermal
lavă lava
vulcan volcano
calotă glaciară ice cap
ghețar glacier
tundră tundra
auroră boreală northern lights
solstițiu solstice
skyr Icelandic yogurt
hákarl fermented shark
rúgbrauð rye bread
brennivín Icelandic schnapps
lopapeysa Icelandic wool sweater
alpac alpaca wool blend
lână islandeză Icelandic wool
islandeză veche Old Icelandic
nordică veche Old Norse
saga islandeză Icelandic saga
proza eddică Eddic prose
poezie skaldică skaldic poetry
huldufólk hidden people
jólasveinar Yule Lads
blot Norse sacrifice
asatru Norse paganism
jökull glacier
vatnajökull Vatnajökull
eyjafjallajökull Eyjafjallajökull
hekla Hekla volcano
katla Katla volcano
askja Askja volcano
landmannalaugar Landmannalaugar

Icelandic Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has virtually no historical layer of direct Igbo loanwords. Contacts between Romanian and Igbo-speaking communities have been limited, so Igbo-related vocabulary in Romanian is found mainly in anthropology, African studies, literature, migration, music, religion, and discussions of Nigeria. Most of these words entered Romanian through English, French, or academic writing, where they serve as cultural and ethnographic references rather than everyday Romanian vocabulary.

igbo Igbo language
igbo Igbo person
Nigeria Nigeria
Abuja Abuja
Lagos Lagos
Enugu Enugu
Owerri Owerri
Onitsha Onitsha
Aba Aba
Awka Awka
Biafra Biafra
biafrez Biafran
naira Nigerian currency
kobo minor currency unit
obi chief's residence
eze traditional ruler
igwe king
ozo title society
nze traditional title holder
dibia traditional healer
chi personal spiritual guardian
alusi deity
mmuo spirit
ogbanje spirit child
osu ritually excluded person
udala African star apple
ugwu fluted pumpkin leaves
egusi melon seeds
fufu cassava dough
garri granulated cassava
jollof West African rice dish
suya spiced grilled meat
pepper soup spicy soup
ofe onugbu bitter leaf soup
ofe nsala white soup
okra okra
yam yam
ufu cassava meal
akara bean fritters
moimoi steamed bean pudding
kola kola nut
palm wine palm wine
ogene metal gong
udu clay drum
ekwe wooden slit drum
ogene music gong music
mascaradă egwu masquerade dance
mmanwu masquerade spirit
new yam festival New Yam Festival
iri ji yam festival
uli traditional body art
nsibidi symbolic writing system
anansi Anansi folklore character
nollywood Nigerian film industry
afrobeats Afrobeats music

Igbo Loanwords in Romanian

Romanian has only a small number of Indonesian-related words, mostly connected with geography, food, religion, textiles, nature, politics, travel, and Southeast Asian culture. These terms generally did not enter Romanian through long direct contact, but through Dutch, English, French, Arabic, Sanskrit, Malay, or international media. They usually refer to specific Indonesian realities rather than forming a deep historical layer of everyday Romanian vocabulary.

indonezian Indonesian person
indoneziană Indonesian language
Indonezia Indonesia
Jakarta Jakarta
Java Java
Sumatra Sumatra
Borneo Borneo
Kalimantan Kalimantan
Sulawesi Sulawesi
Bali Bali
balinez Balinese
Papua Papua
rupie rupiah
bahasa language
batik dyed patterned textile
sarong wrapped garment
kebaya traditional blouse
gamelan traditional ensemble
angklung bamboo instrument
wayang shadow theatre
kris ceremonial dagger
pencak silat martial art
orangutan orangutan
komodo Komodo dragon
rattan rattan
bambus bamboo
kapok kapok fiber
durian durian fruit
rambutan rambutan fruit
mangustan mangosteen
nasi goreng fried rice
mie goreng fried noodles
satay grilled skewers
sate grilled skewers
rendang spiced meat stew
sambal chili paste
gado-gado vegetable salad with peanut sauce
tempeh fermented soybean cake
krupuk crackers
bakso meatball soup
soto soup
laksa spicy noodle soup
ayam chicken
kopi luwak civet coffee
jamu herbal medicine drink
ramadan Ramadan
islam Islam
moschee mosque
pesantren Islamic boarding school
pancasila five principles
garuda mythical bird, national emblem
sukarno Sukarno
suharto Suharto
majapahit Majapahit empire
borobudur Borobudur temple
prambanan Prambanan temple

Indonesian Loanwords in Romanian

Inuit-related vocabulary in Romanian appears mostly through Arctic geography, anthropology, climate studies, ethnography, exploration, and documentaries about Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and the polar world. Romanian has no broad direct layer of Inuit loanwords, so these terms usually name specific Arctic objects, people, animals, dwellings, tools, clothing, and environmental realities rather than ordinary everyday Romanian vocabulary.

inuit Inuit person
inuită Inuit woman
inuiți Inuit people
eschimos Eskimo
Groenlanda Greenland
Nunavut Nunavut
Yukon Yukon
Alaska Alaska
Arctica Arctic
tundră tundra
iglu igloo
caiac kayak
umiak large open boat
anorak hooded jacket
parka warm hooded coat
mukluk soft winter boot
amauti traditional women’s parka
kamiks sealskin boots
harpon harpoon
narval narwhal
morsă walrus
focă seal
caribu caribou
beluga beluga whale
orca killer whale
urs polar polar bear
sanie sled
sanie trasă de câini dog sled
malamut Malamute dog
husky husky dog
inuksuk stone landmark
qulliq stone oil lamp
tupilak carved spirit figure
angakkuq shaman
sedna sea goddess
sila weather, spirit of air
nuna land
nunatak rocky peak above ice
pingo ice-cored hill
polinie open water in sea ice
banchiză ice floe
calotă glaciară ice cap
permafrost permanently frozen ground
auroră boreală northern lights
qajaq kayak
qamutik sled
ulu woman’s knife
pualuk mitten
tuktu caribou
nanuq polar bear
muktuk whale skin and blubber
kiviak fermented bird dish
akutaq ice cream-like Arctic food
qulliq traditional lamp
Kalaallit Greenlandic Inuit

Inuit Loanwords in Romanian

Irish has had very little direct influence on Romanian vocabulary. Irish-related words in Romanian are used mainly in discussions of Ireland, Celtic history, mythology, literature, music, archaeology, religion, and modern Irish culture. Most entered Romanian through English or international scholarship and refer to specifically Irish people, places, traditions, and cultural concepts rather than becoming part of everyday Romanian vocabulary.

irlandez Irish person
irlandeză Irish language
Irlanda Ireland
Dublin Dublin
Cork Cork
Galway Galway
Limerick Limerick
Belfast Belfast
Connemara Connemara
Donegal Donegal
Ulster Ulster
Leinster Leinster
Munster Munster
Connacht Connacht
gaelică irlandeză Irish Gaelic
celt Celt
druid druid
bard bard
brehon traditional Irish judge
clan clan
Taoiseach Irish prime minister
Dáil Éireann Irish parliament
Seanad Irish senate
euro euro
harpă irlandeză Irish harp
bodhrán Irish frame drum
uilleann pipes Irish bagpipes
fiddle irlandez Irish fiddle
tin whistle tin whistle
céilí Irish social gathering and dance
stepdance Irish step dancing
Riverdance Riverdance
jig Irish dance
reel Irish dance tune
hornpipe dance tune
baladă irlandeză Irish ballad
Sean-nós traditional singing style
shamrock three-leaf clover
trifoi clover
leprechaun Irish fairy
banshee female spirit
selkie seal-shaped mythical being
sidhe fairy folk
Samhain ancient Celtic festival
Imbolc spring festival
Beltane May festival
Lughnasadh harvest festival
Sfântul Patrick Saint Patrick
Ziua Sfântului Patrick Saint Patrick's Day
whiskey irlandez Irish whiskey
stout dark beer
Guinness Guinness stout
Irish stew Irish lamb stew
sodă bread Irish soda bread
colcannon mashed potatoes with cabbage
boxty potato pancake

Irish Loanwords in Romanian

Italian has had a strong and long-lasting influence on Romanian because the two languages are both Romance languages and because Italy has been an important cultural, commercial, artistic, musical, religious, and political reference point for Romanian society. Italian words entered Romanian through trade, architecture, banking, music, theatre, cuisine, literature, navigation, and modern migration. Many feel familiar because they are close to Romanian’s Latin roots, while others are clear cultural borrowings from Italian life.

operă opera
sonată sonata
arie aria
concert concert
pian piano
violoncel cello
mandolină mandolin
solo solo
duet duet
tempo tempo
adagio adagio
allegro allegro
andante andante
crescendo crescendo
libret libretto
balcon balcony
loggie loggia
cupolă dome
fațadă façade
piață square, market
palat palace
vilă villa
frescă fresco
mozaic mosaic
studio studio
bancă bank
credit credit
sold balance
cont account
firmă company
comerț trade
capital capital
pilot pilot
marinar sailor
gondolă gondola
lagună lagoon
regată regatta
spaghete spaghetti
macaroane macaroni
lasagna lasagna
ravioli ravioli
risotto risotto
pizza pizza
mozzarella mozzarella
parmezan parmesan
ricotta ricotta
mascarpone mascarpone
prosciutto ham
salami salami
espresso espresso
cappuccino cappuccino
gelato ice cream
tiramisu tiramisu
panettone Christmas sweet bread
confetti sugared almonds, paper pieces
carnaval carnival
mască mask
commedia dell’arte Italian comic theatre
divă diva
primadonă prima donna

Italian Loanwords in Romanian

Jamaican Patois has had virtually no direct influence on Romanian vocabulary. Jamaican-related words in Romanian appear mainly through music, Caribbean culture, athletics, cuisine, religion, tourism, and popular media. Most reached Romanian through English and international culture, where they identify specifically Jamaican traditions, musical genres, foods, historical movements, and everyday expressions rather than becoming integrated Romanian vocabulary.

jamaican Jamaican person
patois jamaican Jamaican Patois
Jamaica Jamaica
Kingston Kingston
Montego Bay Montego Bay
Negril Negril
Ocho Rios Ocho Rios
Port Antonio Port Antonio
Caraibe Caribbean
dolar jamaican Jamaican dollar
reggae reggae
ska ska
rocksteady rocksteady
dancehall dancehall
dub dub music
sound system mobile music system
riddim rhythmic backing track
selector DJ
deejay toasting performer
toasting rhythmic spoken vocals
rastafari Rastafari movement
rasta Rastafarian
dreadlocks matted hairstyle
ganja cannabis
irie pleasant, good
jah God
irie vibes positive atmosphere
yardie Jamaican person
ya mon yes, man
one love message of unity
ackee ackee fruit
ackee and saltfish national Jamaican dish
jerk spicy cooking style
jerk chicken spiced grilled chicken
jerk pork spiced grilled pork
escovitch pickled fish dish
curry goat curried goat
rice and peas rice with beans
bammy cassava flatbread
festival fried sweet dumpling
patty filled pastry
callaloo leafy vegetable dish
plantain cooking banana
sorrel hibiscus drink
Blue Mountain Coffee Jamaican coffee
rom jamaican Jamaican rum
maroon descendant of escaped enslaved people
kumina Afro-Jamaican religious tradition
mento traditional folk music
steelpan steel drum
Usain Bolt Jamaican sprinter
Blue Mountains Blue Mountains
Port Royal historic port city
Caribbean Premier League Caribbean cricket league
cricket cricket

Jamaican Loanwords in Romanian

Japanese vocabulary entered Romanian primarily during the 20th and 21st centuries through technology, martial arts, cuisine, business, design, popular culture, animation, literature, and international trade. Unlike older borrowing layers shaped by neighboring languages, Japanese contributions are overwhelmingly modern and are usually associated with products, cultural traditions, sports, entertainment, and innovations that spread worldwide.

japonez Japanese person
japoneză Japanese language
Japonia Japan
Tokyo Tokyo
Kyoto Kyoto
Osaka Osaka
Hokkaido Hokkaido
Honshu Honshu
Shikoku Shikoku
Kyushu Kyushu
yen Japanese currency
samurai samurai
șogun shogun
daimyo feudal lord
ronin masterless samurai
ninja ninja
kimono kimono
obi kimono sash
geta wooden sandals
tatami straw mat
futon futon
origami paper folding
ikebana flower arranging
bonsai bonsai
haiku haiku poem
manga manga
anime anime
cosplay costume play
otaku enthusiast, fan
emoji emoji
karaoke karaoke
sudoku Sudoku puzzle
go Go board game
shogi Japanese chess
judo judo
karate karate
aikido aikido
kendo kendo
jujutsu jujutsu
dojo dojo
sensei teacher, master
kata training form
sushi sushi
sashimi sliced raw fish
tempura tempura
ramen ramen noodles
udon udon noodles
soba buckwheat noodles
miso soybean paste
tofu tofu
wasabi wasabi
teriyaki teriyaki
yakitori grilled chicken skewers
matcha powdered green tea
mochi rice cake
saké rice wine
bento boxed meal
tsunami tsunami
tycoon powerful business leader
kaizen continuous improvement

Japanese Loanwords in Romanian

Kazakh-related words in Romanian are usually found in discussions of Central Asia, nomadic culture, Soviet and post-Soviet history, steppe geography, energy, food, music, and Turkic linguistics. They generally reached Romanian through Russian, Turkish, English, Persian, Arabic, or international reporting rather than through long direct contact. As a result, they mostly describe Kazakhstan’s society, landscape, traditions, and political history.

kazah Kazakh person
kazahă Kazakh language
Kazahstan Kazakhstan
Astana Astana
Almatî Almaty
Șîmkent Shymkent
Baikonur Baikonur
Semipalatinsk Semipalatinsk
stepă steppe
aul village, nomadic settlement
iurtă yurt
dombra two-string lute
kobîz bowed instrument
akîn bard, poet-singer
jîrau epic singer
kurmangazî Kazakh musical reference
naurîz spring festival
beshbarmak meat and noodle dish
kumîs fermented mare’s milk
șubat fermented camel milk
baursak fried dough
kazy horse sausage
qurt dried cheese balls
plov rice pilaf
lagman noodle dish
mantî dumplings
tenghe Kazakh currency
tenge Kazakh currency
han khan
hanat khanate
orda horde, camp
juz Kazakh tribal division
akorda White Horde, presidential palace
turcic Turkic
kipceak Kipchak
nogai Nogai
tătar Tatar
bașkir Bashkir
uiguri Uyghurs
saka ancient steppe people
scit Scythian
sarmat Sarmatian
aral Aral
marea Aral Aral Sea
caspică Caspian
petrol oil, petroleum
gazoduct gas pipeline
oleoduct oil pipeline
cosmodrom cosmodrome
cosmonaut cosmonaut
gulag Soviet labor camp
kolhoz collective farm
sovhoz state farm
perestroika restructuring
șaman shaman
tengri sky god

Kazakh Loanwords in Romanian

Khmer-related words in Romanian appear mainly in texts about Cambodia, Angkor, Buddhism, Southeast Asian history, archaeology, cuisine, politics, and travel. They are not part of an old Romanian borrowing layer, but they are useful cultural terms that name Cambodian places, institutions, foods, religious concepts, historical periods, and artistic traditions. Many reached Romanian through French, English, Sanskrit, Pali, or international scholarship.

khmer Khmer person
khmeră Khmer language
Cambodgia Cambodia
Phnom Penh Phnom Penh
Siem Reap Siem Reap
Angkor Angkor
Angkor Wat Angkor Wat
Angkor Thom Angkor Thom
Bayon Bayon temple
Ta Prohm Ta Prohm temple
Tonlé Sap Tonlé Sap lake
Mekong Mekong River
Kampuchea Kampuchea
riel Cambodian currency
apsara celestial dancer
naga serpent deity
devaraja god-king
baray reservoir
prasat temple tower
wat temple
stupa Buddhist monument
pagodă pagoda
theravada Theravada Buddhism
sangha monastic community
bonz Buddhist monk
karma karma
nirvana liberation
dharma Buddhist teaching
bodhisattva enlightened being
krama traditional scarf
sampot traditional garment
sarong wrapped garment
robam classical dance
pinpeat classical music ensemble
roneat xylophone
tro fiddle
skor drum
samlor soup
amok steamed curry dish
fish amok fish curry
prahok fermented fish paste
kroeung spice paste
lok lak stir-fried beef dish
num banh chok rice noodle dish
bai sach chrouk pork and rice dish
kuy teav noodle soup
angkak fermented red rice
palmier de zahăr sugar palm
kampot Kampot pepper
pepper kampot Kampot pepper
khmer roșu Khmer Rouge
s-21 Tuol Sleng prison
tuol sleng Tuol Sleng
choeung ek Killing Fields site
lon nol Lon Nol
sihanouk Sihanouk

Khmer Loanwords in Romanian

Kyrgyz-related vocabulary in Romanian is mostly connected with Central Asian geography, nomadic life, Turkic languages, Soviet history, epic poetry, mountain culture, food, music, and regional politics. These terms normally appear in Romanian through Russian, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, English, or international reporting. They are useful for describing Kyrgyzstan and its culture, but they do not form a large everyday borrowing layer in Romanian.

kârgâz Kyrgyz person
kârgâză Kyrgyz language
Kârgâzstan Kyrgyzstan
Bișkek Bishkek
Oș Osh
Issyk-Kul Issyk-Kul
Tien Șan Tian Shan
Pamir Pamir
stepă steppe
iurtă yurt
aul village, nomadic settlement
jailoo summer pasture
boz ui traditional yurt
ak kalpak white felt hat
elechek women’s headdress
shyrdak felt carpet
ala-kiyiz felt rug
komuz three-string lute
kyl kyyak bowed instrument
manas Kyrgyz epic
manaschi epic reciter
akyn bard, poet-singer
kok-boru goat-carcass polo game
ulak tartysh traditional mounted game
kurash wrestling
nauryz spring festival
beshbarmak meat and noodle dish
lagman noodle dish
plov rice pilaf
mantî dumplings
samsa stuffed pastry
boorsok fried dough
kumîs fermented mare’s milk
ayran yogurt drink
kurut dried cheese balls
chalap salty yogurt drink
tandoor clay oven
som Kyrgyz currency
tyiyn minor currency unit
han khan
hanat khanate
orda horde, camp
turcic Turkic
kipceak Kipchak
uigur Uyghur
uzbec Uzbek
kazah Kazakh
tătar Tatar
dungan Dungan people
soviet Soviet
kolhoz collective farm
sovhoz state farm
perestroika restructuring
glasnost openness
șaman shaman
tengri sky god

Kirghis Loanwords in Romanian

Korean vocabulary has entered Romanian mainly through technology, popular culture, cuisine, martial arts, business, entertainment, and international relations. During recent decades, the global success of Korean electronics, films, television series, music, and food has made many Korean words familiar to Romanian speakers. Most are used to describe specifically Korean concepts, traditions, dishes, or cultural phenomena rather than replacing existing Romanian words.

coreean Korean person
coreeană Korean language
Coreea Korea
Coreea de Sud South Korea
Coreea de Nord North Korea
Seul Seoul
Busan Busan
Incheon Incheon
Jeju Jeju Island
won South Korean currency
hanbok traditional Korean dress
hanok traditional Korean house
ondol underfloor heating
taekwondo Korean martial art
hapkido Korean martial art
ssireum traditional wrestling
dojang martial arts training hall
dobok martial arts uniform
kimchi fermented vegetables
bibimbap mixed rice dish
bulgogi marinated grilled beef
galbi grilled ribs
japchae glass noodle dish
tteokbokki spicy rice cakes
gimbap seaweed rice rolls
mandu dumplings
samgyeopsal grilled pork belly
ramyeon Korean instant noodles
banchan side dishes
gochujang red chili paste
doenjang soybean paste
makgeolli rice wine
soju Korean distilled spirit
hanja Chinese characters used in Korean
hangul Korean alphabet
chaebol large family-owned conglomerate
K-pop Korean pop music
K-drama Korean television drama
hallyu Korean Wave
aegyo cute behavior
oppa older brother (used by women)
unni older sister (used by women)
hyung older brother (used by men)
noona older sister (used by men)
sunbae senior colleague or student
hoobae junior colleague or student
han deep emotional resilience
jeong deep interpersonal affection
ginseng ginseng
taegeuk yin-yang symbol
hanbok traditional clothing
hanok sat traditional village
DMZ demilitarized zone
Joseon Joseon dynasty
Silla Silla kingdom
Goryeo Goryeo dynasty

Korean Loanwords in Romanian

Kurdish has had almost no direct influence on Romanian vocabulary. Kurdish-related words in Romanian are mainly used in discussions of the Middle East, history, politics, linguistics, traditional culture, religion, and regional geography. Most entered Romanian through Turkish, Arabic, Persian, English, French, or international journalism and are used to describe specifically Kurdish communities, customs, institutions, and historical developments rather than everyday Romanian vocabulary.

kurd Kurdish person
kurdă Kurdish language
Kurdistan Kurdistan
Erbil Erbil
Sulaymaniyah Sulaymaniyah
Duhok Duhok
Diyarbakır Diyarbakır
Van Van
Qamishli Qamishli
Kobane Kobane
Rojava Rojava
Zagros Zagros Mountains
Tigru Tigris River
Eufrat Euphrates River
peshmerga Kurdish fighter
aga tribal chief
șeic sheikh
emir emir
mullah religious teacher
imam imam
yezid Yazidi
alevit Alevi
sufi Sufi
derviș dervish
newroz Kurdish New Year
halay traditional circle dance
govend Kurdish folk dance
dengbêj traditional singer-storyteller
tembûr long-necked lute
daf frame drum
zurna double-reed instrument
balaban woodwind instrument
șal u șepik traditional Kurdish clothing
keffiyeh traditional scarf
kilim flat-woven carpet
covor kurd Kurdish carpet
bulgur cracked wheat
dolma stuffed vegetables
kebab grilled meat
pilaf rice dish
nan flatbread
iaurt yogurt
ayran yogurt drink
ceai tea
sumac sumac spice
za'atar herb and spice mixture
baklava baklava
halva halva
PKK Kurdistan Workers' Party
PUK Patriotic Union of Kurdistan
KDP Kurdistan Democratic Party
Sinjar Sinjar
Mesopotamia Mesopotamia
kurmanji Northern Kurdish
sorani Central Kurdish