11 Romanian Sayings That Will Help You Understand Romania

Apartment reflections in Romania
Apartment reflections in Romania | © Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Roxana Coman

Romanians use plenty of phrases and sayings that might sound funny or could be meaningless when translated. However, they come with some clues about Romanians’ beliefs and ways of thinking. Check out these sayings to gain some insight into the Romanian language and daily life.

Să știi ca pe Tatăl Nostru

Translation: To know like the Lord’s Prayer

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Romanians are religious people, and in traditional families, children learn the Lord’s Prayer when they are young. So, if you know something like the Lord’s Prayer, it means you know it by heart.

Lord’s Prayer

A-ți lua inima în dinți

Translation: To take your heart in your teeth

No, this has nothing to do with actually eating a heart. This saying means to be brave or to dare to do something.

Brave heart

A băga mâna în foc pentru cineva

Translation: To put your hand in fire for somebody

This saying is used when you’ve vouched for someone. Romanians start from the premise that everyone is trustworthy until the contrary is proven.

Fire

Să faci din rahat bici

Translation: To make a whip out of shit

As senseless as it might seem, this expresses that Romanians do so much with so little. Give them any task, and even if they have never dealt with it before, they will always find a way.

I-a sărit muștarul

Translation: His mustard has jumped off

This means that someone has suddenly lost their temper. Although Romanians are very friendly, it’s best to avoid annoying them.

Angry face

A dat cu mucii în fasole

Translation: He threw his boogers in the beans

This expression means that someone has messed up something, usually irreparably. However, when Romanians know they have done something wrong, they will try to fix it.

A vinde gogoși

Translation: To sell doughnuts

Although selling doughnuts might not seem like a negative thing, for Romanians, this phrase means that you are lying to them. And that’s something they really don’t appreciate.

Selling doughnuts

A-ți pica fisa

Translation: To drop your coin

It has nothing to do with money—to ‘drop your coin’ means that you suddenly understood something. The saying is commonly used when someone has figured out something important.

Coin

La Paștele Cailor

Translation: At horses’ Easter

If a Romanian says that something will happen ‘at horses’ Easter’, it actually means it will never happen, so your wish might be considered unrealistic.

Horses’ Easter

A freca menta

Translation: To rub the mint

Romanian’s way of saying that you are wasting time or doing nothing. In other words, Romanians don’t like lazy people.

Mint

Te îmbeți cu apă rece

Translation: To get drunk with cold water

This is the Romanian way of saying that you are fooling yourself. Romanians are pretty realistic and usually prefer practical people to dreamers.

Cold water
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