The Supine (Modul Supin) in Romanian
The Supine (Modul Supin: de/la + Participle)
A unique non-finite verb form in Romance, the supine combines a preposition (de, la, pentru) with the past participle to denote purpose, destination, or tool use (mașină de spălat).
The *Supine (Modul Supin) is a distinct, non-finite verbal mood unique to Romanian among modern Romance languages (inherited and restructured from the classical Latin supinum). It is formed by combining a preposition—most frequently de, la, pentru, or după—with the Past Participle (participiu)* of the verb:
Preposition (de / la / pentru / după) + Past Participle
Major Structural Functions: 1. *Instrumental Purpose & Compound Nouns (de + Participle): Defines the inherent functional purpose of an object, tool, or appliance: - mașină de spălat (washing machine, lit. 'machine of washed') - fier de călcat (iron / clothing iron) - sală de lectură / de așteptat (waiting room) - apă de băut (drinking water). 2. Destination / Activity of Action (la + Participle): Expresses engaging in an activity: - Mergem la pescuit (We are going fishing) - Am plecat la vânat (We left for hunting) - Hainele sunt la uscat (The clothes are drying / out to dry). 3. Evaluation after Adjectives & Impersonals (de + Participle): Equivalent to English 'easy/hard to do': - Această carte este ușor de citit (This book is easy to read). - Este greu de înțeles (It is difficult to understand). - Un film de văzut* (A must-see movie).
Unlike the participle in passives, the Supine never inflects for gender or number.
Examples
Am cumpărat o mașină nouă de spălat cu un consum redus de energie.
We bought a new washing machine with low energy consumption.
Acest articol științific este foarte interesant, dar destul de greu de tradus.
This scientific article is very interesting, but quite difficult to translate.
În weekend mergem cu toții la pescuit pe malul lacului liniștit.
On the weekend we are all going fishing on the shore of the quiet lake.
Spectacolul de aseară a fost o experiență culturală de neuitat.
Yesterday evening's performance was an unforgettable cultural experience.
Related terms
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