Help and emergencies in Romanian
The words you hope to never need. Play the ten Romanian words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Romanian phrases in this lesson
- Ajutor!ah-zhoo-TOR
- Help!
- Chemați un doctorkeh-MATS oon DOK-tor
- Call a doctor
- Polițiepoh-LEE-tsee-eh
- Police
- Farmaciefar-MAH-chee-eh
- Pharmacy
- Spitalspee-TAL
- Hospital
- M-am rătăcitmam ruh-tuh-CHEET
- I'm lost
- Nu mă simt binenoo muh SEEMT BEE-neh
- I don't feel well
- A fost furatah FOST foo-RAT
- It was stolen
- Este o urgențăYES-teh oh oor-JEN-tsuh
- It's an emergency
- Lăsați-mă în paceluh-SATS-muh un PAH-cheh
- Leave me alone
The j in Romanian makes a zh sound like the s in "measure". Shouting ajutor is the universal distress call. The emergency number in Romania is 112 for all services.
The formal command form. Medic (MEH-deek) also means doctor. Private clinics (clinici private) in cities are generally faster and English-friendly; ask for the nearest one.
The national police are Poliția Română. The emergency number is 112. For tourist police in Bucharest, there is also a dedicated tourist assistance line staffed by English speakers.
Pharmacies are widely available and recognizable by a green cross sign. Many medications available by prescription elsewhere can be bought over the counter in Romania.
Public hospitals are free for EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card. Private hospitals offer faster service and English-speaking staff. Keep your card and travel insurance details handy.
Literally "I have gotten lost". The c before i makes a ch sound. Alternatively, nu știu unde sunt (noo SHTEE-oo OON-deh soont), I do not know where I am, is equally clear.
The phrase to use if you need medical attention or simply need to sit down. Romanians are generally helpful and will assist if you look distressed or ask for help.
The past tense using the auxiliary a fost (it was). Furat means stolen. Say mi-a fost furat (me-ah FOST foo-RAT) to mean "mine was stolen". A police report is needed for insurance claims.
The emergency number is 112.
Literally "leave me in peace".