Slang

1. Frate

   Bro

   Usage

   Literally "brother", used both to address a friend and as a filler. Peers only — never staff or elders

2. Marfă

   Top stuff

   Usage

   A one-word "top stuff" for food, music or a place, among people your own age

3. Beton

   Rock solid

   Usage

   Literally "concrete", meaning rock solid — for praising a plan or a result, among friends

4. Tare!

   That is great!

   Usage

   Literally "strong", used as an admiring "that is great" with people your own age

5. Fain

   Nice, lovely

   Usage

   A German-derived "nice", strongest in Transylvania but understood nationwide

6. Pe bune?

   For real?

   Usage

   A surprised "for real?" among friends; at work say "Serios?"

7. Hai!

   Come on

   Usage

   A prompting "come on", and also a "right then" when ending a phone call. Casual but safe with anyone

8. Pa!

   Bye

   Usage

   A casual goodbye for friends and peers; use "La revedere" with anyone older

9. Nașpa

   Lame, rubbish

   Usage

   A "that is rubbish" about a situation or a thing — rude if aimed at a person, and friends only

10. Baftă!

    Good luck!

    Usage

    The standard "good luck" for someone heading into an exam or an interview, fine with friends and colleagues

11. Servus

    Hi / Bye

    Usage

    The Transylvanian and Banat greeting, on meeting and on parting, inherited from Austrian usage

12. Neața!

    Morning

    Usage

    A clipped "bună dimineața" for friends and peers; say it in full to an older stranger

13. Pupici

    Kisses

    Usage

    A warm sign-off in messages, for family and close friends only — never in work mail

14. Aoleu!

    Oh dear

    Usage

    An "oh dear" of surprise or sympathy, and safe with anyone

15. Ciao

    Usage

    The Italian goodbye, fully at home in Romanian, for friends and peers

16. Super

    Usage

    An all-purpose "super" that is safe with anyone

17. Mersi

    Thanks

    Usage

    A casual French-derived "thanks" for friends and shop staff; in formal settings say "Mulțumesc"

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