decât
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Romanian[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From de (“of”) + cât (“how much”). First attested in c. 1574.[1]
Pronunciation[edit]
Adverb[edit]
decât
- than
- Synonym: ca
- Am văzut ieri un film mai interesant decât acesta.
- I saw a movie more interesting than this one yesterday.
- Radu este mai mare decât mine.
- Radu is older than me.
- (in negative constructions) only, nothing but
Usage notes[edit]
In the "only" sense, it is also used in positive constructions (aduci decât necazuri ― same meaning as above), a common solecism associated with southern speakers.[2]
Derived terms[edit]
Conjunction[edit]
decât
- than
- (in negative constructions) only, nothing but
- (obsolete or regional) Synonym of însă (“but”)
- (with să) rather than, instead of
- (with că, colloquial) it’s just that…
Usage notes[edit]
See above.
References[edit]
- ^ decât in DEX online—Dicționare ale limbii române (Dictionaries of the Romanian language)
- ^ Rodica Zafiu (2011) “Decât o negație”, in România Literară[1], number 14