decât
Romanian
Etymology
de (“of”) + cât (“how much”). First attested in c. 1574.[1]
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /deˈkɨt/
Adverb
decât
- than
- 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
- Nu aduci decât necazuri.
- You only bring trouble.
Usage notes
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]
Synonyms
- (than): ca
- (only): doar, numai
Derived terms
- avea decât
Conjunction
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
See above.
References
- decât in DEX online - Dicționare ale limbii române (Dictionaries of the Romanian language)
- Rodica Zafiu (2011), “Decât o negație”, in România Literară, issue 14