Romanian Nouns - Case - Case Usage - Dative

Dative

The dative is used for the indirect object, that is, the noun representing the person/object that receives the action indicated by the verb. The dative is required by a particular series of verbs, many of which express the general idea of giving, hence the name. Examples:

• a da (to give): I-am dat câinelui sandvişul meu. (I gave my sandwich to the dog.);
• a spune (to tell): Le spui colegilor să nu vină mâine? (Will you tell your workmates not to come tomorrow?);
• a cere (to ask for), a explica (to explain), a oferi (to offer), a arăta (to show), etc.;
• Not related to the idea of giving: a folosi (to be useful to), a dăuna (to harm).