English Translation
Excuse me?
“Poftim?” is a versatile expression in Romanian which can be used in different contexts to convey a variety of meanings. It is an interjection that can have different translations based on the situation. As an interjection, it doesn’t follow strict grammar rules and doesn’t change with number or gender. Here are some common usages of “Poftim?”:
When you didn't hear or understand someone: It can mean "What?" or "Can you repeat that?" For example, if someone mumbles a question and you didn't catch what they said, you could respond with "Poftim?" to ask them to repeat it.
When handing something to someone: Similar to the English "Here you go." For instance, if you're giving someone a pen, you might say "Poftim" as you hand it over.
When asking someone to elaborate or explain: If someone makes a statement and you want them to expand on their point, you might say "Poftim?" signaling for more information.
When offering something (like in a shop or restaurant): It can be like saying "May I help you?" or "Would you like...?" If you're a waiter and approach a table, "Poftim?" can be a way to prompt customers to place their order.
When inviting someone to do something: For example, if you're opening a door for someone, you could say "Poftim" to mean "After you" or "Please, go ahead."
In practice, the meaning of “Poftim?” becomes clear from the context and intonation. As a learner, it can be a handy phrase due to its flexibility, but it’s important to pay attention to social cues to interpret or use