Decât

Decât is a Romanian conjunction and particle used to express comparison or restriction. In comparative constructions it introduces the second element of the comparison, connecting it to the first by indicating a difference in degree or quantity. It typically accompanies adjectives or adverbs in their comparative forms, for example: mai mare decât mine, mai repede decât el.

In addition to its role in comparisons, decât forms the common expression nu am/nu avem decât, meaning "I have/there is only" or "not more than." This construction restricts the statement to a limited amount or number, as in nu am decât doi euro (I have only two euros) or nu avem decât o singură opțiune (we have only a single option). In these contexts decât is often equivalent to doar or numai in meaning, though the exact tone may vary.

Usage notes:

- Decât generally governs the second term of a comparison, which can be a noun phrase, a pronoun, or a clause, depending on the sentence.

- The negated nu + am/avem + decât is a common fixed pattern to express exclusivity.

- Both literate and colloquial Romanian use decât, though in very formal contexts some writers prefer alternative phrasing with doar or numai.

Etymology and classification:

Decât is commonly analyzed as a combination of de and cât (how much), historically forming a marker of limit in comparisons. It is treated as invariable and appears in various registers of Romanian.

See also:

Comparison constructions in Romanian, doar, numai, nu... decât.