mancAre

Mâncare, often written mancarea when diacritics are omitted, is a Romanian noun meaning food or nourishment. It refers to edible substances in general and to meals or dishes prepared for consumption. In Romanian, mâncare can denote the concept of food as such, as well as the food that is consumed at a given time, and it is used in everyday speech, culinary contexts, and dietary discussions. The term is typically uncountable, though the plural form mâncăruri is used when referring to different dishes.

Etymology: The word derives from the verb a mânca (to eat) and ultimately from Latin manducare, meaning to chew or to eat. The diacritic form mâncare is standard in Romanian, while mancarea or mancări appear in texts that do not use special characters.

In Romanian cuisine, mâncare encompasses prepared dishes and the overall concept of nourishment, including soups, stews, and other cooked items. Romanian meals commonly feature a combination of grain-based dishes, vegetables, and protein, with regional variations across Transylvania, Moldova, Oltenia, and Dobrogea. Dishes are often described as mâncare tradițională, mâncare gătită, or simply as home-made food.

Nutrition and culture: Mâncare is central to social and family life, with food serving as a focal point of celebrations, hospitality, and daily routines. Food safety and storage are important considerations in managing mâncare, especially for leftovers and prepared meals.