Learn Romanian › macar
macar
at least /məˈkar/
adverb#1422 most common
Also: even, if only, although (in the fixed phrase măcar că)
Example sentences
Vreau măcar o cafea.
I want at least one coffee.
Dă-mi măcar un semn.
Give me at least a sign.
Nu am bani, dar am măcar sănătate.
I don't have money, but I have at least my health.
Măcar să-mi fi spus adevărul.
If only you had at least told me the truth.
Măcar că ploua, am ieșit la plimbare.
Although it was raining, we went out for a walk.
De-ar fi știut măcar cât de mult conta pentru mine, poate ar fi rămas.
If only he had known even how much it mattered to me, he might have stayed.
Word family
măcar căalthough, even though
măcar deif only
cel puținat least (near-synonym, native Romanian phrasing)
baremat least (regional, colloquial synonym, also of Greek origin)
Etymology
Măcar entered Romanian from Modern Greek μακάρι (makari), an interjection meaning "if only" or "would that," itself linked to μακάριος (makarios), "blessed" or "fortunate." The word spread through the Balkans during centuries of contact with Greek-speaking administration and trade, and Romanian is not alone in borrowing it. Over time the original wishful sense narrowed in Romanian toward "at least," the minimal share of something one hopes for.
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