This is the 31st most frequent Romanian word.
ale
"Ale" in Romanian means "the ones (feminine plural)" or is used as a possessive article for feminine plural nouns (e.g., "ale mele" = "mine").
Here, 'ale' serves as a definite article for a feminine plural noun in the genitive case indicating possession (preferences of people).
Preferințele ale oamenilor variază.
People's preferences vary.
In this usage, 'ale' acts as a definite article for a feminine plural noun in the genitive case showing association (flowers of the neighbor).
Florile ale vecinei sunt foarte frumoase.
The neighbor's flowers are very beautiful.
In this sentence, 'ale' is used as a definite article for a feminine plural noun in the genitive case referring to ownership (books of my colleague).