Difference between revisions of "Language/Polish/Grammar/Cases"

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Cases are very important in declension languages: they are the ones that give meaning to sentences. This is why it is necessary to know how to use them correctly. Click on each of them (there are seven) to discover the chord rules and when to use them !!
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Polish|Polish]]  → [[Language/Polish/Grammar|Grammar]] → Cases</div>
[[File:Poland-Timeline-PolyglotClub.png|thumb]]
Hi Polish Learners! 😃 In today's lesson we will learn How to use '''CASES''' in Polish. Cases are very important in declension languages: they give meaning to sentences. This is why it is necessary to know how to use them correctly. There are '''7 Polish cases''':
# nominative (mianownik)
# genitive (dopełniacz)
# dative (celownik)
# accusative (biernik)
# instrumental (narzędnik)
# locative (miejscownik)
# vocative (wołacz)
We have listed below each case with its agreement rules and how to use it. Happy learning!


<span link>Finish this lesson and explore these related pages:</span> [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Gender|Gender]], [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Adjectives|Adjectives]], [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Be-Polite|Be Polite]] & [[Language/Polish/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have|How to Use Have]].
__TOC__
== Nominative - "Mianownik" ==
== Nominative - "Mianownik" ==


Line 17: Line 29:
The genitive is mainly used to express possession.
The genitive is mainly used to express possession.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|My brother's car.
|Samochód mojego brata.
|Student bike.
|Rower studenta.
|-
|-
|'''French'''
!'''Translation'''
|My brother's car.
|My brother's car.
|The student's bike.
|The student's bike.
Line 27: Line 39:


But also in the following cases:
But also in the following cases:
* provenance or destination: idę do domu - I'm going home
* provenance or destination: ''idę do domu'' - I'm going home
* wracam ze studenta: i come back from (at) the student
* ''wracam od studenta'': i come back from (at) the student
* object complement in negative sentence: nie lubię studenta - I     don't like the student
* object complement in negative sentence: ''nie lubię studenta'' - I don't like the student
* after certain verbs (szukać: to seek - potrzebować: to need ...)     szukam studenta - I am looking for a student
* after certain verbs (''szukać'': to look for - ''potrzebować'': to need ...): ''szukam studenta'' - I am looking for a student


===Rules of agreement===
===Rules of agreement===
==== Nouns ====
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="7" |Names
|-
|-
| colspan="4" |'''Singular'''
! colspan="4" |'''Singular'''
| colspan="3" |'''Plural'''
! colspan="3" |'''Plural'''
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |'''Male'''
! colspan="2" |'''Masculine'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Feminine'''
! rowspan="2" |'''Feminine'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Neutral'''
! rowspan="2" |'''Neutral'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Male'''
! rowspan="2" |'''Masculine'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Feminine'''
! rowspan="2" |'''Feminine'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Neutral'''
! rowspan="2" |'''Neutral'''
|-
|-
|'''lively'''
!'''lively'''
|'''inanimate'''
!'''inanimate'''
|-
|-
|<nowiki>-a</nowiki><sup>[1]</sup>
|<nowiki>-a</nowiki><sup>[1]</sup>
Line 60: Line 73:


'''M''' -i
'''M''' -i
|<nowiki>-ISLAND</nowiki>
| -Ø
|<nowiki>-ISLAND</nowiki>
| -Ø
|}
|}


==== Adjectives ====
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="4" |Adjectives
|-
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Singular'''
! colspan="3" |'''Singular'''
|'''Plural'''
!'''Plural'''
|-
|-
|'''Male'''
!'''Masculine'''
|'''Feminine'''
!'''Feminine'''
|'''Neutral'''
!'''Neutral'''
|'''All kinds'''
!'''All kinds'''
|-
|-
|<nowiki>-ego</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ego</nowiki>
Line 80: Line 93:
|s
|s
|}
|}
# ↑ Names that are declined with ''-a'' are animated names, for the names of months, dishes, tools, measures, weights and coins, dances, parts of the body, for names in -ik / - yk, for city names in -burg.
# Nouns that are declined with ''-a'' are animated nouns, for the nouns of months, dishes, tools, measures, weights and coins, dances, parts of the body, for nouns in <code>-ik</code> / <code>-yk</code>, for city names in <code>-burg</code>.
# ↑ Names that decline with ''-u'' are inanimate names borrowed from other languages, abstract ideas, collectives (including las, forest), substances, days, cities in -grad, -gród, -gard , states and regions.
# Nouns that decline with ''<code>-u</code>'' are inanimate nouns borrowed from other languages, abstract ideas, collectives (including las, forest), substances, days, cities in <code>-grad, -gród, -gard</code> , states and regions.
# ↑ Names ending in ''-ia'' take -i if they are of Polish origin or -ii if they are of foreign origin.
# Nouns ending in <code>-ia</code> take <code>-i</code> if they are of Polish origin or <code>-ii</code> if they are of foreign origin.


====Notes====
====Notes====
* '''M''' means     "soft" (see ''Types of consonants'' )
* '''M''' means "soft"
* '''I''' means     "intermediates" (see ''Types of consonants'' )
* '''I''' means "intermediates"
* '''D''' means     "hard" (see ''Types of consonants'' )
* '''D''' means "hard"
* '''-Ø''' means we     remove the last consonant.
* '''-Ø''' means we remove the last consonant.


===Examples===
===Examples===
'''Arrangement: '''''nominative (gender): genitive singular, genitive plural''
'''Agreement: '''''nominative (gender): genitive singular, genitive plural''


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|'''French'''
!'''Translation'''
|-
|-
|
|kot (masc.) : kota, kotów
|cat
|cat
|-
|-
|
|telefon (masc.) : telefonu, telefonów
|the phone
|the phone
|-
|-
|
|gwiazda (fem.) : gwiazdy, gwiazd
|the star
|the star
|-
|-
|
|noc (fem. and consonant) : nocy, nocy
|the night
|the night
|-
|-
|
|pilot (masc.) : pilota, pilotów
|the pilot
|the pilot
|-
|-
|
|meteoryt (masc.) : meteorytu, meteorytów
|the meteorite
|the meteorite
|-
|-
|
|planeta (fem.) : planety, planet
|the planet
|the planet
|-
|-
|
|jezioro (neutral) : jeziora, jezior
|Lake
|Lake
|} 
|} 
Line 125: Line 138:


=== When to use it? ===
=== When to use it? ===
The dative is used when speaking ''for'' or ''towards'' a person. We use the dative without marking the preposition ''for'' .
The dative is used when speaking ''for'' or ''towards (or to)'' a person. We use the dative without marking the preposition ''for'' .
* dziękuję studentowi: I thank the student (literally I thank the student)
* ''dziękuję studentowi'': I thank the student (literally I thank the student)
* obiecałam studentowi, że przyjdę: I promised the student that I would come
* ''obiecałam studentowi, że przyjdę'': I promised the student that I would come
*''daję ci to'': I'm giving this to you


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|children.
|dzieciom.
|-
|-
|'''French'''
!'''Translation'''
|For kids.
|For kids.
|}
|}


The use of + dative ''verse'' is rare (we will rather use ''à / au'' + genitive).
The use of + dative ''verse'' is rare and archaic (we will rather use ''ku'' + genitive; this is archaic/old-fashioned).


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|towards the baby
|ku dziecku
|-
|-
|'''French'''
!'''Translation'''
|Towards (the) child.
|Towards (the) child.
|}
|}


===Rules of agreement===
===Rules of agreement===
====Declension of  the singular dative====
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="3" |''Declension of  the singular dative''
!''' '''
|-
!'''Adjectives'''
|''' '''
!'''Nouns'''
|'''Adjectives'''
|'''Names'''
|-
|-
|Male
!Masculine
|<nowiki>-(i) emu</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-(i) emu</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-u, -u *</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-u, -u *</nowiki>
|-
|-
|Feminine
!Feminine
|<nowiki>- (i) ej</nowiki>
|<nowiki>- (i) ej</nowiki>
|'''D''' -'e ; '''M''' -y (-i)**
|'''D''' -'e ; '''M''' -y (-i)**
|-
|-
|Neutral
!Neutral
|<nowiki>-(i) emu</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-(i) emu</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-u ***</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-u ***</nowiki>
|}
|}
 
====Dative plural  declension====
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="3" |''Dative plural  declension''
!''' '''
|-
!'''Adjectives'''
|''' '''
!'''Nouns'''
|'''Adjectives'''
|'''Names'''
|-
|-
|Male
!Masculine
|<nowiki>-ym (-im)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ym (-im)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-if</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-if</nowiki>
|-
|-
|Feminine
!Feminine
|<nowiki>-ym (-im)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ym (-im)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-if</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-if</nowiki>
|-
|-
|Neutral
!Neutral
|<nowiki>-ym (-im)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ym (-im)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-if</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-if</nowiki>
|}
|}
We use what is in parentheses when the noun (or adjective) ends in ''k'' , ''g'' or ''ch'' .


<nowiki>*</nowiki> Some names take a ''-u'' including ojciec, brat, chłop, chłopiec, pan, Bóg, ksiądz, diabeł, pies, kot, świat, lew. ** The female names ending with - ''ia'' take -i, those finnisant by - ''i'' do not change and those ending in a consonant take -y (-i).
We use what is in parentheses when the noun (or adjective) ends in <code>''k'' , ''g'' or ''ch''</code> .
 
* Some nouns take a ''-<code>u</code>'' including ''ojciec, brat, chłop, chłopiec, pan, Bóg, ksiądz, diabeł, pies, kot, świat, lew''. 
* The Feminine nouns ending with <code>-''ia''</code> take <code>-i</code>, those ending with <code>-''i''</code> do not change and those ending in a consonant take <code>-y (-i)</code>.


== Accusative - "Biernik" which comes from bierny (passive). ==
== Accusative - "Biernik" which comes from bierny (passive). ==


direct object complement Widzę studenta: I see the student after the verbs of movement with prepositions (na, po ...) idę na koncert: I go to the concert
direct object ''Widzę studenta'': I see the student after the verbs of movement with prepositions (na, po ...):
* ''idę na koncert'': I'm going to a concert


The accusative is mainly used to express the COD
The accusative is mainly used to express the direct object


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|I have ''an  hour'' .
|Mam ''godzinę''.
|-
|-
|'''French'''
!'''Translation'''
|I have the time.
|I have an hour
|}
|}
This case is also used after a verb-preposition pair:
This case is also used after a verb-preposition pair:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|I'm waiting for ''my  brother'' .
|Czekam na ''mojego brata''.
|-
|-
|'''French'''
!'''Translation'''
|I am waiting for my brother.
|I am waiting for my brother.
|}
|}


After ''przez'' (by, through), ''za'' (in or after a period of time; in exchange for), ''na'' (for, in the goal), ''w'' (to enter):
After '''przez''' (by, through), '''za '''(in or after a period of time; in exchange for), '''na''' (for, in the goal), '''w''' (to enter):
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|We go into the ''forest'' .
|Wchodzimy w ''las''.
|-
|-
|'''French'''
!'''Translation'''
|We enter the forest.
|We enter the forest.
|}
|}


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|Thanks for the ''gift'' .
|Dziękuję za ''prezent''.
|-
|-
|'''French'''
!'''Translation'''
|Thank you for the gift.
|Thank you for the gift.
|}
|}


After ''nad,'' pod, ''przed'' , ''za'' , prepositions shared with the instrumental and used with the accusative when they express a direction:
After '''nad,''' '''pod''', '''przed''' , '''za''' , prepositions shared with the instrumental and used with the accusative when they express a direction:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|We're going to the ''seaside'' .
!Jedziemy nad ''morze''.
|-
|-
|'''French'''
|'''Translation'''
|We are going to the sea.
|We are going to the sea.
|}
|}


To express a duration ( ''during'' ):
To express a duration (''during''):
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|I worked there for ''one  hour'' .
|Pracowałem tam ''jedną godzinę''.
|-
|-
|'''French'''
!'''Translation'''
|I worked here (for) an hour.
|I worked there for an hour.
|}
|}


===Rules of agreement===
===Rules of agreement===
==== Nouns ====
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="8" |Names
|-
|-
| colspan="4" |'''Singular'''
! colspan="4" |'''Singular'''
| colspan="4" |'''Plural'''
! colspan="4" |'''Plural'''
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |'''Male'''
! colspan="2" |'''masculine'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Feminine'''
! rowspan="2" |'''Feminine'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Neutral'''
! rowspan="2" |'''Neutral'''
| colspan="2" |'''Male'''
! colspan="2" |'''masculine'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Feminine'''
! rowspan="2" |'''Feminine'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Neutral'''
! rowspan="2" |'''Neutral'''
|-
|-
|'''animated (human, animal)'''
|'''animated (human, animal)'''
Line 269: Line 284:
|<nowiki>-a</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-a</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-e</nowiki>
| -ę
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|= Genitive plural
|= Genitive plural
Line 275: Line 290:
|= Nominative plural
|= Nominative plural
|<nowiki>-a</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-a</nowiki>
|} 
|}


==== Adjectives ====
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="6" |Adjectives
|-
|-
| colspan="4" |'''Singular'''
! colspan="4" |'''Singular'''
| colspan="2" |'''Plural'''
! colspan="2" |'''Plural'''
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |'''Male'''
! colspan="2" |'''masculine'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Feminine'''
! rowspan="2" |'''Feminine'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Neutral'''
! rowspan="2" |'''Neutral'''
| rowspan="2" |'''personal (human)'''
! rowspan="2" |'''personal (human)'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Others'''
! rowspan="2" |'''Others'''
|-
|-
|'''lively'''
|'''lively'''
|'''inanimate (an object or an idea)'''
|'''inanimate (an object or an idea)'''
|-
|-
|<nowiki>-ego</nowiki>
| -ego
|<nowiki>-Y</nowiki>
| -y
|<nowiki>-at</nowiki>
| -ą
|<nowiki>-And</nowiki>
| -e
|s
| -ych
|<nowiki>-And</nowiki>
| -e
|}
|}


====Notes====
====Notes====
* '''M''' means     "soft" (see ''Types of consonants'' )
* '''M''' means "soft"
* '''I''' means     "intermediates" (see ''Types of consonants'' )
* '''I''' means "intermediates"
* '''D''' means     "hard" (see ''Types of consonants'' )
* '''D''' means "hard"
* '''-Ø''' means we remove the     last consonant.
* '''-Ø''' means we remove the last consonant.
 
* Declinations in <code>-y</code> or <code>-ych</code> change to <code>-i</code> and <code>-ich</code> if the preceding consonant is soft or is either <code>k'</code> , or <code>g</code> , or <code>ch</code>.
* Declinations in ''-y'' or ''-ych'' change to ''-i'' and ''-ich'' if the preceding consonant is soft or is either ''k'' , or ''g'' , or ''ch'' .


===Examples===
===Examples===


'''Arrangement: '''''nominative (gender): accusative singular, accusative plural''
'''Agreement: '''''nominative (gender): accusative singular, accusative plural''


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|'''French'''
|!'''Translation'''
|-
|-
|
|kot (masc.) : kota, koty
|cat
|cat
|-
|-
|
|telefon (masc.) : telefon, telefony
|the phone
|the phone
|-
|-
|
|gwiazda (fem.) : gwiazdę, gwiazdy
|the star
|the star
|-
|-
|
|noc (fem. + consonant) : noc, noce
|the night
|the night
|-
|-
|
|pilot (masc.) : pilota, pilotów
|the pilot
|the pilot
|-
|-
|
|meteoryt (masc.) : meteoryt, meteoryty
|the meteorite
|the meteorite
|-
|-
|
|planeta (fem.) : planetę, planety
|the planet
|the planet
|-
|-
|
|jezioro (neutral) : jezioro, jeziora
|Lake
|Lake
|}
|}


==Instrumental - "Narzędnik"==
==Instrumental - "Narzędnik"==
===When to use it? ===
===When to use it? ===
1. The means or the instrument ": Jadę autobusem: I go by bus
# The means or the instrument ": ''Jadę autobusem'': I'm going by bus
# Support: ''rozmawiam z studentem'': I speak with a student
# Subject attribute: ''jestem studentem'': I am a student


2. Support: rozmawiam z studentem: I speak with a student
The instrumental is probably the easiest case of all. In Polish its name is more exotic: narzędnik. Narzędnik comes from the word ''narzędzie'' which means tool, instrument.


3. Subject attribute: jestem studentem: I am a student
The Polish name of this case serves to recall one of the possible uses. That is to say, when we use something as a tool, we use the instrumental. 


For example :
* ''Dziecko je widelcem'' The child eats with a fork. 
* ''Studentka pisze ołówkiem'' The student writes with a pencil.


The instrumental is probably the easiest case of all. In Polish its name is more exotic: narzędnik. Narzędnik comes from the word narzędzie which means tool, instrument.
The instrumental must always appear after the preposition <code>z</code> in the sense of "with" (because <code>z</code> can also mean "of"), for example:  
* dżin z tonikiem (gin tonic),
* kobieta z mężczyzną (woman with man),  
* woda z lodem (water with ice cubes).


Another situation where we use the instrumental is after the verb <code>być</code> (to be) conjugated. 


The Polish name of this case serves to recall one of the possible uses. That is to say, when we use something as a tool, we use the instrumental. For example :
For example:  
 
* Ja jestem Polką. I am Polish.  
 
* On jest rybakiem. He is a fisherman.  
Dziecko je widelcem The child eats with a fork. Studentka pisze ołówkiem The student writes with a pencil.
* One są babciami. They are grandmothers.
 
 
The instrumental must always appear after the preposition z in the sense of with (because z can also mean of), for example: dżin z tonikiem (gin tonic), kobieta z mężczyzną (woman with man), woda z lodem (water with ice cubes).
 
 
Another situation where we use the instrumental is after the verb być (to be) conjugated. For example: Ja jestem Polką. We are rybakiem. One są babciami. This rule does not apply to first names. We say: Jestem Ilona and not Jestem Iloną. However, an actor could say Jestem Hamletem, since it is not his first name but the role he plays.


This rule does not apply to first names. We say: ''Jestem Ilona'' and not ''Jestem Iloną''. However, an actor could say ''Jestem Hamletem'', since it is not his first name but the role he plays.


We also use the instrumental when we speak of:
We also use the instrumental when we speak of:
 
* nationality: On jest Serbem, One są Brazylijkami; = He is Serb, They are Brazilians;
* nationality: On jest Serbem, One są Brazylijkami;
* professions: My jesteśmy fryzjerkami, Ona jest antropolożką; = We are hairdressers, she is an anthropologist;
* professions: My jesteśmy fryzjerkami, Ona jest antropolożką;
* family: On jest ojcem, Wy jesteście wnuczkami; = He is the father, you are granddaughters;
* family: On jest ojcem, Wy jesteście wnuczkami;
* sexual orientation: Jestem lesbijką, Oni są gejami; = I am a lesbian, They are gay;
* sexual orientation: Jestem lesbijką, Oni są gejami;
* religion: Jesteś buddystą, Jestem ateistą = You are a Buddhist, I am an atheist
* religion: Jesteś buddystą, Jestem ateistą


etc.
etc.
==== Singular agreement rules ====
==== Singular agreement rules ====
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="4" |
==== Singular ====
|-
|-
|'''Genre - Genus'''
!'''Gender - Rodzaj'''
|'''Adjective'''
!'''Adjective'''
|'''Last name'''
!'''Noun'''
|'''Examples'''
!'''Examples'''
|-
|-
|Male - męski
!masculine - męski
|<nowiki>-ym</nowiki>
| -ym
 
-k or -g + -im
-k or -g plus -im
| -em
|<nowiki>-em</nowiki>
-k or -g + -iem
 
-k or -g plus -iem
 
-ą
-ą
|
|sympatycznym nauczyciel-em
sympatycznym Polak-iem
wysokim mężczyzn-ą
|-
|-
|Female - żeński
!Feminine - żeński
|<nowiki>-at</nowiki>
| -ą
|<nowiki>-at</nowiki>
| -ą
|
|sympatyczn-ą nauczycielk-ą
wysoką kobiet-ą
miłą pani-ą
|-
|-
|Neutral - Nijaki
!Neutral - Nijaki
|<nowiki>-k or -g plus -im</nowiki>
| -k ou -g +-im
 
-ym
-ym
|<nowiki>-em</nowiki>
| -em
 
-k or -g + -iem
-k or -g plus -iem
|polskim kin-em
|
sympatycznym dzieck-iem
|}
|}


==== Plural agreement rules ==== 
==== Plural agreement rules ====
 
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="4" |
==== Plural ====
|-
|-
|'''Genre - Genus'''
!'''Genre - Genus'''
|'''Adjective'''
!'''Adjective'''
|'''Last name'''
!'''Noun'''
|'''Endings (Końcówki'''
|'''Endings (Końcówki)'''
|-
|-
|Male - męski
!Masculine - męski
|nice
|sympatycznymi
|male teachers
|nauczycielami
|adjectives in -ymi or -k, -g + imi and nouns take -ami
mężczyznami
|adjectives in <code>-ymi</code> or <code>-k, -g + imi</code> and nouns take <code>-ami</code>
|-
|-
|Female - żeński
!Feminine - żeński
|tall
|wysokimi
|women
|kobietami
 
nauczycielkami
teachers
|adjectives in <code>-ymi</code> or <code>-k, -g + imi</code> and nouns take <code>-ami</code>
|adjectives in -ymi or -k, -g + imi and nouns take -ami
|-
|-
|Neutral - Nijaki
!Neutral - Nijaki
|good ones
|dobrymi
|
|autami
|adjectives in -ymi or -k, -g + imi and nouns take -ami
|adjectives in <code>-ymi</code> or <code>-k, -g + imi</code> and nouns take <code>-ami</code>
|} 
|}
 
==== Examples ==== 


==== Examples ====
The instrumental is mainly used to express the medium.
The instrumental is mainly used to express the medium.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|I'm going by plane.
|Polecę samolotem.
|-
|-
|'''French'''
!'''Translation'''
|I'll go by plane.
|I'll go by plane.
|}
|}
Line 455: Line 464:
We also use this case with the preposition "with", '''z''' in Polish.
We also use this case with the preposition "with", '''z''' in Polish.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|I am with them.
|Jestem z nimi.
|-
|-
|'''French'''
!'''Translation'''
|I am with them.
|I am with them.
|}
|}
Note: we can omit the preposition ''z'' .
Note: we can omit the preposition ''z'' .


This case is also used with nouns called "predicates" (part of the sentence (or clause) that says something about the subject, other than naming it).
This case is also used with nouns called "predicates" (part of the sentence (or clause) that says something about the subject, other than naming it).
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Polish'''
!'''Polish'''
|Our neighbor is a doctor.
|Nasz sąsiad jest lekarzem.
|-
|-
|'''French'''
!'''Translation'''
|Our neighbor is a doctor.
|Our neighbor is a doctor.
|}
|}


== Rental - "Miejscownik" ==
== Locative - "Miejscownik" ==


Locative is mainly used to express the situation of something / someone. Always used with a preposition (o, w, przy ...), jestem w łazience: I'm in the bathroom - re: myślę o studencie - I think of the student
Locative is mainly used to express the situation of something / someone. Always used with a preposition (o, w, przy ...),  
* ''jestem w łazience'': I'm in the bathroom
* ''myślę o studencie'' - I think of the student
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|Polish
!'''Polish'''
|
|Czy on jeszcze mieszka w Polsce ?
|-
|-
|French
!'''Translation'''
|Does he still live in Poland?
|Does he still live in Poland?
|}
|}


==== Rules of agreement: ====
===Rules of agreement===
 
==== Declension of the singular locative ====
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="3" |''Declension of the singular locative''
|-
|-
|''' '''
!''' '''
|'''Adjectives'''
!'''Adjectives'''
|'''Names'''
!'''Nouns'''
|-
|-
|Male
!'''Masculine'''
|<nowiki>-ym (-im)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ym (-im)</nowiki>
|'''D''' -'e ; '''M''' -u*
|'''D''' -'e ; '''M''' -u*
|-
|-
|Feminine
!'''Feminine'''
|<nowiki>-not</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-not</nowiki>
|'''D''' -'e ; '''M''' -y (-i)**
|'''D''' -'e ; '''M''' -y (-i)**
|-
|-
|Neutral
!'''Neutral'''
|<nowiki>-ym (-im)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ym (-im)</nowiki>
|'''D''' -'e ; '''M''' -u***
|'''D''' -'e ; '''M''' -u***
|}
|}
==== Declension of the plural locative ====
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="3" |''Declension of the plural locative''
|-
|-
|''' '''
!''' '''
|'''Adjectives'''
!'''Adjectives'''
|'''Names'''
!'''Nouns'''
|-
|-
|Male
!'''Masculine'''
|<nowiki>-ych (s)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ych (s)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ach</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ach</nowiki>
|-
|-
|Feminine
!'''Feminine'''
|<nowiki>-ych (s)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ych (s)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ach</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ach</nowiki>
|-
|-
|Neutral
!'''Neutral'''
|<nowiki>-ych (s)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ych (s)</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ach</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-ach</nowiki>
|}
|}
We use what is in parentheses when the noun (or adjective) ends in k , g or ch .


• Words ending in - k , - g , - ch and - / e / c take the ending -u. Some irregular words also take this endings, the most important of which are dom ( house ), syn ( son ) and pan ( sir ).
We use what is in parenthesis when the noun (or adjective) ends in <code>k , g or ch</code>.
 
* Words ending in <code>-k , -g , -ch and -/e/c</code> take the ending <code>-u</code>. Some irregular words also take this endings, the most important of which are '''dom''' (house), '''syn''' (son) and '''pan''' (sir).
* Feminine nouns ending with <code>-ia</code> take <code>-i</code>, those ending in <code>-i</code> do not change and those ending in a consonant take <code>-y(-i)</code>.
* Neutral nouns ending in <code>-ę</code> take <code>-u + la</code>. Names in <code>-um</code> do not decline.


o Female names ending with - ia take -i, those ending in - i do not change and those ending in a consonant take -y (-i).
== Vocative - "wołacz" ==


 Neutral nouns ending in - ę take -u + la. Names in - um do not decline.
We address the person: studencie!


== Vocatif - "wołacz" == 
The vocative (wołacz) is formed like this:


We address the person: studencie!
* Feminine nouns usually take <code>-o</code>, with the exception of those ending in <code>-sia, -cia, -nia, and -dzia</code>, which will end in <code>-u</code>, and those ending in <code>-sia, -cia, -nia, and -dzia</code>. end in <code>-ść</code>, which will take <code>-i</code>.
 
* Masculine nouns follow a more complex logic but the following table will give you the main endings, examples:  
** Bóg → Boże ("God"),
** ojciec → ojcze ("father")
** chłopiec → chłopcze ("boy"). 
 
* Neutral nouns follow the case of nominative.


The vocative ( ''wołacz'' ) is formed like this: feminine nouns usually take -o, with the exception of those ending in -sia, -cia, -nia, and -dzia, which will end in -u, and those ending in -sia, -cia, -nia, and -dzia. end in -ść, which will take -i. Male nouns follow a more complex logic but the following table will give you the main endings, examples: Bóg → Boże ("God"), ojciec → ojcze ("father") and chłopiec → chłopcze ("boy"). Neutral names follow the case of registered names.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Nominative'''
!'''Nominative'''
|'''Vocative'''
!'''Vocative'''
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |'''Feminine'''
! colspan="2" |'''Feminine'''
|-
|-
|''Pani Ewa'' (Mde. Eve)
|''Pani Ewa'' (Mde. Eve)
|''Pani Hero! ''(Mde. Eve!)
|''Pani Ewo! ''(Mde. Eve!)
|-
|-
|''Ewusia'' (diminutive of ''Ewa'' )
|''Ewusia'' (diminutive of ''Ewa'' )
|''Ewusiu!''
|''Ewusiu!''
|-
|-
|''dark'' (darkness)
|''ciemność'' (darkness)
|''darkness!''
|''ciemności!''
|-
|-
|''book'' (livre)
|''książka'' (book)
|''the book!''
|''książko!''
|-
|-
| colspan="2" |'''Male'''
! colspan="2" |'''Masculine'''
|-
|-
|''Pan profesor'' (Mr. Professor)
|''Pan profesor'' (Mr. Professor)
|''Professor! ''(Mr. Professeur!)
|''Panie profesorze! ''(Mr. Professor!)
|-
|-
|''Christopher'' (Christopher)
|''Krzysztof'' (Christopher)
|''Krzysztof! ''(Christopher!)
|''Krzysztofie! ''(Christopher!)
|-
|-
|''Christopher Robin'' (Chris)
|''Krzyś'' (Chris)
|''Krzysiu! ''(Chris!)
|''Krzysiu! ''(Chris!)
|-
|-
|''wilk'' (Wolf)
|''wilk'' (Wolf)
|''wolf!''
|''wilku!''
|}
|}
The nominative is used more and more instead of the vocative when addressing people with their proper names. In these other cases, however, it will also be used:
The nominative is used more and more instead of the vocative when addressing people with their proper names. In these other cases, however, it will also be used:


• To address a person using their function, title, rank or role in the family
===To address a person using their function, title, rank or role in the family===
* Panie doktorze (Doctor!), Panie prezesie! (Director!)
* Przybywasz za późno, pływaku (You arrived too late, swimmer)
* synu (son!), mamo (mom!), tato (dad!)
===Sometimes for the demonstrative .... emphasis===
* Nie rozumiesz mnie, moja droga Basiu! (You don't understand me, my dear Basia!)
===To address a person in a condescending manner===
* Zamknij się, pajacu! (Shut up, clown!)
* Co się gapisz, idioto? (What are you looking at, idiot!)
* Nie znasz się, baranie, to nie pisz (Stop writing, idiot, you don't know anything!)
* Spadaj wieśniaku! (Get out of the way, peasant!)
===After "Ty" (personal pronoun - singular second person)===
* Ty kłamczuchu! (You liar!)
===Ready-made expressions===
*(O) Matko!, (O) Boże!, chłopie (Mother!, God!, man)


o Doctor (Docteur!), Mr. President! (Directeur!)
The vocative is also sometimes used in an emotional context like:
* Kocham Cię, Krzysiu! ("I love you, Chris!")  
Or
* Tęsknię za Tobą, moja Żono. ("I miss you, my wife!").


o You come too late, swimmer (Tu arrives trop tard, Nageur)
== Summary ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
o synu (son!), mamo (mom!), tato (dad!)
!Case
 
!Usage
• Sometimes for the demonstrative .... emphasis:
!Example (kot - cat)
 
|-
o You don't understand me, my dear Basia! (Tu ne me comprends pas, ma chère Basia!)
|Nominative
 
|Subject of the sentence, basic form of the noun
• To address a person in a condescending manner:
|kot
|-
|Genitive
|Shows possession, "of" relationship, or used after certain prepositions
|kota
|-
|Dative
|Indirect object, "to/for" relationship, or used after certain prepositions
|kotu
|-
|Accusative
|Direct object, used after certain prepositions
|kota
|-
|Instrumental
|Means/instrument of action, "with/using" relationship, or used after certain prepositions
|kotem
|-
|Locative
|Location, used after certain prepositions
|kocie
|-
|Vocative
|Direct address, calling someone/something
|kocie!
|}
In the table above, we provide a summary of the seven cases in Polish grammar, their usage, and an example using the noun "kot" (cat).


o Shut up, clown u ! ("Tais toi, Bouffon!")
== Quiz ==
=== Questions ===
# What Polish case is used for the subject of a sentence?
# How is possession typically expressed in Polish grammar?
# In which case is an indirect object in Polish?
# Which case is used in Polish after certain prepositions like "na" and "po"?
# When is the instrumental case used in Polish?
# What is the primary function of the locative case in Polish?
# How is the vocative case typically used in Polish?
# Translate the following into the correct case: "I am speaking with a student" (rozmawiam z ___________).
# In which case would you place the noun in this sentence: "I'm thinking about the cat" (Myślę o ___________).
# How would you address a professor directly in Polish using the vocative case?


o Co się gapisz, silly o ? ("What are you looking at, idiot!")
=== Answers ===
# Nominative (Mianownik).
# Genitive (Dopełniacz).
# Dative (Celownik).
# Accusative (Biernik).
# Instrumental (Narzędnik), used for means or instruments.
# Locative (Miejscownik), used with prepositions to express location or situation.
# Vocative (Wołacz), used for direct address.
# "studentem" (Instrumental case).
# "kocie" (Locative case).
# "Panie profesorze!" (Vocative case).


o You do not know, ram ie , it does not write ( "Arrête d'écrire, idiot, Tu ne connais rien!")


o Spadaj wieśniak u ! ("Get out of the way, peasant!")
Below, you will find specific more in-depth lessons for each Polish case:


• After "Ty" (personal pronoun - singular second person)
{{Polish-Cases}}


o Ty kłamczuchu! (You liar!)
==Videos - Polish Cases==
===7 Polish cases easy explanation===
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKj5IfQo34s</youtube>
===Narzędnik czy Mianownik? Instrumental or Nominative?===
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucMFyQ3E2ms</youtube>
===9 most useful applications of Genitive Case in Polish===
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buHkzkgdlIg</youtube>
===Learn Polish Fast : The main function of Instrumental case===
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6857mR08ugs</youtube>


• Ready-made expressions:
== Sources ==
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_grammar
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKj5IfQo34s
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucMFyQ3E2ms
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buHkzkgdlIg
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6857mR08ugs


o (O) Mother !, (O) God !, man
==Other Lessons==
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Possessive-Case-in-Polish|Possessive Case in Polish]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/mieć-to-have|mieć to have]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Perfective-and-imperfective-verbs|Perfective and imperfective verbs]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Plurals|Plurals]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Conditional-Tense|Conditional Tense]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Gender|Gender]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Nouns|Nouns]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be|How to Use Be]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Conditional-Mood|Conditional Mood]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Indefinite-Articles-in-Polish|Indefinite Articles in Polish]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Definite-Articles-in-Polish|Definite Articles in Polish]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Pronouns|Pronouns]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have|How to Use Have]]
* [[Language/Polish/Grammar/Imperative-Mood|Imperative Mood]]


The vocative is also sometimes 
<span maj></span> <span gpt></span> <span model=gpt-3.5-turbo></span>
<span links></span>

Latest revision as of 20:05, 25 November 2023

Polish → Grammar → Cases
Poland-Timeline-PolyglotClub.png

Hi Polish Learners! 😃 In today's lesson we will learn How to use CASES in Polish. Cases are very important in declension languages: they give meaning to sentences. This is why it is necessary to know how to use them correctly. There are 7 Polish cases:

  1. nominative (mianownik)
  2. genitive (dopełniacz)
  3. dative (celownik)
  4. accusative (biernik)
  5. instrumental (narzędnik)
  6. locative (miejscownik)
  7. vocative (wołacz)

We have listed below each case with its agreement rules and how to use it. Happy learning!

Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: Gender, Adjectives, Be Polite & How to Use Have.

Nominative - "Mianownik"[edit | edit source]

When to use it?[edit | edit source]

So, let's start with the simplest case of all - the nominative (in Polish - mianownik). This is the basic name, as it appears in a dictionary (you need to have one to learn Polish well, of course). And this is the case which is used when a noun is the subject of a sentence.

For example, let's take one of the most beloved Polish drinks - Żubrówka. If you want to explain to someone what Żubrówka is, you would make a simple sentence like this: "Żubrówka is a type of vodka" which in Polish can be translated as: "Żubrówka jest rodzajem wódki".

The subject of the sentence, Żubrówka does not acquire a "funky" ending (yes I confirm there are funky endings in Polish !!). It stays the same. You see ? Easy as pie! It's the other noun that have changed, but you'll see why as you explore the following cases.

Another example: Student uczy się: the student studies, "Student" is here in the nominative form it therefore takes the basic form of the dictionary and it agrees in gender and numbers.

Genitive - "Dopełniacz"[edit | edit source]

When to use it?[edit | edit source]

The genitive is mainly used to express possession.

Polish Samochód mojego brata. Rower studenta.
Translation My brother's car. The student's bike.

But also in the following cases:

  • provenance or destination: idę do domu - I'm going home
  • wracam od studenta: i come back from (at) the student
  • object complement in negative sentence: nie lubię studenta - I don't like the student
  • after certain verbs (szukać: to look for - potrzebować: to need ...): szukam studenta - I am looking for a student

Rules of agreement[edit | edit source]

Nouns[edit | edit source]

Singular Plural
Masculine Feminine Neutral Masculine Feminine Neutral
lively inanimate
-a[1] -u [2] M -i

I , D  : -y [3]

-a D -ów

I -y

M -i

-Ø -Ø

Adjectives[edit | edit source]

Singular Plural
Masculine Feminine Neutral All kinds
-ego -not -ego s
  1. Nouns that are declined with -a are animated nouns, for the nouns of months, dishes, tools, measures, weights and coins, dances, parts of the body, for nouns in -ik / -yk, for city names in -burg.
  2. Nouns that decline with -u are inanimate nouns borrowed from other languages, abstract ideas, collectives (including las, forest), substances, days, cities in -grad, -gród, -gard , states and regions.
  3. Nouns ending in -ia take -i if they are of Polish origin or -ii if they are of foreign origin.

Notes[edit | edit source]

  • M means "soft"
  • I means "intermediates"
  • D means "hard"
  • -Ø means we remove the last consonant.

Examples[edit | edit source]

Agreement: nominative (gender): genitive singular, genitive plural

Polish Translation
kot (masc.) : kota, kotów cat
telefon (masc.) : telefonu, telefonów the phone
gwiazda (fem.) : gwiazdy, gwiazd the star
noc (fem. and consonant) : nocy, nocy the night
pilot (masc.) : pilota, pilotów the pilot
meteoryt (masc.) : meteorytu, meteorytów the meteorite
planeta (fem.) : planety, planet the planet
jezioro (neutral) : jeziora, jezior Lake

 

Dative - "Celownik" which comes from celować (to aim).[edit | edit source]

When to use it?[edit | edit source]

The dative is used when speaking for or towards (or to) a person. We use the dative without marking the preposition for .

  • dziękuję studentowi: I thank the student (literally I thank the student)
  • obiecałam studentowi, że przyjdę: I promised the student that I would come
  • daję ci to: I'm giving this to you
Polish dzieciom.
Translation For kids.

The use of + dative verse is rare and archaic (we will rather use ku + genitive; this is archaic/old-fashioned).

Polish ku dziecku
Translation Towards (the) child.

Rules of agreement[edit | edit source]

Declension of the singular dative[edit | edit source]

  Adjectives Nouns
Masculine -(i) emu -u, -u *
Feminine - (i) ej D -'e ; M -y (-i)**
Neutral -(i) emu -u ***

Dative plural declension[edit | edit source]

  Adjectives Nouns
Masculine -ym (-im) -if
Feminine -ym (-im) -if
Neutral -ym (-im) -if

We use what is in parentheses when the noun (or adjective) ends in k , g or ch .

  • Some nouns take a -u including ojciec, brat, chłop, chłopiec, pan, Bóg, ksiądz, diabeł, pies, kot, świat, lew. 
  • The Feminine nouns ending with -ia take -i, those ending with -i do not change and those ending in a consonant take -y (-i).

Accusative - "Biernik" which comes from bierny (passive).[edit | edit source]

direct object Widzę studenta: I see the student after the verbs of movement with prepositions (na, po ...):

  • idę na koncert: I'm going to a concert

The accusative is mainly used to express the direct object

Polish Mam godzinę.
Translation I have an hour

This case is also used after a verb-preposition pair:

Polish Czekam na mojego brata.
Translation I am waiting for my brother.

After przez (by, through), za (in or after a period of time; in exchange for), na (for, in the goal), w (to enter):

Polish Wchodzimy w las.
Translation We enter the forest.
Polish Dziękuję za prezent.
Translation Thank you for the gift.

After nad, pod, przed , za , prepositions shared with the instrumental and used with the accusative when they express a direction:

Polish Jedziemy nad morze.
Translation We are going to the sea.

To express a duration (during):

Polish Pracowałem tam jedną godzinę.
Translation I worked there for an hour.

Rules of agreement[edit | edit source]

Nouns[edit | edit source]

Singular Plural
masculine Feminine Neutral masculine Feminine Neutral
animated (human, animal) inanimate (an object or an idea) personal (human) impersonal (animals and objects)
-a - -ę - = Genitive plural = Nominative plural = Nominative plural -a

 Adjectives[edit | edit source]

Singular Plural
masculine Feminine Neutral personal (human) Others
lively inanimate (an object or an idea)
-ego -y -ą -e -ych -e

Notes[edit | edit source]

  • M means "soft"
  • I means "intermediates"
  • D means "hard"
  • -Ø means we remove the last consonant.
  • Declinations in -y or -ych change to -i and -ich if the preceding consonant is soft or is either k' , or g , or ch.

Examples[edit | edit source]

Agreement: nominative (gender): accusative singular, accusative plural

Polish !Translation
kot (masc.) : kota, koty cat
telefon (masc.) : telefon, telefony the phone
gwiazda (fem.) : gwiazdę, gwiazdy the star
noc (fem. + consonant) : noc, noce the night
pilot (masc.) : pilota, pilotów the pilot
meteoryt (masc.) : meteoryt, meteoryty the meteorite
planeta (fem.) : planetę, planety the planet
jezioro (neutral) : jezioro, jeziora Lake

Instrumental - "Narzędnik"[edit | edit source]

When to use it?[edit | edit source]

  1. The means or the instrument ": Jadę autobusem: I'm going by bus
  2. Support: rozmawiam z studentem: I speak with a student
  3. Subject attribute: jestem studentem: I am a student

The instrumental is probably the easiest case of all. In Polish its name is more exotic: narzędnik. Narzędnik comes from the word narzędzie which means tool, instrument.

The Polish name of this case serves to recall one of the possible uses. That is to say, when we use something as a tool, we use the instrumental. 

For example :

  • Dziecko je widelcem The child eats with a fork. 
  • Studentka pisze ołówkiem The student writes with a pencil.

The instrumental must always appear after the preposition z in the sense of "with" (because z can also mean "of"), for example:

  • dżin z tonikiem (gin tonic),
  • kobieta z mężczyzną (woman with man),
  • woda z lodem (water with ice cubes).

Another situation where we use the instrumental is after the verb być (to be) conjugated. 

For example:

  • Ja jestem Polką. I am Polish.
  • On jest rybakiem. He is a fisherman.
  • One są babciami. They are grandmothers.

This rule does not apply to first names. We say: Jestem Ilona and not Jestem Iloną. However, an actor could say Jestem Hamletem, since it is not his first name but the role he plays.

We also use the instrumental when we speak of:

  • nationality: On jest Serbem, One są Brazylijkami; = He is Serb, They are Brazilians;
  • professions: My jesteśmy fryzjerkami, Ona jest antropolożką; = We are hairdressers, she is an anthropologist;
  • family: On jest ojcem, Wy jesteście wnuczkami; = He is the father, you are granddaughters;
  • sexual orientation: Jestem lesbijką, Oni są gejami; = I am a lesbian, They are gay;
  • religion: Jesteś buddystą, Jestem ateistą = You are a Buddhist, I am an atheist

etc.

Singular agreement rules[edit | edit source]

Gender - Rodzaj Adjective Noun Examples
masculine - męski -ym

-k or -g + -im

-em

-k or -g + -iem -ą

sympatycznym nauczyciel-em

sympatycznym Polak-iem wysokim mężczyzn-ą

Feminine - żeński -ą -ą sympatyczn-ą nauczycielk-ą

wysoką kobiet-ą miłą pani-ą

Neutral - Nijaki -k ou -g +-im

-ym

-em

-k or -g + -iem

polskim kin-em

sympatycznym dzieck-iem

Plural agreement rules[edit | edit source]

Genre - Genus Adjective Noun Endings (Końcówki)
Masculine - męski sympatycznymi nauczycielami

mężczyznami

adjectives in -ymi or -k, -g + imi and nouns take -ami
Feminine - żeński wysokimi kobietami

nauczycielkami

adjectives in -ymi or -k, -g + imi and nouns take -ami
Neutral - Nijaki dobrymi autami adjectives in -ymi or -k, -g + imi and nouns take -ami

Examples[edit | edit source]

The instrumental is mainly used to express the medium.

Polish Polecę samolotem.
Translation I'll go by plane.

Note that there is no translation for "en". It is the use of the case that gives the meaning to the sentence.

We also use this case with the preposition "with", z in Polish.

Polish Jestem z nimi.
Translation I am with them.

Note: we can omit the preposition z .

This case is also used with nouns called "predicates" (part of the sentence (or clause) that says something about the subject, other than naming it).

Polish Nasz sąsiad jest lekarzem.
Translation Our neighbor is a doctor.

Locative - "Miejscownik"[edit | edit source]

Locative is mainly used to express the situation of something / someone. Always used with a preposition (o, w, przy ...),

  • jestem w łazience: I'm in the bathroom
  • myślę o studencie - I think of the student
Polish Czy on jeszcze mieszka w Polsce ?
Translation Does he still live in Poland?

Rules of agreement[edit | edit source]

Declension of the singular locative[edit | edit source]

  Adjectives Nouns
Masculine -ym (-im) D -'e ; M -u*
Feminine -not D -'e ; M -y (-i)**
Neutral -ym (-im) D -'e ; M -u***

Declension of the plural locative[edit | edit source]

  Adjectives Nouns
Masculine -ych (s) -ach
Feminine -ych (s) -ach
Neutral -ych (s) -ach

We use what is in parenthesis when the noun (or adjective) ends in k , g or ch.

  • Words ending in -k , -g , -ch and -/e/c take the ending -u. Some irregular words also take this endings, the most important of which are dom (house), syn (son) and pan (sir).
  • Feminine nouns ending with -ia take -i, those ending in -i do not change and those ending in a consonant take -y(-i).
  • Neutral nouns ending in -ę take -u + la. Names in -um do not decline.

Vocative - "wołacz"[edit | edit source]

We address the person: studencie!

The vocative (wołacz) is formed like this:

  • Feminine nouns usually take -o, with the exception of those ending in -sia, -cia, -nia, and -dzia, which will end in -u, and those ending in -sia, -cia, -nia, and -dzia. end in -ść, which will take -i.
  • Masculine nouns follow a more complex logic but the following table will give you the main endings, examples:
    • Bóg → Boże ("God"),
    • ojciec → ojcze ("father")
    • chłopiec → chłopcze ("boy"). 
  • Neutral nouns follow the case of nominative.
Nominative Vocative
Feminine
Pani Ewa (Mde. Eve) Pani Ewo! (Mde. Eve!)
Ewusia (diminutive of Ewa ) Ewusiu!
ciemność (darkness) ciemności!
książka (book) książko!
Masculine
Pan profesor (Mr. Professor) Panie profesorze! (Mr. Professor!)
Krzysztof (Christopher) Krzysztofie! (Christopher!)
Krzyś (Chris) Krzysiu! (Chris!)
wilk (Wolf) wilku!

The nominative is used more and more instead of the vocative when addressing people with their proper names. In these other cases, however, it will also be used:

To address a person using their function, title, rank or role in the family[edit | edit source]

  • Panie doktorze (Doctor!), Panie prezesie! (Director!)
  • Przybywasz za późno, pływaku (You arrived too late, swimmer)
  • synu (son!), mamo (mom!), tato (dad!)

Sometimes for the demonstrative .... emphasis[edit | edit source]

  • Nie rozumiesz mnie, moja droga Basiu! (You don't understand me, my dear Basia!)

To address a person in a condescending manner[edit | edit source]

  • Zamknij się, pajacu! (Shut up, clown!)
  • Co się gapisz, idioto? (What are you looking at, idiot!)
  • Nie znasz się, baranie, to nie pisz (Stop writing, idiot, you don't know anything!)
  • Spadaj wieśniaku! (Get out of the way, peasant!)

After "Ty" (personal pronoun - singular second person)[edit | edit source]

  • Ty kłamczuchu! (You liar!)

Ready-made expressions[edit | edit source]

  • (O) Matko!, (O) Boże!, chłopie (Mother!, God!, man)

The vocative is also sometimes used in an emotional context like:

  • Kocham Cię, Krzysiu! ("I love you, Chris!")

Or

  • Tęsknię za Tobą, moja Żono. ("I miss you, my wife!").

Summary[edit | edit source]

Case Usage Example (kot - cat)
Nominative Subject of the sentence, basic form of the noun kot
Genitive Shows possession, "of" relationship, or used after certain prepositions kota
Dative Indirect object, "to/for" relationship, or used after certain prepositions kotu
Accusative Direct object, used after certain prepositions kota
Instrumental Means/instrument of action, "with/using" relationship, or used after certain prepositions kotem
Locative Location, used after certain prepositions kocie
Vocative Direct address, calling someone/something kocie!

In the table above, we provide a summary of the seven cases in Polish grammar, their usage, and an example using the noun "kot" (cat).

Quiz[edit | edit source]

Questions[edit | edit source]

  1. What Polish case is used for the subject of a sentence?
  2. How is possession typically expressed in Polish grammar?
  3. In which case is an indirect object in Polish?
  4. Which case is used in Polish after certain prepositions like "na" and "po"?
  5. When is the instrumental case used in Polish?
  6. What is the primary function of the locative case in Polish?
  7. How is the vocative case typically used in Polish?
  8. Translate the following into the correct case: "I am speaking with a student" (rozmawiam z ___________).
  9. In which case would you place the noun in this sentence: "I'm thinking about the cat" (Myślę o ___________).
  10. How would you address a professor directly in Polish using the vocative case?

Answers[edit | edit source]

  1. Nominative (Mianownik).
  2. Genitive (Dopełniacz).
  3. Dative (Celownik).
  4. Accusative (Biernik).
  5. Instrumental (Narzędnik), used for means or instruments.
  6. Locative (Miejscownik), used with prepositions to express location or situation.
  7. Vocative (Wołacz), used for direct address.
  8. "studentem" (Instrumental case).
  9. "kocie" (Locative case).
  10. "Panie profesorze!" (Vocative case).


Below, you will find specific more in-depth lessons for each Polish case:

The 7 Polish Cases[edit source]

  1. nominative (mianownik)
  2. genitive (dopełniacz)
  3. dative (celownik)
  4. accusative (biernik)
  5. instrumental (narzędnik)
  6. locative (miejscownik)
  7. vocative (wołacz)

Videos - Polish Cases[edit | edit source]

7 Polish cases easy explanation[edit | edit source]

Narzędnik czy Mianownik? Instrumental or Nominative?[edit | edit source]

9 most useful applications of Genitive Case in Polish[edit | edit source]

Learn Polish Fast : The main function of Instrumental case[edit | edit source]

Sources[edit | edit source]

Other Lessons[edit | edit source]

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