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<div class="pg_page_title"> | <div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Polish|Polish]] → [[Language/Polish/Grammar|Grammar]] → Cases</div> | ||
[[File:Poland-Timeline-PolyglotClub.png|thumb]] | [[File:Poland-Timeline-PolyglotClub.png|thumb]] | ||
Hi Polish Learners! 😃 | 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) | |||
Cases are very important in declension languages: they give meaning to sentences. | # vocative (wołacz) | ||
We have listed below each case with its agreement rules and how to use it. Happy learning! | |||
There are '''7 Polish cases''': | |||
# nominative (mianownik) | |||
# genitive (dopełniacz) | |||
# dative (celownik) | |||
# accusative (biernik) | |||
# instrumental (narzędnik) | |||
# locative (miejscownik) | |||
# | |||
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__ | __TOC__ | ||
== Nominative - "Mianownik" == | == Nominative - "Mianownik" == | ||
| Line 58: | 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 | * ''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 look for - 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=== | ||
| Line 71: | Line 52: | ||
! colspan="3" |'''Plural''' | ! colspan="3" |'''Plural''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="2" |''' | ! colspan="2" |'''Masculine''' | ||
! rowspan="2" |'''Feminine''' | ! rowspan="2" |'''Feminine''' | ||
! rowspan="2" |'''Neutral''' | ! rowspan="2" |'''Neutral''' | ||
! rowspan="2" |''' | ! rowspan="2" |'''Masculine''' | ||
! rowspan="2" |'''Feminine''' | ! rowspan="2" |'''Feminine''' | ||
! rowspan="2" |'''Neutral''' | ! rowspan="2" |'''Neutral''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
!'''lively''' | |||
!'''inanimate''' | |||
|- | |- | ||
|<nowiki>-a</nowiki><sup>[1]</sup> | |<nowiki>-a</nowiki><sup>[1]</sup> | ||
| Line 102: | Line 83: | ||
!'''Plural''' | !'''Plural''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
!''' | !'''Masculine''' | ||
!'''Feminine''' | !'''Feminine''' | ||
!'''Neutral''' | !'''Neutral''' | ||
| Line 112: | Line 93: | ||
|s | |s | ||
|} | |} | ||
# | # 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>. | ||
# | # 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. | ||
# | # 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==== | ||
| Line 123: | Line 104: | ||
===Examples=== | ===Examples=== | ||
''' | '''Agreement: '''''nominative (gender): genitive singular, genitive plural'' | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| Line 135: | Line 116: | ||
|the phone | |the phone | ||
|- | |- | ||
|gwiazda ( | |gwiazda (fem.) : gwiazdy, gwiazd | ||
|the star | |the star | ||
|- | |- | ||
|noc ( | |noc (fem. and consonant) : nocy, nocy | ||
|the night | |the night | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 147: | Line 128: | ||
|the meteorite | |the meteorite | ||
|- | |- | ||
|planeta ( | |planeta (fem.) : planety, planet | ||
|the planet | |the planet | ||
|- | |- | ||
|jezioro ( | |jezioro (neutral) : jeziora, jezior | ||
|Lake | |Lake | ||
|} | |} | ||
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=== 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" | ||
| Line 169: | Line 151: | ||
|} | |} | ||
The use of + dative ''verse'' is rare (we will rather use '' | The use of + dative ''verse'' is rare and archaic (we will rather use ''ku'' + genitive; this is archaic/old-fashioned). | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| Line 217: | Line 199: | ||
|} | |} | ||
We use what is in parentheses when the noun (or adjective) ends in ''k'' , ''g'' or ''ch'' . | 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 Widzę studenta: I see the student after the verbs of movement with prepositions (na, po ...) idę na koncert: I | 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 | The accusative is mainly used to express the direct object | ||
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|- | |- | ||
!'''Translation''' | !'''Translation''' | ||
|I have | |I have an hour | ||
|} | |} | ||
This case is also used after a verb-preposition pair: | This case is also used after a verb-preposition pair: | ||
| Line 243: | Line 227: | ||
|} | |} | ||
After ''przez'' | 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''' | ||
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|We enter the forest. | |We enter the forest. | ||
|} | |} | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| Line 262: | Line 244: | ||
|} | |} | ||
After '''nad,''' '''pod''', '''przed''' , '''za''' , prepositions shared with the instrumental and used with the accusative when they express a direction: | |||
After ''nad,'' | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
!'''Polish''' | !'''Polish''' | ||
| Line 273: | Line 253: | ||
|} | |} | ||
To express a duration (''during''): | |||
To express a duration ( | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
!'''Polish''' | !'''Polish''' | ||
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|- | |- | ||
!'''Translation''' | !'''Translation''' | ||
|I worked | |I worked there for an hour. | ||
|} | |} | ||
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* '''D''' means "hard" | * '''D''' means "hard" | ||
* '''-Ø''' means we remove the last consonant. | * '''-Ø''' means we remove the last consonant. | ||
* Declinations in | * 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>. | ||
===Examples=== | ===Examples=== | ||
''' | '''Agreement: '''''nominative (gender): accusative singular, accusative plural'' | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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|the phone | |the phone | ||
|- | |- | ||
|gwiazda ( | |gwiazda (fem.) : gwiazdę, gwiazdy | ||
|the star | |the star | ||
|- | |- | ||
|noc ( | |noc (fem. + consonant) : noc, noce | ||
|the night | |the night | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|the meteorite | |the meteorite | ||
|- | |- | ||
|planeta ( | |planeta (fem.) : planetę, planety | ||
|the planet | |the planet | ||
|- | |- | ||
|jezioro ( | |jezioro (neutral) : jezioro, jeziora | ||
|Lake | |Lake | ||
|} | |} | ||
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==Instrumental - "Narzędnik"== | ==Instrumental - "Narzędnik"== | ||
===When to use it? === | ===When to use it? === | ||
# The means or the instrument ": Jadę autobusem: I | # The means or the instrument ": ''Jadę autobusem'': I'm going by bus | ||
# Support: rozmawiam z studentem: I speak with a student | # Support: ''rozmawiam z studentem'': I speak with a student | ||
# Subject attribute: jestem studentem: I am a student | # 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. | 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 : | ||
* Dziecko je widelcem The child eats with a fork. | * ''Dziecko je widelcem'' The child eats with a fork. | ||
* Studentka pisze ołówkiem The student writes with a pencil. | * ''Studentka pisze ołówkiem'' The student writes with a pencil. | ||
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: | 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: | ||
| Line 402: | Line 373: | ||
* kobieta z mężczyzną (woman with man), | * kobieta z mężczyzną (woman with man), | ||
* woda z lodem (water with ice cubes). | * woda z lodem (water with ice cubes). | ||
Another situation where we use the instrumental is after the verb <code>być</code> (to be) conjugated. | Another situation where we use the instrumental is after the verb <code>być</code> (to be) conjugated. | ||
| Line 412: | Line 381: | ||
* One są babciami. They are grandmothers. | * 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. | |||
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: | ||
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* sexual orientation: Jestem lesbijką, Oni są gejami; = I am a lesbian, They are gay; | * 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 | * religion: Jesteś buddystą, Jestem ateistą = You are a Buddhist, I am an atheist | ||
etc. | etc. | ||
==== Singular agreement rules ==== | ==== Singular agreement rules ==== | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| Line 434: | Line 399: | ||
!'''Examples''' | !'''Examples''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
!masculine - męski | |||
| -ym | | -ym | ||
-k or -g + -im | -k or -g + -im | ||
| Line 440: | Line 405: | ||
-k or -g + -iem | -k or -g + -iem | ||
-ą | -ą | ||
| | |sympatycznym nauczyciel-em | ||
sympatycznym Polak-iem | |||
wysokim mężczyzn-ą | wysokim mężczyzn-ą | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|'''Endings (Końcówki)''' | |'''Endings (Końcówki)''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
!Masculine - męski | |||
| | |sympatycznymi | ||
|nauczycielami | |nauczycielami | ||
mężczyznami | mężczyznami | ||
|adjectives in <code>-ymi</code> or <code>-k, -g + imi</code> and nouns take <code>-ami</code> | |adjectives in <code>-ymi</code> or <code>-k, -g + imi</code> and nouns take <code>-ami</code> | ||
|- | |- | ||
!Feminine - żeński | |||
|wysokimi | |wysokimi | ||
|kobietami | |kobietami | ||
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|adjectives in <code>-ymi</code> or <code>-k, -g + imi</code> and nouns take <code>-ami</code> | |adjectives in <code>-ymi</code> or <code>-k, -g + imi</code> and nouns take <code>-ami</code> | ||
|- | |- | ||
!Neutral - Nijaki | |||
|dobrymi | |dobrymi | ||
|autami | |autami | ||
| Line 490: | Line 455: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
!'''Polish''' | !'''Polish''' | ||
| | |Polecę samolotem. | ||
|- | |- | ||
!'''Translation''' | !'''Translation''' | ||
| Line 496: | Line 461: | ||
|} | |} | ||
Note that there is no translation for "en". It is the use of the case that gives the meaning to the sentence. | 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. | We also use this case with the preposition "with", '''z''' in Polish. | ||
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Locative is mainly used to express the situation of something / someone. Always used with a preposition (o, w, przy ...), | 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 | * ''jestem w łazience'': I'm in the bathroom | ||
* myślę o studencie - I think of the student | * ''myślę o studencie'' - I think of the student | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
!'''Polish''' | !'''Polish''' | ||
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{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|- | |- | ||
!''' ''' | |||
!'''Adjectives''' | !'''Adjectives''' | ||
!'''Nouns''' | !'''Nouns''' | ||
| Line 573: | Line 537: | ||
|} | |} | ||
We use what is in parenthesis when the noun (or adjective) ends in k , g or ch. | We use what is in parenthesis when the noun (or adjective) ends in <code>k , g or ch</code>. | ||
* 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). | * 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 | * 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 -ę take -u + la. Names in -um do not decline. | * Neutral nouns ending in <code>-ę</code> take <code>-u + la</code>. Names in <code>-um</code> do not decline. | ||
== Vocative - "wołacz" == | == Vocative - "wołacz" == | ||
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The vocative (wołacz) is formed like this: | 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. | * 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. | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| Line 599: | Line 565: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|''Pani Ewa'' (Mde. Eve) | |''Pani Ewa'' (Mde. Eve) | ||
|''Pani | |''Pani Ewo! ''(Mde. Eve!) | ||
|- | |- | ||
|''Ewusia'' (diminutive of ''Ewa'' ) | |''Ewusia'' (diminutive of ''Ewa'' ) | ||
|''Ewusiu!'' | |''Ewusiu!'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|'' | |''ciemność'' (darkness) | ||
|'' | |''ciemności!'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|'' | |''książka'' (book) | ||
|'' | |''książko!'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="2" |'''Masculine''' | |||
|- | |- | ||
|''Pan profesor'' (Mr. Professor) | |''Pan profesor'' (Mr. Professor) | ||
|'' | |''Panie profesorze! ''(Mr. Professor!) | ||
|- | |- | ||
|'' | |''Krzysztof'' (Christopher) | ||
|'' | |''Krzysztofie! ''(Christopher!) | ||
|- | |- | ||
|'' | |''Krzyś'' (Chris) | ||
|''Krzysiu! ''(Chris!) | |''Krzysiu! ''(Chris!) | ||
|- | |- | ||
|''wilk'' (Wolf) | |''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: | 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 ( | * Panie doktorze (Doctor!), Panie prezesie! (Director!) | ||
* Przybywasz za późno, pływaku ( | * Przybywasz za późno, pływaku (You arrived too late, swimmer) | ||
* synu (son!), mamo (mom!), tato (dad!) | * synu (son!), mamo (mom!), tato (dad!) | ||
===Sometimes for the demonstrative .... emphasis=== | ===Sometimes for the demonstrative .... emphasis=== | ||
| Line 643: | Line 608: | ||
===Ready-made expressions=== | ===Ready-made expressions=== | ||
*(O) Matko!, (O) Boże!, chłopie (Mother!, God!, man) | *(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 == | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
!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 == | |||
=== 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? | |||
=== 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). | |||
Below, you will find specific more in-depth lessons for each Polish case: | |||
{{Polish-Cases}} | |||
==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> | |||
== Sources == | == Sources == | ||
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_grammar | * 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 | |||
==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]] | |||
<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
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!
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 |
- 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. - Nouns that decline with
-uare inanimate nouns borrowed from other languages, abstract ideas, collectives (including las, forest), substances, days, cities in-grad, -gród, -gard, states and regions. - Nouns ending in
-iatake-iif they are of Polish origin or-iiif 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 -
uincluding ojciec, brat, chłop, chłopiec, pan, Bóg, ksiądz, diabeł, pies, kot, świat, lew. - The Feminine nouns ending with
-iatake-i, those ending with-ido 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
-yor-ychchange to-iand-ichif the preceding consonant is soft or is eitherk', org, orch.
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]
- 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
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/ctake 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
-iatake-i, those ending in-ido not change and those ending in a consonant take-y(-i). - Neutral nouns ending in
-ętake-u + la. Names in-umdo 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]
- 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?
Answers[edit | edit source]
- 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).
Below, you will find specific more in-depth lessons for each Polish case:
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]
- 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
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Possessive Case in Polish
- mieć to have
- Perfective and imperfective verbs
- Plurals
- Conditional Tense
- Gender
- Nouns
- How to Use Be
- Conditional Mood
- Indefinite Articles in Polish
- Definite Articles in Polish
- Pronouns
- How to Use Have
- Imperative Mood