Language/Polish/Grammar/The-Imperative-Mood
The Imperative Mood[edit | edit source]
The imperative mood is used to give commands, make requests, or offer advice. In Polish, the imperative mood is formed by using the base form of the verb, which is the infinitive without the final -ć (for verbs ending in -ić) or -yć (for verbs ending in -yć).
For example, the verb "to eat" in Polish is "jeść". To form the imperative mood, we remove the final -ć and are left with "jeś".
Formation of the Imperative Mood[edit | edit source]
The imperative mood in Polish has three forms: the affirmative, negative, and reflexive. The affirmative form is used to give commands or make requests, while the negative form is used to forbid or prohibit actions. The reflexive form is used when the subject of the verb is also the object.
To form the affirmative imperative, we simply remove the final -ć or -yć from the infinitive form of the verb. For example:
- jeść (to eat) becomes jedz (eat)
- pić (to drink) becomes pij (drink)
- czytać (to read) becomes czytaj (read)
To form the negative imperative, we add the word "nie" before the verb. For example:
- nie jedz (don't eat)
- nie pij (don't drink)
- nie czytaj (don't read)
To form the reflexive imperative, we add the reflexive pronoun "się" after the verb. For example:
- myć (to wash) becomes myj się (wash yourself)
- kłaść (to lay) becomes kładź się (lay yourself)
- bawić (to have fun) becomes baw się (have fun)
Usage of the Imperative Mood[edit | edit source]
The imperative mood is commonly used in everyday situations to give commands or make requests. Here are some common examples:
- Proszę zrób to. (Please do it.)
- Otwórz okno, proszę. (Open the window, please.)
- Zamknij drzwi. (Close the door.)
- Nie pal papierosów w tym miejscu. (Don't smoke cigarettes in this place.)
- Przygotuj się do egzaminu. (Prepare yourself for the exam.)
- Uważaj na siebie. (Take care of yourself.)
In addition to giving commands and making requests, the imperative mood can also be used to offer advice or suggestions. Here are some examples:
- Spróbuj tego jedzenia, jest pyszne. (Try this food, it's delicious.)
- Wypij herbatę przed snem, pomoże ci zasnąć. (Drink tea before bed, it will help you sleep.)
- Zadzwoń do mnie, jak tylko będziesz gotowy. (Call me as soon as you're ready.)
Irregular Verbs in the Imperative Mood[edit | edit source]
While most verbs follow the regular formation rules in the imperative mood, there are some irregular verbs that have unique imperative forms. Here are a few examples:
- być (to be) - bądź (be)
- iść (to go) - idź (go)
- mieć (to have) - miej (have)
- wiedzieć (to know) - wiedz (know)
Summary[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, you have learned how to use the imperative mood in Polish. You have seen how the imperative mood is formed by using the base form of the verb, and how it can be used to give commands, make requests, offer advice, or give suggestions. You have also learned about the three forms of the imperative mood: affirmative, negative, and reflexive. Additionally, you have seen some examples of irregular verbs in the imperative mood.
Continue practicing the imperative mood in Polish to become more comfortable with using it in everyday conversations. Good luck!
Sources[edit | edit source]
- The Complete Guide to Polish Imperative Verbs
- Imperative (Tryb rozkazujący) - Polish Language Grammar | Course ...
- Polish Grammar - Imperative Mood
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Possessive Case in Polish
- Give your Opinion
- Negation
- Gender
- Cases
- Plural
- Imperative Mood
- Conditional Sentences
- Questions