Learn Hardcore Polish: Adam ma chleb.

In Polish, ma is the third-person singular present tense form of mieć (meaning “to have”). Since Adam is in the third person singular, ma is the correct form to match that subject.

How do I pronounce chleb correctly?

It’s pronounced somewhat like “hleb.” The “ch” in Polish is a guttural sound, similar to the “h” in “hope,” but slightly harsher in the throat.

Is Adam the subject of this sentence?

Yes. Adam is the subject performing the action of having bread.

Why don’t I need a definite or indefinite article before chleb?

Polish doesn’t use articles (like “a” or “the” in English). Words stand on their own without articles, so you simply say chleb without adding anything in front of it.

What case is chleb in?

Chleb is in the accusative case, which is used for the direct object in a sentence like this—what Adam “has.”

Could I replace chleb with another noun?

Absolutely. For example, you could say Adam ma wodę (“Adam has water”) using the same structure: subject + ma + direct object in accusative form.