Kiedy jest późno, lubię czytać w sypialni.

When it is late, I like to read in the bedroom.

Breakdown of Kiedy jest późno, lubię czytać w sypialni.

• ja: I
• być: to be
• lubić: to like
• w: in
• czytać: to read
• późno: late
• kiedy: when
• sypialnia: the bedroom

Questions & Answers about Kiedy jest późno, lubię czytać w sypialni.

Why is there a comma after "Kiedy jest późno"?

The comma separates the subordinate clause ("Kiedy jest późno" which means "When it’s late") from the main clause ("lubię czytać w sypialni" meaning "I like to read in the bedroom"). In Polish punctuation, it’s standard to place a comma between a subordinate clause and the main clause to clarify the sentence structure.

Why isn’t the subject explicitly mentioned before "lubię"?

In Polish, the verb conjugation typically makes the subject clear. The form "lubię" already indicates the subject “I”, so there’s no need to include the pronoun "ja" unless you want to emphasize it. This feature is common in many Slavic languages.

Why is "czytać" used in the infinitive form instead of being conjugated?

After verbs that express preferences or likes (such as "lubię"), Polish uses the infinitive form of the second verb. This is similar to English, where you say "I like to read" rather than a conjugated form of "read."

What case is used with the preposition "w" in "w sypialni," and why?

The preposition "w" (meaning "in") typically requires the locative case when indicating a location. The noun "sypialnia" (bedroom) transforms into "sypialni" in the locative. This tells us the reading takes place in the bedroom.

Is the word order flexible? Could the clauses be reversed without changing the meaning?

Yes, Polish allows flexibility with word order. While the sentence starts with the subordinate clause "Kiedy jest późno," you could also say "Lubię czytać w sypialni, kiedy jest późno." The meaning remains the same, though reversing the order might change the emphasis slightly.

Does the adverb "późno" specifically refer to being late at night, or could it imply other forms of lateness?

The adverb "późno" generally means "late" and often implies being late in the day, such as in the evening. However, its exact interpretation can depend on context. In this sentence, it suggests that the speaker enjoys reading in the bedroom when it’s late, probably during the later part of the day or evening.