Learn Hardcore Polish: Zostań w pokoju.

Zostań is the imperative form of the verb zostać, meaning "stay" or "remain." In this sentence, it gives a direct command to the listener.

Who is being addressed with the command Zostań w pokoju?

The command is directed at one person using the informal second-person singular form (implied ty). In Polish, imperatives often omit the subject because it’s understood from context.

Why is the phrase w pokoju used, and what does it indicate?

The phrase w pokoju means "in the room." The preposition w requires the locative case in Polish, which is why pokoju—the locative form of pokój—is used to denote location.

Why do we use pokoju instead of pokój in this context?

When indicating location with the preposition w, Polish requires the use of the locative case. While pokój is the nominative form, pokoju is the form that agrees with w to mean "in the room."

How would the command change if you needed to address more than one person?

For addressing a group, the second-person plural imperative is used. In this case, you would say Zostańcie w pokoju, with zostańcie being the plural form of the imperative.

Is it necessary to include a subject in this command, and why or why not?

No, it isn’t necessary because the subject (informally ty for singular) is implied in Polish imperatives. The verb form already indicates who is being addressed, so the subject is omitted.