Breakdown of Otwórz proszę swój zeszyt i napisz tam nowe słowa.
i
and
nowy
new
proszę
please
otworzyć
to open
swój
your
zeszyt
the notebook
napisać
to write
tam
there
słowo
the word
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Questions & Answers about Otwórz proszę swój zeszyt i napisz tam nowe słowa.
What does otwórz mean in this sentence?
Otwórz is the imperative form of the verb otworzyć, which means "to open." In this command, it directs the listener to open something—specifically, their notebook.
What role does proszę play in this sentence?
Proszę functions similarly to "please" in English. It softens the command, making the instruction more polite and less abrupt.
Why is the reflexive possessive swój used instead of a form like twój?
Swój is a reflexive possessive pronoun used when the object belongs to the subject being addressed. In this command, it indicates that the notebook is the listener’s own, which is why swój is appropriate rather than twój.
How are the two parts of the sentence structured with respect to their imperatives?
The sentence contains two imperative actions: otwórz (open) and napisz (write). They are connected by the conjunction i (and), forming a sequence where the listener is instructed first to open their notebook and then to write new words in it.
What is the function of tam in the sentence?
Tam means "there." It specifies the location where the new words should be written, indicating that the writing should occur in a designated part of the notebook.
Why is the perfective imperative napisz used instead of an imperfective form?
Napisz is the perfective form of napisać, which implies that the action of writing should be completed. This choice underscores that the listener is expected to finish writing the new words, as opposed to engaging in an ongoing, indefinite action.
How do Polish command constructions in this example differ from English commands?
There are a few notable differences:
- Proszę is placed after the imperative verb (otwórz proszę), whereas in English, please is more commonly placed before the verb ("please open").
- The use of reflexive possessive pronouns like swój is mandatory in Polish to clarify that the object belongs to the person addressed, a nuance that English often handles differently.
- Multiple commands can be smoothly joined with a simple conjunction like i, whereas English might use distinct sentences or rely on intonation to separate commands. These differences highlight unique aspects of Polish grammar and style compared to English.