Breakdown of Kolejka do restauracji jest krótka.
być
to be
do
to
krótki
short
restauracja
the restaurant
kolejka
the line
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Polish grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Kolejka do restauracji jest krótka.
What is kolejka and what part of speech is it?
Kolejka is a feminine noun meaning queue or line, used to describe people or things waiting their turn.
Why do we say do restauracji and not do restauracja or another ending?
The preposition do requires the genitive case. For feminine nouns like restauracja, the genitive singular ending changes -a to -i, giving restauracji. So do restauracji literally means “to/for the restaurant” in the sense of “queue for the restaurant.”
Why is jest necessary here? Can it be left out?
In standard Polish, the present‐tense form of the copula być (to be) is normally included: jest (is). Omitting it (Kolejka do restauracji krótka) sounds colloquial or telegraphic. In full sentences, you keep jest.
Why is the adjective krótka in this particular form?
Adjectives in Polish must agree with the noun’s gender, number, and case. Kolejka is feminine singular nominative, so krótki (short) takes the feminine singular nominative form krótka.
Could you change the word order? For example, Jest krótka kolejka do restauracji?
Yes. Polish word order is quite flexible.
- Kolejka do restauracji jest krótka (S-V-Adj) is neutral.
- Jest krótka kolejka do restauracji (V-Adj-S-Prep) shifts focus slightly to the fact that there is a short queue.
How do you pronounce Kolejka do restauracji jest krótka, and where is the stress?
Polish stress is normally on the penultimate syllable of each word:
- ko-LEJ-ka (ˈlɛj)
- res-tau-RA-cji (raˈt͡ɕi)
- KRÓT-ka (ˈkrut)
So you say: [kɔˈlɛj.ka dɔ rɛs.tauˈrat͡ɕi jɛst ˈkrut.ka].
What’s the difference between kolejka and kolej?
- Kolej means railway or train service.
- Kolejka (diminutive form) primarily means queue or line of people waiting. They’re unrelated in everyday use.
Are there any synonyms for kolejka when talking about waiting in line?
Yes, although kolejka is the most common. Others include:
- linia (colloquial “line”)
- ogonek (literally “little tail,” regionally used)
But stick with kolejka for standard usage.