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Questions & Answers about On lubi pływać na basenie.
Why is the subject pronoun On included even though Polish verbs show the subject?
On is optional in Polish because the verb ending -i in lubi already indicates 3rd person singular. We include it here for emphasis or clarity (to stress that he likes it). Without On, Lubi pływać na basenie is still perfectly correct.
Why is the verb pływać in the infinitive form?
Verbs such as lubić (to like), chcieć (to want), and móc (to be able to) require the following verb to be in the infinitive. So lubi pływać means he likes to swim. You cannot use a finite form like lubi pływa in this context.
Why do we use the imperfective infinitive pływać and not the perfective popływać?
Imperfective verbs express habitual or repeated actions. Since lubić describes a general preference, it pairs with the imperfective pływać. The perfective popływać implies a single, completed swim and doesn’t convey a habitual activity.
What case is basenie, and how does the preposition na affect it?
Basenie is the locative singular form of basen (pool). With the preposition na, it expresses location (answering where?): na basenie = at the pool or in the pool.
Why use na instead of w with basen? Many languages say in the pool.
Polish idiom treats basen as a place for activity, so we say na basenie (at the pool) when talking about swimming. W basenie would literally mean being inside the water and is less common for the general activity of swimming.
Why are there no articles like the or a before basenie?
Polish does not have articles. Definiteness or indefiniteness is inferred from context. Thus na basenie can mean in the pool, at a pool, or at the pool, depending on context.
Can the word order in this sentence be changed?
Yes. Polish has flexible word order. For example:
• Na basenie lubi pływać. (emphasizes the place)
• On na basenie lubi pływać.
But the neutral order is On lubi pływać na basenie (Subject–Verb–Infinitive–Adverbial).
How would you say He liked to swim in the pool in past tense?
Change lubi (present) to the past masculine singular lubił:
On lubił pływać na basenie.
You can also drop On: Lubił pływać na basenie.