Breakdown of Używam komputera z kolegą po południu.
ja
I
po południu
in the afternoon
z
with
kolega
the friend
komputer
the computer
używać
to use
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Polish grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Używam komputera z kolegą po południu.
What case is used for komputer in Używam komputera and why?
The verb używać (to use) takes a direct object in the accusative case. For masculine inanimate nouns like komputer, the accusative singular form is identical to the genitive singular, so komputer becomes komputera.
Why do we say z kolegą instead of z kolega?
After the preposition z (with), Polish requires the instrumental case. The instrumental singular of kolega is kolegą, so z kolegą means “with a colleague.”
What case and meaning does po południu have?
In time expressions, po takes the locative case. Południe (noon) in the locative becomes południu, so po południu literally means “after noon,” i.e. “in the afternoon.”
Why is there no article before komputera?
Polish has no definite or indefinite articles (no equivalents of “the” or “a/an”). You rely on context, word order, or additional words (like possessive pronouns) to show definiteness or indefiniteness.
What’s the difference between używać and korzystać z?
Both verbs mean “to use,” but they govern different cases:
- używać takes a direct object in the accusative: używam komputera.
- korzystać requires z
- genitive: korzystam z komputera.
Stylistically, korzystać z is often a bit more formal, but they’re largely interchangeable.
- genitive: korzystam z komputera.
Can we change the word order in this sentence?
Yes. Polish word order is flexible. For example:
- Po południu używam komputera z kolegą.
- Z kolegą używam komputera po południu.
All variants convey the same basic meaning; differences only shift emphasis.
Does z always translate to “with”?
As a preposition, z most often means “with” and takes the instrumental case. However, in other contexts (e.g. in verbal prefixes or fixed expressions) it can also mean “from,” “out of,” etc. Here it clearly means “with.”
How would you say “I use my colleague’s computer”?
To express possession, use the genitive:
- Używam komputera kolegi.
Or with korzystać: - Korzystam z komputera kolegi.
Is this sentence habitual or a one-time action?
The Polish present tense can express both habitual actions and an action happening now. Without extra context, Używam komputera z kolegą po południu most naturally reads as a habitual routine: “I use the computer with a colleague in the afternoons.”
How do you ask “With whom do you use the computer?” in Polish?
You replace z kolegą with z kim (with whom):
- Z kim używasz komputera?