Learn Hardcore Polish: Czy ty robisz zakupy codziennie?

In Polish, czy is the particle that turns a statement into a yes/no question. It doesn’t translate directly into English but functions like adding “do” or “did.” Without czy, you’d need to rely on intonation alone, which is possible in speech but less clear in writing.

Can I omit ty and just say Czy robisz zakupy codziennie?

Yes. Polish verbs are already marked for person. Including ty (you) is optional and used mainly for emphasis or contrast. In most contexts, Czy robisz zakupy codziennie? sounds more natural and concise.

What case and number is zakupy, and why is it in the plural?

Zakupy is in the accusative plural. In Polish, you use the accusative for direct objects (what you do). Also, zakupy (“shopping”) is treated as a plural noun because it refers to the items you buy or the activity in general. There’s no singular form commonly used for “shopping.”

What part of speech is codziennie, and why can’t I use codzienny instead?

Codziennie is an adverb meaning “every day” or “daily.” It modifies the verb robisz. Codzienny is an adjective meaning “daily” (e.g., codzienny plan – “daily plan”) and would have to agree with a noun in gender, number, and case. To talk about how often something happens, you need the adverb codziennie.

Why do we say robić zakupy instead of just kupować? What’s the nuance?

Robić zakupy literally means “to do shopping” and focuses on the whole process: going to the store, choosing items, paying, etc. Kupować means “to buy” and highlights the act of purchasing itself. If you want to stress the entire shopping trip, use robić zakupy; if you only care about the act of buying a specific item, use kupować.

Can I rearrange the words, for example: Czy codziennie robisz zakupy?

Yes. Polish word order is flexible. Moving codziennie to the front (before the verb) shifts the emphasis onto the frequency (“Is it every day that you shop?”). All these are correct:

Czy ty robisz zakupy codziennie?
Czy robisz zakupy codziennie?
Czy codziennie robisz zakupy?

Is it possible to skip czy in casual speech and just ask Robisz zakupy codziennie?

Absolutely. In informal spoken Polish, dropping czy and using intonation alone is common. You’d simply say Robisz zakupy codziennie? and rely on rising pitch to signal the question.