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Questions & Answers about Owoce są zdrowe.
What does owoce mean and what is its singular form?
Owoce is the plural of owoc, and it means fruits (multiple pieces). The singular owoc means fruit (one piece).
Why is owoce used instead of the singular owoc in this sentence?
Polish often uses the plural when talking about things in general, especially to emphasize a variety or multiple items. Saying Owoce są zdrowe (Fruits are healthy) sounds more natural in everyday speech than the abstract Owoc jest zdrowy (Fruit is healthy).
What is są and why is it not jest?
Są is the 3rd person plural form of the verb być (to be). It agrees with the plural noun owoce. If you had a singular subject (owoc), you would use jest: Owoc jest zdrowy.
Why is the adjective zdrowe used instead of zdrowy or zdrowi?
Adjectives in Polish must agree in number and “gender/animacy” with the noun they describe. Owoce is plural and non-personal (inanimate), so the correct adjective ending is -e, giving zdrowe.