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Questions & Answers about Już czas na obiad.
What does już mean in this sentence, and what nuance does it add?
już literally means “already,” but here it functions more like “it’s already time” or “it’s high time.” It emphasizes that the moment for dinner has arrived or even slightly that it’s overdue, so it adds a sense of urgency or readiness.
Why isn’t there an equivalent of “it is” or any other verb at the beginning of the sentence?
In Polish, the present-tense copula (“to be” = jest) is often omitted in simple equational sentences. You don’t need to say “Już jest czas na obiad” because the meaning is clear without the verb. Omitting jest makes the phrase more concise and natural.
What case is obiad in, and why?
Obiad is in the accusative singular here. After the preposition na, when you express purpose or intended use (in this case “time for dinner”), you take the accusative. So na obiad = “for dinner.”
Why is the preposition na used with obiad, and what exactly does it express?
Na + accusative can express purpose, destination, or intended use. In na obiad, it means “for dinner” or “with the purpose of dinner.” You could think of it as “time set aside for dinner.”
Can I change the word order, for example say Czas już na obiad or Na obiad już czas? Would the meaning change?
Yes, you can reorder those words freely, because Polish has flexible word order. However:
- Czas już na obiad is perfectly natural and only shifts a tiny emphasis onto czas.
- Na obiad już czas sounds a bit more poetic or emphatic, stressing “for dinner” before “already time.” The core meaning remains the same.
Are articles like “the” or “a” ever used before obiad in Polish?
No. Polish doesn’t have articles. The noun obiad stands alone. Context and word endings supply any definiteness or indefiniteness.
Why is czas in the singular? Could you ever say czasy here?
Czas in singular is the normal way to say “time” in an abstract sense (“it’s time”). Czasy would mean “times” (plural), referring to different historical periods or multiple instances, so it doesn’t work in the expression czas na obiad.
Could you use another word like pora instead of czas, for example Już pora na obiad? Is there a difference?
Yes, pora (“hour,” “season,” or “time to do something”) is a close synonym.
- Już pora na obiad sounds equally natural and emphasizes that it’s the right moment or occasion.
- Czas is a bit more neutral/standard, while pora may feel slightly more colloquial or idiomatic in some regions.