Questions & Answers about Czy Państwo są gotowi?
What does the word "Państwo" mean here, and when do I use it?
It’s the formal plural way to address a group as “you,” typically a mixed group or any group that includes at least one man. It’s also used for a couple (Mr. and Mrs.). For groups of only women use Panie; for only men use Panowie.
Why is Państwo capitalized?
In formal address, Polish often capitalizes polite forms like Pan, Pani, Państwo (and sometimes Ty/Wy in letters) to show respect. In everyday writing, lowercase is common and not wrong, but capitalization adds politeness.
Why is the verb są used instead of jesteście or jest?
With polite forms (Pan/Pani/Państwo), Polish uses third-person verb forms. Państwo therefore takes the third-person plural są. Jesteście is second-person plural and goes with Wy (informal “you all”). Jest is third-person singular, so it doesn’t fit here.
Why is the adjective gotowi used, not gotowe/gotowy/gotowa?