On jest bardzo cierpliwy, a jego siostra bywa niecierpliwa.

to be

Breakdown of On jest bardzo cierpliwy, a jego siostra bywa niecierpliwa.

• on: he
• bardzo: very
• a: and

Questions & Answers about On jest bardzo cierpliwy, a jego siostra bywa niecierpliwa.

Why does the sentence use "a" instead of "i" or "ale"?

In Polish, "a" often shows a contrast between two people or things, but in a softer way than "ale" (“but”).

• "i" = and, just adding information, no contrast:

  • On jest bardzo cierpliwy i jego siostra jest cierpliwa.
    He is very patient and his sister is patient.

• "a" = and / while, often used for a contrast between subjects:

  • On jest bardzo cierpliwy, a jego siostra bywa niecierpliwa.
    He is very patient, while his sister tends to be impatient.

• "ale" = but, stronger, more direct opposition:

  • On jest bardzo cierpliwy, ale jego siostra jest niecierpliwa.
    He is very patient, but his sister is impatient.

So "a" here contrasts him with his sister in a natural, not-too-strong way.

What is the difference between "jest" and "bywa"?