Questions & Answers about Ten kubek jest brudny, weź tamten.
Why is it ten kubek and not ta kubek or to kubek?
Because kubek is a masculine singular noun in Polish, and the demonstrative has to agree with it.
- ten = this, for masculine singular nouns
- ta = this, for feminine singular nouns
- to = this, for neuter singular nouns
So:
- ten kubek = this mug
- ta filiżanka = this cup
- to naczynie = this vessel/container
Polish words like this and that change form depending on the gender of the noun.
What is the difference between ten and tamten?
Ten means this, and tamten means that.
So in this sentence:
- Ten kubek = this mug
- weź tamten = take that one
A useful way to think about it:
- ten points to something near the speaker
- tamten points to something farther away, or just a different one from the first
In everyday speech, tamten is often used exactly like English that one.
Why does tamten appear by itself, without kubek after it?