Genitive plural of adjectives (-ych, -ich)

When modifying plural nouns in the Genitive case, adjectives take the same ending across all three genders: either -ych or -ich.

  • -ych is the standard ending for most adjectives.
  • -ich is used after k, g, or soft consonants.

Verbs Requiring the Genitive

You already know the Genitive case is used for negation. It is also required by several common verbs in positive sentences, such as szukać (to look for), unikać (to avoid), and potrzebować (to need).

We are looking for modern hotels in the center.
Szukamy nowoczesnych hoteli w centrum.
This student always avoids difficult questions.
Ten student zawsze unika trudnych pytań.

Quantities

The Genitive plural is also used after words that express quantity, such as kilka (a few) and mało (few / little).

He is buying a few local newspapers.
On kupuje kilka lokalnych gazet.

The -ich Ending

Because Polish spelling rules forbid the combinations ky and gy, adjectives ending in -ki or -gi in their dictionary form (like włoski or krótki) always take -ich.

I do not like difficult Italian films.
Nie lubię trudnych włoskich filmów.
There are no classic Italian restaurants here.
Tutaj nie ma klasycznych włoskich restauracji.
I am reading a few short books now.
Czytam teraz kilka krótkich książek.

Contributors