Double Negation
In Polish, sentences with negative pronouns like "nobody" or "nothing" require double negation. This means the main verb must also be negated with nie.
When you negate a verb that normally takes a direct object in the Accusative case (like having or noticing), that object switches to the Genitive case.
Niczego: Nothing
The Genitive form of nic (nothing) is niczego. You will use it when negating standard Accusative verbs. You can often pair it with absolutnie (absolutely) for a stronger denial.
| I have absolutely nothing in my pocket. | Nie mam absolutnie niczego w mojej kieszeni. |
You also use niczego after verbs that naturally require the Genitive case, regardless of negation. These include dotykać (to touch), spodziewać się (to expect), wymagać (to require), and wstydzić się (to be ashamed).
| He does not touch anything on his account. | On nie dotyka niczego na swoim koncie. |
| The boss expects nothing and requires nothing. | Szef nie spodziewa się niczego i nie wymaga niczego. |
| She is ashamed of absolutely nothing. | Ona nie wstydzi się absolutnie niczego. |
Nikogo: Nobody
The Genitive and Accusative form of nikt (nobody) is nikogo.
Just like with niczego, use nikogo when a negated verb shifts its object to the Genitive case, or when dealing with verbs that always require the Genitive.
| Today we do not expect anybody. | Dzisiaj nie spodziewamy się nikogo. |
| I did not notice absolutely anyone in this space. | W tej przestrzeni nie zauważyłem absolutnie nikogo. |
You must also use nikogo after prepositions that demand the Genitive case, such as od (from) or bez (without).
| This new project does not require anything from anyone. | Ten nowy projekt nie wymaga niczego od nikogo. |
| This is a large, empty space without anybody. | To jest duża, pusta przestrzeń bez nikogo. |