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Questions & Answers about Możesz na mnie liczyć.
Is liczyć na a direct translation of the English idiom "to count on"?
Yes, it works exactly the same way! The verb liczyć literally means "to count" (as in numbers), and when paired with the preposition na, it creates the exact same idiom: "to count on" or "to rely on" someone.
What case is mnie in, and why?
It is in the accusative case. The structure is always liczyć na kogoś/coś (to count on someone/something), and the preposition na requires the accusative case here. The accusative form of the pronoun ja (I) is mnie.
Could I change the word order to Możesz liczyć na mnie?
Yes, both word orders are correct, but the emphasis shifts slightly. Putting na mnie before the infinitive verb makes the sentence feel very neutral and natural. If you put it at the very end (Możesz liczyć na mnie), it places more stress on the word "me"—as in, "You can count on me (instead of someone else)."
Could I use potrafisz or umiesz instead of możesz here?
No, that would sound unnatural. The verbs potrafić and umieć are used for learned skills or acquired knowledge (like swimming or speaking a language). Móc is used for general possibilities, permissions, or conditions. Since "counting on someone" is a possibility rather than a skill you practice, możesz is the correct choice.