Breakdown of Idziemy w kierunku rynku.
iść
to go
rynek
market square (m)
w kierunku
towards, in the direction of (+ Genitive)
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Questions & Answers about Idziemy w kierunku rynku.
Why does w kierunku take the genitive case (rynku)?
The phrase w kierunku literally translates to in the direction. Just like in English where we say in the direction of something, Polish uses the genitive case to show possession or this of relationship. That is why rynek becomes rynku.
What happened to the e in rynek?
The word rynek has a mobile e. When a noun ending in -ek changes its case, the e often disappears. The word drops the e and adds the genitive ending -u to become rynku.
Could I use chodzimy instead of idziemy here?
It would change the meaning. The verb idziemy means we are walking there right now in one specific direction. If you said chodzimy w kierunku rynku, it would mean you habitually walk towards the market square on a regular basis, or that you are wandering around in that general direction.
What is the difference between saying w kierunku rynku and just do rynku?
Using do rynku means you are going all the way to the market square as your final destination. The phrase w kierunku rynku means you are heading towards it or in its general direction, but you might stop somewhere else along the way.