Breakdown of Psy należy prowadzić na smyczy.
pies
dog
na
on, at / to (motion toward) / for (a meal) / for (waiting for)
smycz
leash
prowadzić
to lead; to run (a business); to drive (a car)
należy
one should, it is necessary to (impersonal, + infinitive)
Questions & Answers about Psy należy prowadzić na smyczy.
Why is the word należy used here instead of a phrase like powinno się?
The word należy is an impersonal verb meaning "one should" or "it is required". It is very common in official rules, signs, and public instructions. You pair it directly with an infinitive, like prowadzić here, to state a general rule without pointing at a specific person.
Is the word psy in the Nominative or Accusative case here?
It is in the Accusative case because it is the direct object of the verb prowadzić (to lead). For animals, the plural Accusative form is identical to the Nominative form, which is why it looks exactly like the basic dictionary plural.
Why does the English translation say "kept" while the Polish verb is prowadzić?
The verb prowadzić literally means "to lead" or "to guide" (and is also the standard verb for driving a car). In Polish, you don't "keep" a dog on a leash; you "lead" it. It is the most natural verb to use when walking an animal.
What is the base form of smyczy, and why does it take an -y ending?
The base form is smycz (leash), which is a feminine noun that ends in a consonant. The preposition na requires the Locative case here to describe a state or condition. Feminine nouns ending in a consonant usually take the -i or -y ending in the Locative case, making it smyczy.
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