Questions & Answers about Nikomu nie mówię o tym.
Why does the sentence use both nikomu (to nobody) and nie (not)?
Polish requires a double negative. Whenever you use a negative pronoun like nikt (nobody) or its dative form nikomu, you must also put nie in front of the verb. A literal translation would be 'To nobody I do not tell.'
Why is it nikomu instead of the basic dictionary form nikt?
The verb mówić (to tell or speak) requires the dative case for the person receiving the information. Nikomu is the dative form of nikt (nobody).
Why do we use tym instead of to after the word o?
When the preposition o means 'about,' it must be followed by the locative case. Tym is the locative form of the pronoun to (this or it).
Could I change the word order and say Nie mówię o tym nikomu?
Yes, you can. Polish word order is flexible. Moving nikomu to the front of the sentence simply adds emphasis, stressing that you are telling absolutely no one.
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