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Questions & Answers about Na dole jest kawiarnia.
Why does na dole translate to "downstairs"?
The Polish word dół means "bottom" or "down". When paired with the preposition na (on/at), the phrase literally means "on the bottom", which is the standard way to say "downstairs" in Polish.
Why did the word dół change to dole?
When you talk about a fixed location using na (on/at), Polish uses the Locative case. This causes the noun to change its ending. The base word dół changes its ó to a regular o and adds an -e to become dole.
Where is the word for "there" in this sentence?
Polish doesn't use placeholder words like "there" in "there is". The verb jest simply means "is", and in this context, it perfectly translates to "there is". You are literally just saying "Downstairs is cafe."
Is it wrong to say Kawiarnia jest na dole instead?
Not at all, both are perfectly correct! Polish word order is very flexible. Usually, the most important or newest information goes at the end of the sentence. By starting with Na dole, you establish the location first, and reveal the new information (a cafe) at the end.