Breakdown of Trzech mechaników naprawia mój samochód.
samochód
car
mój
my
naprawiać
to fix (imperfective)
trzech
three (masculine personal)
Questions & Answers about Trzech mechaników naprawia mój samochód.
Why is the verb naprawia singular when there are three mechanics?
This is a special rule for masculine personal nouns. When you use the numeral trzech in the subject position, the verb must be in the third-person singular (naprawia), not plural. Think of it as saying 'A group of three mechanics is repairing...'.
Why is the noun mechaników used instead of the normal plural mechanicy?
When you use masculine personal numerals like dwóch, trzech, or czterech as the subject, the noun that follows them must take the Genitive plural case. The Genitive plural of mechanik is mechaników.
Could I say trzej mechanicy instead?
Yes, you can! Both mean 'three mechanics'. If you use trzej mechanicy, it acts as a normal plural subject, so the verb must also be plural: Trzej mechanicy naprawiają mój samochód. Both forms are correct, but the trzech form is very common in everyday Polish.
Why doesn't mój samochód change its ending?
The phrase mój samochód is the direct object of the verb naprawia, so it is in the Accusative case. Since samochód is a masculine inanimate noun (a non-living thing), its Accusative form looks exactly the same as its basic Nominative form.