Breakdown of Ta przeszkoda to jest duży problem.
być
to be
ten
this (m)
duży
big
to
is (linking copula)
problem
problem
przeszkoda
obstacle
Questions & Answers about Ta przeszkoda to jest duży problem.
Why is duży problem in the Nominative case here instead of dużym problemem (Instrumental) if the verb is jest?
Normally, "X is Y" sentences using jest require the Instrumental case (for example, Ta przeszkoda jest dużym problemem). However, this sentence uses the phrase to jest. When you combine to and jest, the noun phrase that follows stays in the Nominative case (duży problem), just like it does when you use to by itself.
Is there a difference in meaning between using to, jest, or to jest?
They all mean exactly the same thing! You can say Ta przeszkoda to duży problem (Nominative) or Ta przeszkoda jest dużym problemem (Instrumental) in standard Polish. The mixed version seen here (to jest + Nominative) is extremely common in everyday conversational Polish.
The word przeszkoda (obstacle) starts with prze-. Is this related to the motion verbs we are learning?
Yes! The prefix prze- involves motion across, through, or over a space. A przeszkoda is something you have to figure out how to get through or cross over. You will also see this root in the verb przeszkadzać, which means to disturb, hinder, or "get in the way."
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