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Questions & Answers about Pralka nie działa.
Why do we use działa here instead of pracuje for "is working"?
In Polish, pracować is used when a person is doing a job or task. When a machine, device, or system is functioning, you use the verb działać. Since a washing machine is a machine, we use działa.
Does the word pralka come from the verb for washing clothes?
Yes! The verb for washing clothes is prać. Adding the suffix -lka to a verb root often creates a noun for a tool or machine that does that action, making pralka the machine that washes.
Is it possible to say Nie działa pralka instead of Pralka nie działa?
Yes, Polish word order is flexible. Pralka nie działa is the most neutral way to state the fact. Nie działa pralka puts slightly more focus on the washing machine itself, as if answering "What isn't working?" Just remember that the negation word nie must always stay directly in front of the verb.
Why is there no word for "the" or "is" in this Polish sentence?
Polish does not have definite or indefinite articles like "the" or "a". Also, the present tense verb działa translates to both "works" and "is working". You do not add a separate word for "is" when a verb is already showing an action happening right now.