grać

Grać takes the accusative case for the direct object when referring to playing a game or sport. For example, 'grać w piłkę' (to play soccer), 'grać w szachy' (to play chess). The preposition 'w' (in/into) is used here.

Grają w piłkę nożną. (They are playing soccer.)

When referring to playing a musical instrument, 'grać' takes the accusative case without a preposition. For example, 'grać na pianinie' (to play the piano), 'grać na gitarze' (to play the guitar). However, the preposition 'na' (on) is often used with the instrument.

Uczę się grać na gitarze. (I am learning to play the guitar.)

'Grać' can also mean to act or perform a role. In this context, it often takes the accusative case for the role. For example, 'grać rolę' (to play a role).

Gra główną rolę w filmie. (He plays the main role in the film.)

In past tense, 'grać' conjugates like most regular verbs. For example, 'grałem' (I played - masculine), 'grałam' (I played - feminine), 'grali' (they played - masculine personal), 'grały' (they played - non-masculine personal).

Grałam w tenisa wczoraj. (I played tennis yesterday.)

'Grać' is an imperfective verb. Its perfective counterpart is 'zagrać', which refers to a completed action of playing. For example, 'zagrać w grę' (to play a game [once/to completion]).

Zagramy w planszówki wieczorem. (We will play board games tonight.)