Signification
A table without dirt.
Contexte culturel
The 'white tablecloth' (biały obrus) is a symbol of the highest level of 'czysty stół'. It is mandatory for Christmas Eve and Easter breakfast. In many Slavic cultures, the table is called 'God's palm.' Spilling salt on a clean table is considered an omen of a quarrel. Minimalism is trending in cities like Warsaw. A 'czysty stół' (clutter-free) is a sign of a modern, organized lifestyle. While 'czysta karta' is more common for a fresh start, 'czysty stół' is sometimes used to describe a meeting where all hidden agendas are removed.
The 'ó' Rule
Remember: stół (nom.) -> stołu (gen.). If you see an 'ó' in a one-syllable word, it often changes to 'o' when the word gets longer.
Don't sit ON it
In Poland, sitting on a table is considered very rude and unhygienic. Keep the stół czysty for food only!
Signification
A table without dirt.
The 'ó' Rule
Remember: stół (nom.) -> stołu (gen.). If you see an 'ó' in a one-syllable word, it often changes to 'o' when the word gets longer.
Don't sit ON it
In Poland, sitting on a table is considered very rude and unhygienic. Keep the stół czysty for food only!
Restaurant Polish
If you see a table you like but it has crumbs, just point and say 'Czy można prosić o przetarcie?' (Can I ask for a wipe?). It's more natural than just saying it's dirty.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'czysty'.
To jest ______ stół.
'Stół' is a masculine noun in the nominative case, so we use 'czysty'.
Which sentence is correct?
You want to say 'The apple is on the clean table.'
After 'na' (meaning location), we use the Locative case: 'czystym stole'.
Match the Polish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Basic vocabulary related to the phrase.
Complete the dialogue in a restaurant.
Klient: Przepraszam, czy ten stół jest brudny? Kelner: Nie, proszę pana. To jest ______ ______.
The waiter is confirming the table is clean.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Clean vs. Dirty
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTo jest ______ stół.
'Stół' is a masculine noun in the nominative case, so we use 'czysty'.
You want to say 'The apple is on the clean table.'
After 'na' (meaning location), we use the Locative case: 'czystym stole'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Basic vocabulary related to the phrase.
Klient: Przepraszam, czy ten stół jest brudny? Kelner: Nie, proszę pana. To jest ______ ______.
The waiter is confirming the table is clean.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'stół' is always masculine. Even if it's a small table (stolik), it remains masculine.
Only if they are physically clean after a shower. If you mean 'honest,' use 'uczciwy'.
The plural is 'czyste stoły'. Note that 'czysty' changes to 'czyste' and 'stół' changes to 'stoły'.
You say 'Stół nie jest czysty.'
It is neutral. You can use it with your grandma or with a waiter in a 5-star hotel.
It's a historical remnant of a long 'o' sound. In modern Polish, it sounds just like 'u'.
Yes! 'Biurko' is a desk. Since 'biurko' is neuter, 'czysty' becomes 'czyste'.
Yes, it can mean 'pure' (like 'czysta woda' - pure water), but with a table, it just means clean.
Then it is 'posprzątany stół' rather than 'czysty stół'.
Not really, but some people might say 'blat' to refer specifically to the tabletop.
Expressions liées
czysta karta
similara clean slate / fresh start
sprzątać ze stołu
builds onto clear the table
zasiąść do stołu
builds onto sit down at the table
brudny stół
contrasta dirty table
stół operacyjny
specialized formoperating table
