Signification
Studying a foreign language.
Contexte culturel
Poles are very proud of their language's complexity. Saying 'Uczę się polskiego' often results in immediate praise and an offer to help you practice. There is a distinction between 'uczyć się' (general learning) and 'studiować' (university level). Using 'studiować' for a hobby sounds overly formal or incorrect. Learning the language is seen as the primary step toward integration. Many expats use 'uczę się' as a 'get out of jail free' card when they make mistakes in shops. During the partitions, 'Tajne Komplety' (secret classes) were held to teach Polish. Learning the language was a form of national preservation.
The 'Się' Rule
Always keep 'się' close to the verb. While it can move, keeping it right after 'uczę' is the safest bet for beginners.
Case Alert
Don't say 'uczę się język'. The 'a' at the end of 'języka' is mandatory!
Signification
Studying a foreign language.
The 'Się' Rule
Always keep 'się' close to the verb. While it can move, keeping it right after 'uczę' is the safest bet for beginners.
Case Alert
Don't say 'uczę się język'. The 'a' at the end of 'języka' is mandatory!
Be Humble
Poles value the effort. Even if you only know three words, saying 'Uczę się' will open many doors.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing reflexive particle and the correct form of 'język'.
Ja uczę ___ (język) polskiego.
The verb 'uczyć się' always needs 'się' and the Genitive form 'języka'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'We are learning English'?
Option B uses the correct verb form, the reflexive particle, and the Genitive case for both the noun and adjective.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Co robisz wieczorem? B: ___ (I am learning a language).
The first person singular is 'uczę się' and the object is 'języka'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to tell your boss you are improving your German.
This expresses the ongoing process of learning.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJa uczę ___ (język) polskiego.
The verb 'uczyć się' always needs 'się' and the Genitive form 'języka'.
How do you say 'We are learning English'?
Option B uses the correct verb form, the reflexive particle, and the Genitive case for both the noun and adjective.
A: Co robisz wieczorem? B: ___ (I am learning a language).
The first person singular is 'uczę się' and the object is 'języka'.
You want to tell your boss you are improving your German.
This expresses the ongoing process of learning.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBecause the verb 'uczyć się' governs the Genitive case. In Polish, different verbs require different cases for their objects.
No, you must say 'Uczę się polskiego'. The adjective 'polski' must also be in the Genitive case to match 'języka'.
'Uczyć' means to teach someone else. 'Uczyć się' means to learn (literally: to teach oneself).
It is neutral. You can use it in any situation, from a casual chat to a formal interview.
You say 'Uczę się mówić'. When followed by another verb, you don't need the Genitive case.
Only if you are doing a degree in it at a university. Otherwise, use 'uczyć się'.
Chcę się uczyć (process) or Chcę się nauczyć (result).
It is always 'języka' (Genitive).
No, the ending '-ę' in 'uczę' already tells the listener that you are talking about yourself.
Uczę się dwóch języków (Genitive plural).
Expressions liées
nauczyć się na pamięć
specialized formTo learn by heart
znać język
similarTo know a language
mówić w języku
builds onTo speak in a language
szkolić się
similarTo train oneself
