When discussing sequences of events in Polish, potem is a very common and useful adverb. It directly translates to "after that," "then," or "afterwards." Unlike some other words that indicate sequence, potem is quite versatile and can be used in a wide range of contexts, from casual conversation to more formal writing. You can place it at the beginning of a sentence to introduce the next event, or within a sentence to connect two clauses. It helps to show a clear chronological order.
When constructing more complex sentences, 'potem' acts as a sequential connector, linking clauses or sentences to indicate a temporal progression. It’s particularly useful when describing a series of events in chronological order, such as a narrative or a set of instructions. For instance, you might say, 'Najpierw zjem śniadanie, potem pójdę do pracy' (First I'll eat breakfast, then I'll go to work). This simple adverb helps to maintain clarity and coherence in your communication, guiding the listener or reader through the unfolding sequence of actions or ideas.
§ Mistakes people make with 'potem'
Many English speakers learning Polish often stumble when using 'potem.' It seems straightforward, meaning 'then' or 'after that,' but subtle differences in usage can lead to errors. Let's look at common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
§ Mistake 1: Confusing 'potem' with 'następnie' or 'dopiero'
While 'potem' often translates to 'then,' it's not always interchangeable with 'następnie' (next, subsequently) or 'dopiero' (only then, not until). 'Potem' implies a general sequence of events, often with a slight pause or a change in activity. 'Następnie' suggests a more direct, immediate continuation or a step in a process. 'Dopiero' emphasizes that something happens after a delay or after a certain condition is met.
Zjem obiad, potem pójdę na spacer. (I'll eat dinner, then I'll go for a walk.)
Najpierw otwórz program, następnie
Był tak zajęty, że dopiero w nocy mógł odpocząć. (He was so busy that only then, at night, could he rest.)
§ Mistake 2: Using 'potem' for 'later' in a general sense
While 'potem' can mean 'later' in some contexts, especially when referring to an unspecified future point after a current event, it's not always the best choice for a general 'later' or 'at a later time.' For that, 'później' is often more appropriate.
- DEFINITION
- później: later (general, unspecified time)
Porozmawiamy o tym później. (We'll talk about it later.)
Using 'potem' here isn't strictly wrong, but 'później' sounds more natural for an open-ended 'later.'
Zadzwoń do mnie, a potem opowiem ci wszystko. (Call me, and then I'll tell you everything.)
In this case, 'potem' is perfect because it establishes a clear sequence: first call, then tell.
§ Mistake 3: Overusing 'potem' as a sentence connector
While 'potem' works well to connect two clauses indicating a sequence, don't rely on it too heavily. Sometimes, simply using 'i' (and) or restructuring your sentence can make it sound more natural and less repetitive, especially in longer narratives.
Poszłam do sklepu i kupiłam chleb. (I went to the store and bought bread.)
While 'Poszłam do sklepu, potem kupiłam chleb' is grammatically correct, using 'i' makes it more fluid if the actions are closely related and not separated by a significant pause or distinct change of mind.
§ Mistake 4: Not understanding its use in 'co potem?'
'Co potem?' (What then?) is a very common and useful phrase. It's used to ask what happens next in a sequence of events or what the next step is.
Najpierw idziesz do banku. Co potem? (First, you go to the bank. What then?)
This usage is straightforward, but learners sometimes try to use other words for 'then' here, which won't sound right.
§ Mistake 5: Misplacing 'potem' in a sentence
'Potem' is an adverb, and like many adverbs in Polish, it offers some flexibility in placement. However, placing it incorrectly can make your sentence sound awkward. Generally, it comes after the verb or at the beginning of the clause it modifies.
- After the verb: This is often the most natural placement for simply indicating sequence.
- At the beginning of a clause: This emphasizes the sequential nature of the action.
Zrobimy to potem. (We will do it then / after that.)
Potem poszliśmy do kina. (Then we went to the cinema.)
Avoid putting 'potem' awkwardly in the middle of a noun phrase or between a preposition and its object, unless it's part of a more complex, intentional stylistic choice (which is not for A1 learners!).
§ Summary for 'potem'
'Potem' is a fundamental word for indicating sequence in Polish. Remember:
- It means 'then' or 'after that,' implying a follow-up action.
- Don't confuse it with 'następnie' (more formal/direct sequence) or 'dopiero' (only then, not until).
- For a general 'later,' use 'później.'
- Use it naturally to connect clauses, but don't overdo it.
- 'Co potem?' is a key phrase.
- Pay attention to its placement; usually after the verb or at the beginning of a clause.
Practice these distinctions, and you'll use 'potem' with confidence!
Niveau de difficulté
short and common
short and common
short and common
short and common
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Exemples par niveau
Idę do sklepu, a potem do domu.
I go to the store, and then to home.
Jem śniadanie, a potem piję kawę.
I eat breakfast, and then I drink coffee.
Robię zadanie, a potem idę spać.
I do homework, and then I go to sleep.
Czytam książkę, a potem oglądam film.
I read a book, and then I watch a movie.
Wstaję rano, a potem myję zęby.
I wake up in the morning, and then I brush my teeth.
Spotykam się z przyjaciółmi, a potem idziemy na kolację.
I meet with friends, and then we go to dinner.
Uczę się polskiego, a potem słucham muzyki.
I learn Polish, and then I listen to music.
Piszę e-mail, a potem wysyłam go.
I write an email, and then I send it.
Zrobiłem zakupy, a potem poszedłem do domu.
I did the shopping, and then I went home.
A simple conjunction 'a potem' (and then) connecting two sequential actions.
Najpierw zjemy obiad, a potem możemy obejrzeć film.
First we'll eat dinner, and then we can watch a movie.
Used with 'najpierw' (first) to indicate a sequence of events.
Musisz najpierw sprawdzić rozkład jazdy, a potem kupić bilet.
You need to check the timetable first, and then buy a ticket.
This construction emphasizes the necessity of the first action before the second.
Spotkaliśmy się na kawie, a potem poszliśmy na spacer do parku.
We met for coffee, and then we went for a walk in the park.
Illustrates a common use of 'a potem' to link two past events.
Zaczęło padać, a potem zrobiło się bardzo zimno.
It started raining, and then it got very cold.
Describes a progression of weather conditions.
Pojechałem do Krakowa, a potem pociągiem do Warszawy.
I went to Krakow, and then by train to Warsaw.
Shows 'potem' used to describe a sequence of travels.
Dostałem nową pracę, a potem przeprowadziłem się do większego miasta.
I got a new job, and then I moved to a bigger city.
Connects two significant life changes.
Uczyliśmy się długo, a potem mieliśmy krótki odpoczynek.
We studied for a long time, and then we had a short break.
Highlights the order of activities, even if one is a break.
Modèles grammaticaux
Expressions idiomatiques
"Potem się zobaczy."
We'll see about that later. / We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Nie martw się teraz, potem się zobaczy co dalej. (Don't worry now, we'll see what's next later.)
neutral"Co potem?"
What then? / What next?
Skończymy projekt, ale co potem? (We'll finish the project, but what next?)
neutral"A co potem?"
And what after that?
Najpierw obiad, a co potem? (First lunch, and what after that?)
neutral"Potem to już za późno."
Then it's too late.
Musimy to zrobić teraz, potem to już za późno. (We have to do it now, then it's too late.)
neutral"Potem, po czasie."
Later, after some time.
Zrozumiałem to dopiero potem, po czasie. (I only understood it later, after some time.)
neutral"Potem to będzie inna rozmowa."
Then it will be a different conversation.
Jak skończysz swoje zadania, potem to będzie inna rozmowa o nagrodach. (When you finish your tasks, then it will be a different conversation about rewards.)
neutral"Potem ci opowiem."
I'll tell you later.
Jestem teraz zajęty, potem ci opowiem wszystko. (I'm busy now, I'll tell you everything later.)
neutral"Potem to było śmiechu co niemiara."
After that, there was a lot of laughter (literally: laughter beyond measure).
Upadł na śnieg, a potem to było śmiechu co niemiara. (He fell on the snow, and after that there was a lot of laughter.)
informal"Potem to już poszło z górki."
After that, it was smooth sailing (literally: it went downhill).
Trudno było zacząć, ale potem to już poszło z górki. (It was hard to start, but after that, it was smooth sailing.)
informal"Najpierw praca, potem przyjemności."
First work, then pleasure.
Pamiętaj, najpierw praca, potem przyjemności. (Remember, first work, then pleasure.)
neutralStructures de phrases
Co robisz potem?
Co robisz potem? (What do you do after that?)
Najpierw jemy, potem idziemy.
Najpierw jemy, potem idziemy. (First we eat, then we go.)
Potem śpię.
Potem śpię. (After that I sleep.)
Potem oglądam telewizję.
Potem oglądam telewizję. (Then I watch TV.)
Uczę się, a potem odpoczywam.
Uczę się, a potem odpoczywam. (I study, and then I rest.)
Potem idziemy do sklepu.
Potem idziemy do sklepu. (After that, we go to the shop.)
Czytam książkę, a potem gotuję.
Czytam książkę, a potem gotuję. (I read a book, and then I cook.)
Spotykamy się, a potem jemy obiad.
Spotykamy się, a potem jemy obiad. (We meet, and then we have dinner.)
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYou can use potem to show a sequence of events. For example, Jem śniadanie, a potem idę do pracy. (I eat breakfast, and after that I go to work.)
Yes, potem and później both mean 'later' or 'after that'. They are often interchangeable, but potem usually refers to a direct sequence, while później can be more general about a future time. For example, Spotkamy się potem. (We'll meet later.) or Najpierw idę do sklepu, a potem do domu. (First I go to the shop, and after that home.)
Yes, potem can start a sentence, especially if it follows a previous action. For example, Ugotowałem obiad. Potem zjedliśmy go. (I cooked dinner. After that, we ate it.)
No, potem is an adverb, so it does not change its form based on gender, number, or case.
Both potem and następnie mean 'then' or 'next'. Następnie is a bit more formal and often used in instructions or descriptions of a process. Potem is more common in everyday conversation. For example, Włącz komputer, a następnie otwórz program. (Turn on the computer, and then open the program.) vs. Zjem obiad, a potem poczytam książkę. (I'll eat dinner, and after that I'll read a book.)
It's pronounced something like POH-tem. The 'o' is like the 'o' in 'pot', and the 'e' is like the 'e' in 'bed'.
Yes, potem is perfect for describing a sequence of past events. For example, Wstałem rano, zjadłem śniadanie, a potem poszedłem do pracy. (I got up in the morning, ate breakfast, and after that I went to work.)
Not really a shorter word that means exactly the same. You might just use a comma and continue the sentence if the connection is clear, but potem is already quite concise.
While potem implies a sequence, it can sometimes generally mean 'later on' if the sequence is less defined. However, później is usually a better fit for a general 'later on'. For example, Pogadamy o tym potem. (We'll talk about it later.) - here, potem implies 'after we do something else' or 'at a later point in the conversation'.
You'll often hear 'a potem...' (and after that...). Another common one is 'co potem?' (what then? / what after that?). For example, Zrobię zakupy, a potem ugotuję obiad. (I'll do the shopping, and after that I'll cook dinner.)
Teste-toi 54 questions
Jem śniadanie, a ___ idę do pracy.
The sentence describes a sequence of events: eating breakfast, then going to work. 'Potem' means 'after that' and fits perfectly.
Uczę się polskiego, a ___ oglądam film.
This sentence also shows a sequence. First, studying Polish, then watching a film. 'Potem' is the correct choice for 'after that'.
Piję kawę, a ___ czytam książkę.
The order of actions is drinking coffee, and then reading a book. 'Potem' connects these actions.
Gotuję obiad, a ___ jemy razem.
First, dinner is cooked, and 'after that' it is eaten together. 'Potem' is the appropriate word.
Idę do sklepu, a ___ wracam do domu.
The sequence is going to the shop, and then returning home. 'Potem' correctly indicates the next step.
Rozmawiam z przyjacielem, a ___ idę spać.
After talking with a friend, one goes to sleep. 'Potem' means 'after that' and fits the context.
I'm going to the shop, and after that, home.
First we eat dinner, and after that we watch a movie.
I wake up in the morning, drink coffee, and after that I go to work.
Read this aloud:
Potem idę spać.
Focus: po-tem
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Co robisz potem?
Focus: co ro-bish po-tem?
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Najpierw pracuję, a potem odpoczywam.
Focus: naj-pyerv pra-tsoo-yeh, a po-tem ot-po-chy-vam.
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Complete the sentence: Idę do sklepu, a ___ do domu. (I'm going to the store, and then home.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Idę do sklepu, a potem do domu.
Translate: First I eat breakfast, then I drink coffee.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Najpierw jem śniadanie, potem piję kawę.
Write a short sentence describing two actions in sequence using 'potem'. (Example: Gotuję obiad, potem oglądam film.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Uczę się, potem idę spać.
Co Ania robi po śniadaniu?
Read this passage:
Ania wstaje rano. Je śniadanie. Potem idzie do pracy. Po pracy wraca do domu i odpoczywa.
Co Ania robi po śniadaniu?
The passage states 'Je śniadanie. Potem idzie do pracy.' which means 'She eats breakfast. After that, she goes to work.'
The passage states 'Je śniadanie. Potem idzie do pracy.' which means 'She eats breakfast. After that, she goes to work.'
Kiedy osoba spotyka się z przyjaciółmi?
Read this passage:
W sobotę idę do kina. Potem spotykam się z przyjaciółmi. Lubię weekendy!
Kiedy osoba spotyka się z przyjaciółmi?
The passage says 'Idę do kina. Potem spotykam się z przyjaciółmi.' meaning 'I'm going to the cinema. After that, I meet friends.'
The passage says 'Idę do kina. Potem spotykam się z przyjaciółmi.' meaning 'I'm going to the cinema. After that, I meet friends.'
Jaki dzień będzie po wtorku?
Read this passage:
Dziś jest poniedziałek. Jutro jest wtorek. Potem będzie środa.
Jaki dzień będzie po wtorku?
The passage clearly states 'Jutro jest wtorek. Potem będzie środa.' meaning 'Tomorrow is Tuesday. After that will be Wednesday.'
The passage clearly states 'Jutro jest wtorek. Potem będzie środa.' meaning 'Tomorrow is Tuesday. After that will be Wednesday.'
Choose the correct translation of 'potem'.
'Potem' directly translates to 'after that' or 'then' in English.
Which sentence uses 'potem' correctly?
'Potem' typically connects two actions in sequence, meaning 'then' or 'after that'.
Co robisz najpierw, a co robisz potem? (What do you do first, and what do you do after that?)
This sentence correctly uses 'najpierw' (first) and 'potem' (after that) to describe a sequence of actions.
'Potem' can be used to say 'before'.
'Potem' means 'after that' or 'then', not 'before'. The word for 'before' is 'przedtem' or 'wcześniej'.
In the sentence 'Wstaję rano, a potem jem śniadanie.' (I get up in the morning, and after that I eat breakfast.), 'potem' indicates a sequence of events.
Yes, 'potem' is used here to show that eating breakfast happens after getting up, indicating a sequence.
It is incorrect to use 'potem' at the beginning of a sentence.
'Potem' can be used at the beginning of a sentence, for example: 'Potem poszliśmy do kina.' (After that, we went to the cinema.)
This sentence describes a sequence of actions: eating lunch and then going for a walk. 'Potem' connects these two actions.
This sentence shows a chronological order of events: first shopping, then cooking dinner.
This sentence describes a typical morning routine, using 'potem' to indicate the next step after washing teeth.
Choose the correct translation: 'I will eat breakfast, then I will go to work.'
'Zjem' is future tense for 'eat', and 'pójdę' is future tense for 'go'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'potem' to indicate a sequence of events?
'Potem' means 'then' or 'after that', indicating a sequence. The other options imply different relationships.
Complete the sentence: 'Najpierw uczę się, ___ idę spać.'
'Najpierw' means 'first'. 'Potem' logically follows to mean 'then' or 'after that'.
'Potem' can be used to describe something that happened before another event.
'Potem' means 'after that' or 'then', indicating a subsequent event, not a prior one.
The sentence 'Gotuję obiad, potem jemy.' means 'I cook dinner, then we eat.'
This is a correct translation. 'Gotuję' means 'I cook', 'obiad' is 'dinner', 'potem' is 'then', and 'jemy' is 'we eat'.
In the sentence 'Pojadę do sklepu, potem wrócę do domu.', 'potem' connects two actions that happen simultaneously.
'Potem' indicates a sequential action, meaning one event happens after the other, not at the same time.
Listen for the sequence of cities.
Listen for what happened after breakfast.
Listen for what they did after watching the movie.
Read this aloud:
Najpierw idę do sklepu, a potem wracam do domu.
Focus: potem
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Zrobiłem pracę domową, a potem zagrałem w grę.
Focus: potem
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Wczoraj uczyłem się polskiego, a potem oglądałem wiadomości.
Focus: potem
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence describes a sequence of events: first meeting after a long separation, then reminiscing.
The order emphasizes completing the project before considering vacation.
The sentence clearly indicates brainstorming first, followed by detailed planning.
The speaker is talking about a person's life journey.
The speaker is discussing a process of decision-making.
The speaker is describing the evolution of an argument.
Read this aloud:
Proszę, powtórz za mną: 'Po burzy, potem zawsze wychodzi słońce, choć czasem trzeba na to długo czekać.'
Focus: potem
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Opowiedz mi, jak planujesz swoją karierę: co najpierw, a co potem?
Focus: potem
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Sformułuj zdanie, w którym użyjesz 'potem' do opisania kolejności wydarzeń o znaczeniu egzystencjalnym.
Focus: potem
Tu as dit :
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/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
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