When used as a preposition, po generally means "after" or "for".
It can also indicate a location, meaning "around" or "over", or a method, like "by means of".
Context is crucial for understanding its precise meaning.
For example, po pracy means "after work", but po angielsku means "in English".
Mastering its various uses will significantly improve your Polish fluency.
When used with the genitive case, po indicates something that comes after something else in a sequence or order. For example, po obiedzie means "after lunch."
It can also indicate a search or going to get something. For instance, iść po zakupy means "to go get groceries."
When used with the locative case, po can mean "all over" or "around." An example is chodzić po domu, which means "to walk around the house."
Additionally, po can signify distribution or repetition, like in dwa razy po trzy, meaning "two times three."
When used with the genitive case, "po" means "after" or "later than." For example, "po pracy" means "after work."
It can also mean "for" or "in order to get something" when used with the accusative case, like in "iść po chleb" (to go for bread).
With the locative case, "po" indicates location "on" or "along" something, as in "spacerować po parku" (to walk in the park).
Sometimes, "po" can express distribution, meaning "each" or "per," as in "po dwa jabłka" (two apples each).
While "po" primarily means "after", it's a remarkably versatile preposition in Polish with a wide range of uses that go beyond simple temporal sequencing. At a C2 level, you should be aware of its nuances, such as expressing distribution (e.g., "po jednym na osobę" - one per person), purpose (e.g., "iść po chleb" - to go for bread), or even a state of being (e.g., "po polsku" - in Polish). Its case government can also vary, taking the locative, accusative, or dative case depending on the precise meaning. Mastering these various applications is key to achieving native-like fluency.
§ Understanding 'po' with nouns
The word 'po' in Polish is incredibly versatile, but when it means 'after', it's usually followed by the locative case if it refers to a place, or the accusative or instrumental cases when it indicates a sequence of actions or events. But, for 'after' in the sense of time, it often pairs with the locative or accusative, depending on the context.
§ 'Po' followed by the Locative Case
When 'po' means 'after' in the sense of 'after something happened' or 'after an event', it's typically followed by a noun in the locative case. This is common when talking about periods of time or events.
- DEFINITION
- Use 'po' with the locative case to say 'after' in a temporal sense, often referring to an event or a period of time.
Idziemy na spacer po obiedzie.
This translates to: We're going for a walk after lunch. 'Obiedzie' is the locative form of 'obiad' (lunch).
Zadzwonię do ciebie po pracy.
Meaning: I will call you after work. 'Pracy' is the locative form of 'praca' (work).
§ 'Po' indicating a purpose or direction
While this lesson focuses on 'po' meaning 'after', it's worth noting that 'po' has other uses. One common use is to indicate 'for' a purpose or 'to get' something, in which case it often takes the accusative case, or sometimes the genitive or locative depending on the context. However, for 'after', stick to the locative for time-related phrases.
- DEFINITION
- When 'po' means 'after' in a temporal context, specifically after an event or time, it is followed by the locative case.
§ Common phrases with 'po' (after)
Here are some more examples of 'po' meaning 'after' in common phrases:
Po szkole (after school)
Po szkole idziemy do kina.
Meaning: After school, we are going to the cinema.
Po świętach (after the holidays)
Spotykamy się po świętach.
Meaning: We are meeting after the holidays.
Po koncercie (after the concert)
Rozmawialiśmy po koncercie.
Meaning: We talked after the concert.
§ Summary of 'po' (after)
To recap, when you use 'po' to mean 'after' in a temporal sense, particularly after an event or a period of time, you need to use the locative case for the noun that follows. This is a fundamental usage that you'll encounter very frequently in Polish. Practice these examples and try to create your own sentences to solidify your understanding.
§ Understanding 'po' (after)
The Polish word 'po' is a very common preposition. It generally means 'after' in English. You'll hear it a lot, so it's good to get a solid grasp of how to use it.
- Polish Word
- po
- Meaning
- after
- CEFR Level
- A1
When you use 'po' with nouns, it almost always takes the locative case. This is important to remember because Polish cases can be tricky. Don't worry too much about the exact grammar rules for now; just try to memorize the common phrases.
§ Basic Examples of 'po'
Let's look at some basic examples to see 'po' in action. These are phrases you'll use daily.
Idziemy na spacer po obiedzie.
- Translation hint
- We are going for a walk after lunch.
Po pracy idę do domu.
- Translation hint
- After work, I go home.
Zadzwonię do ciebie po spotkaniu.
- Translation hint
- I will call you after the meeting.
§ 'Po' with Time Expressions
You'll also use 'po' to talk about time, specifically 'after' a certain amount of time has passed.
Wracam do domu po godzinie.
- Translation hint
- I'm coming home after an hour.
Spotkajmy się po dziesiątej.
- Translation hint
- Let's meet after ten (o'clock).
§ 'Po' vs. Other Words for 'After'
While 'po' is the most common way to say 'after', you might encounter other words or constructions that convey a similar meaning. Here's a quick look at why 'po' is usually your best bet for simple 'after' scenarios.
- 'Po' + Locative: This is your go-to for 'after' followed by a noun or pronoun, especially when indicating sequence in time or a spatial relationship.
Other words like 'potem' (then, afterwards) or 'następnie' (next, subsequently) are adverbs, not prepositions. They stand alone and don't require a noun to follow them. They are used to link sentences or ideas, not to show a relationship between a verb and a noun like 'po' does.
Zjadłem obiad. Potem poszedłem na spacer.
- Translation hint
- I ate lunch. Afterwards, I went for a walk.
Here, 'potem' is used instead of 'po' because it's connecting two actions rather than stating 'after lunch' directly. If you wanted to use 'po', you'd say: 'Po obiedzie poszedłem na spacer.' (After lunch, I went for a walk.)
- 'Od' (from, since): While 'od' can sometimes imply a starting point in time, don't confuse it with 'po'. 'Od' means 'from' or 'since', indicating a beginning, not something happening after an event is completed.
Uczę się polskiego od roku.
- Translation hint
- I have been learning Polish for a year (since a year ago).
As you can see, 'od' gives a sense of duration from a point in the past, while 'po' describes something happening subsequent to an event.
Stick to 'po' with the locative case for simple 'after' situations involving nouns. It's the most direct and common way to express this in Polish. Don't overthink it for now; master the common phrases first.
수준별 예문
Po pracy idę do domu.
After work, I go home.
Widzimy się po szkole.
We'll see each other after school.
Jem obiad po powrocie.
I eat dinner after returning.
Po deszczu jest słońce.
After the rain, there is sun.
Piję kawę po posiłku.
I drink coffee after the meal.
Po tobie, ja.
After you, me.
A polite phrase for 'you go first'.
On jest po prawej.
He is on the right.
Can also mean 'on' or 'at' when referring to position.
Po polsku.
In Polish.
Used to describe a language.
Po wielu latach ciężkiej pracy, w końcu mogłem sobie pozwolić na wymarzone wakacje.
After many years of hard work, I could finally afford my dream vacation.
preposition 'po' followed by the genitive case, indicating time after an event.
Decyzja po długich naradach zapadła i wszyscy zgodzili się na nowe warunki umowy.
The decision, after long deliberations, was made, and everyone agreed to the new terms of the contract.
preposition 'po' followed by the locative case, referring to the context of the deliberations.
Po tym incydencie, całe miasto żyło w strachu przed nieznanym sprawcą.
After this incident, the whole city lived in fear of the unknown perpetrator.
preposition 'po' followed by the locative case, indicating a consequence of an event.
Poza kilkoma drobnymi usterkami, samochód sprawował się bez zarzutu przez cały okres gwarancji.
Aside from a few minor glitches, the car performed flawlessly throughout the warranty period.
The phrase 'poza' (apart from, besides) is used here, similar to 'po' indicating an exception.
Po nitce do kłębka dotarliśmy do prawdy, odkrywając wszystkie sekrety.
Following the thread, we arrived at the truth, discovering all the secrets.
Idiomatic expression 'po nitce do kłębka' (following a thread to the ball of yarn), meaning to trace something back to its origin.
Poza tym, że była niezwykle utalentowaną artystką, posiadała również niezwykłe poczucie humoru.
Besides being an incredibly talented artist, she also possessed an extraordinary sense of humor.
The phrase 'poza tym, że' (besides the fact that) is used to introduce an additional piece of information.
Po raz pierwszy w historii firmy, osiągnęliśmy tak imponujące wyniki sprzedaży.
For the first time in the company's history, we achieved such impressive sales results.
The phrase 'po raz pierwszy' (for the first time) is a common temporal expression.
Po co nam te wszystkie ograniczenia, skoro możemy żyć w wolności i swobodzie?
Why do we need all these restrictions, if we can live in freedom and liberty?
The phrase 'po co' (for what, why) is an interrogative expression.
관용어 및 표현
"dzień po dniu"
day after day
Dzień po dniu, ona uczyła się polskiego.
neutral"jeden po drugim"
one after another
Dzieci wchodziły do pokoju jeden po drugim.
neutral"po drodze"
on the way
Po drodze do sklepu spotkałem Annę.
neutral"po kolei"
one by one, in turn
Proszę, mówcie po kolei.
neutral"po cichu"
quietly, secretly
Rozmawiali po cichu, żeby nikt ich nie słyszał.
neutral"po prostu"
simply, just
To jest po prostu trudne.
neutral"poza tym"
besides, apart from that
Poza tym, wszystko było dobrze.
neutral"po godzinach"
after hours (of work)
Pracuję po godzinach, żeby skończyć projekt.
neutral"po twojej myśli"
according to your wishes/plan
Mam nadzieję, że wszystko pójdzie po twojej myśli.
neutral"po raz pierwszy"
for the first time
Po raz pierwszy widzę takie piękne góry.
neutral셀프 테스트 36 질문
Choose the correct translation: 'I will call you after work.'
'Po' usually takes the genitive case when referring to 'after' in time. 'Praca' (work) in genitive is 'pracy'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'po' to mean 'after'?
'Po południu' means 'in the afternoon' or 'after noon'. The other options use 'po' in different contexts.
Complete the sentence: 'Wracam do domu ____ szkole.' (I'm coming home after school.)
'Po szkole' means 'after school'.
The sentence 'Idziemy na kawę po obiedzie' means 'We are going for coffee after dinner.'
'Obiad' means dinner/lunch, and 'po obiedzie' means 'after dinner/lunch'.
'Po wakacjach' means 'before the holidays.'
'Po wakacjach' means 'after the holidays'. 'Przed wakacjami' would mean 'before the holidays'.
In Polish, 'po' can only be used to indicate time.
'Po' can have other meanings, like 'for' in some contexts (e.g., 'iść po coś' - to go for something).
This sentence means 'I will return home after work.' 'Po' is followed by 'pracy' (work) in the locative case.
This sentence means 'We will meet after the movie.' 'Po' is followed by 'filmie' (movie) in the locative case.
This sentence means 'After classes, I will do homework.' 'Po' is followed by 'lekcjach' (classes) in the locative case.
Zadzwonię do ciebie ___ pracy.
Używamy 'po' (after) w kontekście czasu, wskazując, że czynność nastąpi po innej czynności (pracy).
Spotkamy się ___ obiedzie.
'Po obiedzie' oznacza 'after lunch'.
Wracam do domu ___ szkole.
'Po szkole' oznacza 'after school'.
Dzieci idą spać ___ kolacji.
'Po kolacji' oznacza 'after dinner'.
Zawsze piję kawę ___ śniadaniu.
'Po śniadaniu' oznacza 'after breakfast'.
Często spacerujemy ___ pracy.
'Po pracy' oznacza 'after work'.
The atmosphere in the office after the resignation.
The mood in the cities after the referendum results.
The board's decision after market data analysis.
Read this aloud:
Proszę, opowiedz mi o twoich planach na weekend po zrealizowaniu wszystkich zawodowych zobowiązań.
Focus: po zrealizowaniu
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
Wyjaśnij, w jaki sposób technologia wpłynęła na komunikację międzyludzką po upowszechnieniu się internetu mobilnego.
Focus: po upowszechnieniu
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Read this aloud:
Skomentuj, jakie wyzwania stoją przed globalną gospodarką po pandemii COVID-19 i jak można im zaradzić.
Focus: po pandemii
당신의 답변:
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Które zdanie najlepiej oddaje złożoność relacji międzyludzkich, używając słowa 'po' w kontekście metaforycznym?
Ta opcja wykorzystuje 'po' w sensie 'następującym po', ale w przenośni, odnosząc się do cyklu życia i ludzkich doświadczeń, co jest typowe dla poziomu C2.
Wybierz zdanie, w którym 'po' jest użyte w idiomie, podkreślającym nagłą zmianę sytuacji lub perspektywy.
Wyrażenie 'po namyśle' to idiomatyczne użycie 'po', które oznacza 'po zastanowieniu się', a kontekst zdania wskazuje na głęboką refleksję, charakterystyczną dla poziomu C2.
W którym zdaniu 'po' wyraża następstwo czasowe w kontekście skomplikowanego procesu decyzyjnego?
Zdanie opisuje złożony proces zakończony porozumieniem, gdzie 'po' wskazuje na rezultat długiego ciągu wydarzeń, co jest typowe dla złożonych struktur na poziomie C2.
Zwrot 'po trupach do celu' oznacza, że ktoś osiąga swoje cele za wszelką cenę, nie zważając na innych, co jest trafnym użyciem słowa 'po' w kontekście bezwzględności.
To zdanie jest prawdziwe. 'Po trupach do celu' to idiomatyczne wyrażenie, które doskonale ilustruje użycie 'po' w kontekście ekstremalnych środków do osiągnięcia celu, co jest bardzo zaawansowanym poziomem zrozumienia języka.
W zdaniu 'Po przeczytaniu tej książki, moje spojrzenie na świat całkowicie się zmieniło', słowo 'po' jest użyte, aby podkreślić przyczynowo-skutkową zależność między lekturą a głęboką transformacją osobistą.
To zdanie jest prawdziwe. 'Po' w tym kontekście wskazuje na bezpośrednią konsekwencję, co jest zaawansowanym sposobem wyrażania zależności przyczynowo-skutkowych na poziomie C2.
W zdaniu 'Po latach zastoju, gospodarka zaczęła się dynamicznie rozwijać, co świadczy o skuteczności wprowadzonych reform', słowo 'po' wskazuje na zmianę stanu, ale niekoniecznie na przyczynę tej zmiany.
To zdanie jest fałszywe. 'Po latach zastoju' ewidentnie wskazuje na przyczynę, czyli koniec okresu zastoju, który umożliwił rozwój gospodarczy. 'Po' w tym przypadku jest kluczowe dla zrozumienia zależności czasowej i przyczynowej.
After many years, I finally understood the intricacies of Polish grammar.
The decision was made after long and exhausting debates.
After removing all obstacles, the path to success became clear.
Read this aloud:
Po dogłębnej analizie, doszliśmy do wniosku, że to najlepsze rozwiązanie.
Focus: dogłębnej analizie
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
Po zawiłym procesie legislacyjnym, ustawa weszła w życie.
Focus: zawiłym procesie legislacyjnym
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Read this aloud:
Po uwzględnieniu wszystkich zmiennych, prognozy okazały się trafne.
Focus: uwzględnieniu wszystkich zmiennych
당신의 답변:
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/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
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general 관련 단어
a
A1and/but
adaptacja
B2the process of adjusting to new conditions
adekwatny
C1Satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity.
akceptowalny
C1Able to be agreed on; satisfactory.
akceptować
B1To accept or agree to something
albo
A1or
ale
A1but
alternatywa
C1One of two or more available possibilities.
angielski
A1English
atrakcyjny
B1Pleasing or appealing to the senses
