Meaning
Introducing the first point.
Cultural Background
Poles value logical structure in arguments. Using 'po pierwsze' makes you sound more persuasive and organized in a debate. In Polish universities, 'po pierwsze' is the standard way to begin a thesis statement or a response to a professor's question. In meetings, using this phrase helps manage the 'chaos' of brainstorming by forcing a sequence. While standard Polish is used, regional dialects might favor 'nojprzód' (firstly), but 'po pierwsze' is understood and used by everyone.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after 'po pierwsze' when it starts a sentence in writing.
The 'Po Drugie' Rule
If you use 'po pierwsze', try to follow up with 'po drugie' to sound more like a native speaker.
Meaning
Introducing the first point.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after 'po pierwsze' when it starts a sentence in writing.
The 'Po Drugie' Rule
If you use 'po pierwsze', try to follow up with 'po drugie' to sound more like a native speaker.
Don't Decline
Never change the ending of 'pierwsze' in this phrase. It's always 'pierwsze', never 'pierwszy' or 'pierwsza'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to start the list.
________, musimy kupić jajka. Po drugie, musimy upiec ciasto.
'Po pierwsze' is the standard phrase to start a numbered list of points.
Which sentence is correct?
A: Po pierwszy, nie lubię zimy. B: Po pierwsze, nie lubię zimy.
The phrase is fixed in the neuter form 'pierwsze'.
Complete the dialogue.
Marek: Dlaczego nie idziesz na imprezę? Ania: ________, jestem zmęczona. Po drugie, muszę się uczyć.
Ania is listing her reasons, so 'po pierwsze' is the correct connector.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are explaining to a friend why you can't lend them money.
This introduces your first reason clearly and politely.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises________, musimy kupić jajka. Po drugie, musimy upiec ciasto.
'Po pierwsze' is the standard phrase to start a numbered list of points.
A: Po pierwszy, nie lubię zimy. B: Po pierwsze, nie lubię zimy.
The phrase is fixed in the neuter form 'pierwsze'.
Marek: Dlaczego nie idziesz na imprezę? Ania: ________, jestem zmęczona. Po drugie, muszę się uczyć.
Ania is listing her reasons, so 'po pierwsze' is the correct connector.
You are explaining to a friend why you can't lend them money.
This introduces your first reason clearly and politely.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it almost always appears at the beginning of a clause or sentence to introduce a point.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend.
'Najpierw' is for time (First this, then that). 'Po pierwsze' is for listing points or reasons.
It sounds a bit strange. It's better to use 'przede wszystkim' (above all) if there's only one main point.
It's a fixed neuter form that historically referred to an abstract 'point' (neuter).
It's a popular joke/slang. It's not 'correct' Polish, but people use it for emphasis.
You can go up to 'po dziesiąte' (tenthly), but after 'po trzecie', it starts to sound a bit long-winded.
Yes, in written Polish, a comma is standard after 'po pierwsze'.
Yes, it is a very common and useful transition word for academic writing.
Not necessarily, but in an argument, it shows you are serious and have multiple points.
Related Phrases
po drugie
builds onsecondly
najpierw
similarfirst / at first
przede wszystkim
specialized formabove all / primarily
w pierwszej kolejności
specialized formin the first instance
