Verbs of Motion
Verbs of motion: directional vs non-directional pairs
I can use basic verbs of motion with correct directionality
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Idę teraz do szkoły.
I'm going to school now.
Chodzę do szkoły codziennie.
I go to school every day.
Jedziemy do Warszawy.
We're driving to Warsaw.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Verbs of Motion
Polish distinguishes directional (one-way) and non-directional (habitual) motion verbs.
| Directional | Non-directional | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| iść | chodzić | to go (foot) |
| jechać | jeździć | to go (vehicle) |
| lecieć | latać | to fly |
Learners mix up iść/chodzić. iść = going now, chodzić = going regularly.
Idę teraz do szkoły.
I'm going to school now.
Idę do szkoły — directional iść: specific trip, happening now.
Chodzę do szkoły codziennie.
I go to school every day.
Chodzę do szkoły codziennie — non-directional chodzić: habitual, repeated.
Jedziemy do Warszawy.
We're driving to Warsaw.
Jedziemy do Warszawy — jechać for vehicle travel, directional.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Put it into practice
Try a free exercise from the courseFrequently asked questions
- When is Czasowniki ruchu used?
- Polish distinguishes directional (one-way, right now) and non-directional (habitual, round-trip) motion verbs.
- How is Czasowniki ruchu formed?
- Key: Idę do szkoły = I'm going to school (right now). Chodzę do szkoły = I go to school (regularly).
- What are common mistakes with Czasowniki ruchu?
- Learners mix up iść/chodzić or use only one form. Also confusing iść (foot) vs jechać (vehicle). English speakers: English 'go' covers all motion — Polish splits by mode and direction. Russian speakers: Russian идти/ходить is identical — direct transfer. Czech speakers: Czech jít/chodit works the same way — easy parallel.