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