Verb "to be" (być)

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Conjugation of the verb 'to be' (być) in present tense

I can conjugate być and use instrumental with nouns

Examples

Jestem nauczycielem. — I am a teacher.
Jesteśmy zmęczeni. — We are tired.
Oni nie są tutaj. — They are not here.

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Verb "to be" (być)

Conjugation of the verb 'to be' (być) in present tense

Learning Goal

I can conjugate być and use instrumental with nouns

Exam Skills:ECL A1 · WritingECL A1 · Speaking

Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?

Jestem nauczycielem.

I am a teacher.

Jesteśmy zmęczeni.

We are tired.

Oni nie są tutaj.

They are not here.

Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?

Verb "to be"

Być is irregular: jestem, jesteś, jest, jesteśmy, jesteście, są. Uses instrumental case with nouns (jestem studentem) but nominative with adjectives (jestem zmęczony).

Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises

Practice Exercises

Być requires instrumental case with nouns (jestem studentem, not *jestem student).

Jestem nauczycielem.

I am a teacher.

Jestem nauczycielem — note instrumental case (nauczyciel → nauczycielem). Not *jestem nauczyciel.

Jesteśmy zmęczeni.

We are tired.

Jesteśmy zmęczeni — adjective stays in nominative (unlike nouns which take instrumental).

Oni nie są tutaj.

They are not here.

Oni nie są tutaj — negation with nie before the verb. Są is the 3rd person plural (irregular).

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Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises

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Frequently asked questions

When do you use Verb "to be" (być)?: Być is irregular: jestem, jesteś, jest, jesteśmy, jesteście, są. Uses instrumental case with nouns (jestem studentem) but nominative with adjectives (jestem zmęczony).
What are common mistakes with Verb "to be" (być)?: Być requires instrumental case with nouns (jestem studentem, not *jestem student).

Frequently asked questions

When do you use Verb "to be" (być)?

Być is irregular: jestem, jesteś, jest, jesteśmy, jesteście, są. Uses instrumental case with nouns (jestem studentem) but nominative with adjectives (jestem zmęczony).

What are common mistakes with Verb "to be" (być)?

Być requires instrumental case with nouns (jestem studentem, not *jestem student).