Demonstrative Pronouns
Learn how to use Polish demonstrative pronouns (this/that) and understand the crucial distinction between modifying a noun and identifying an object.
Learning goals
- Understand the two demonstrative pronouns in Polish: ten (this/these) and tamten (that/those).
- Learn to conjugate these pronouns based on gender, number, and case.
- Master the critical distinction between modification (using the pronoun as an adjective) and identification (using "to" as a placeholder).
- Learn when to use viral (virile) vs. non-viral (non-virile) plural forms.
Grammar rules
Polish demonstrative pronouns depend on the noun they refer to. They must agree in gender, number, and case.
Proximal vs. Distal
- Proximal (this/these): Use forms of ten. Even if an object is technically far away, if you are pointing at it or singling it out, Polish speakers often use the proximal form.
- Distal (that/those): Use forms of tamten (which is essentially tam + ten). We use this primarily to contrast two things (e.g., "not this one, but that one").
The "To" Rule (Identification vs. Modification)
This is the most common pitfall for learners:
- Modification (Adjective usage): When the pronoun is directly attached to a noun (e.g., "This car is fast"), it must decline according to the noun's gender and case.
- Ten samochód jest szybki. (Masculine)
- Identification (Substantive usage): When the pronoun acts as a placeholder for "this is" or "that is" (the verb "to be" follows immediately), you always use the neuter singular form "to", regardless of what follows.
- To mój brat. (Even though "brother" is masculine, we use "to" because it's not modifying "brother" directly).
Declension patterns
The forms for tamten (that) are identical to ten (this), just with the prefix tam- attached.
Declension of "Ten" (This)
| Case | Masculine | Feminine | Neuter | Plural (Viral) | Plural (Non-viral) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nom. | ten | ta | to | ci | te |
| Gen. | tego | tej | tego | tych | tych |
| Dat. | temu | tej | temu | tym | tym |
| Acc. | tego/ten* | tę | to | tych | te |
| Inst. | tym | tą | tym | tym | tym |
| Loc. | tym | tej | tym | tym | tym |
*Accusative Masculine: Use "tego" for living beings (people/animals), use "ten" for objects.
Many learners confuse tę and tą in the accusative case. The standard, grammatically correct form for feminine accusative is tę. However, in casual spoken Polish, it is extremely common (almost universal) to hear native speakers use tą instead. While you should aim for tę in writing, don't be surprised to hear tą in conversation.
Examples
| Polish | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ten komputer jest zepsuty. | This computer is broken. | Masculine, Nominative (modifying noun). |
| Czy znasz tę piosenkę? | Do you know this song? | Feminine, Accusative (receiving action). |
| Mieszkam w tym domu. | I live in this house. | Masculine, Locative (location). |
| Ci ludzie są mili. | These people are nice. | Plural Viral, Nominative. |
| Podaj mi tamtą poduszkę. | Pass me that pillow. | Feminine, Accusative. |
| To jest moja siostra. | This is my sister. | "To" used for identification (doesn't change gender). |
Common mistakes
- Gender mismatch in identification: Using ten or ta when you should use to. Remember: if "is" follows, use to.
- Overusing "tamten": Beginners often try to use tamten just because an object is physically far away. In Polish, if you are pointing or focusing on an object, ten is usually sufficient. Reserve tamten for direct contrast ("not this one, but that one").
- The Accusative mix-up: Using ten instead of tego for masculine accusative when referring to a person or animal.
Quick recap
- Ten = this/these; Tamten = that/those.
- If the pronoun modifies a noun directly, decline it to match the noun's gender, number, and case.
- If you are just saying "This is..." or "That is...", always use to.
- In the accusative feminine, tę is the textbook standard, but tą is standard in speech.
- Use viral/non-viral rules for plurals: ci (viral) vs te (non-viral).