Future Tense
Learn how to form the future tense in Polish using the compound method, which requires a helper verb and a main verb.
Learning goals
- Understand the structure of the Polish Compound Future Tense (Czas przyszły złożony).
- Master the conjugation of the auxiliary verb "być" (to be).
- Learn the two methods for forming the future tense: the Infinitive method and the Gendered method.
- Understand how to apply gender and number correctly to future tense constructions.
Grammar rules
In Polish, the imperfective future tense is "compound." It requires two components:
Helper Verb (To Be) + Main Action Verb
You must conjugate the verb "być" (to be) based on the subject, and then provide the main verb. There are two correct ways to structure the main verb.
1. Conjugating "być" (To Be)
You cannot form the future tense without this engine.
| Person | Polish |
|---|---|
| Ja (I) | będę |
| Ty (You) | będziesz |
| On/Ona/Ono (He/She/It) | będzie |
| My (We) | będziemy |
| Wy (You all) | będziecie |
| Oni/One (They) | będą |
Declension / Conjugation patterns
Method 1: The Infinitive Way (Beginner Friendly)
This is the most straightforward method as it ignores gender. You simply conjugate the helper verb "być" and add the dictionary (infinitive) form of your main verb.
Formula: Conjugated Być + Infinitive
- Ja będę pracować (I will work)
- Ty będziesz spać (You will sleep)
- Oni będą grać (They will play)
Method 2: The Gendered Way (Native Sounding)
This method is used frequently by native speakers because it flows more naturally. Instead of the infinitive, you use the 3rd person past tense form (ending in -ł / -ła / -li / -ły).
Formula: Conjugated Być + Past Tense Verb (3rd Person)
Singular Forms
You must match the gender of the subject.
- Masculine: Ja będę czytał (I [male] will read)
- Feminine: Ja będę czytała (I [female] will read)
Plural Forms
- Virile (Group with men): My będziemy czytali
- Non-virile (Women/Things only): My będziemy czytały
Examples
| Polish | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jutro będę odpoczywać w domu. | Tomorrow I will rest at home. | Method 1 |
| Czy będziesz oglądał ten film? | Will you watch this movie? | Method 2 (to a male) |
| W weekend będziemy sprzątać garaż. | On the weekend we will clean the garage. | Method 1 |
| One będą czekały przed kinem. | They (females) will wait in front of the cinema. | Method 2 |
| Gdzie będziecie mieszkać? | Where will you guys live? | Method 1 |
Common mistakes
- Mismatched Gender: Using a feminine ending for a masculine subject (e.g., a man saying "Ja będę robiła"). If unsure, stick to Method 1.
- Mixing Singular and Plural: Ensure the past tense form matches the plurality of the helper verb. My będziemy robili (Correct) vs. My będziemy robił (Incorrect).
- The "Double Infinitive" Error: Never use the infinitive for the helper verb. Do not say "Ja być pracować." You must conjugate być.
- Reflexive Pronoun Placement: Do not place się too far from the verb. It should be "sandwiched" close to it.
When using Method 2, learners often default to the masculine form regardless of the subject. Always ensure the ending (-ł, -ła, -li, -ły) matches the specific subject doing the action, not just the speaker.
Quick recap
- The future tense is compound: Conjugated być + main verb.
- Method 1 (Infinitive): Easier, gender-neutral. Będę + spać.
- Method 2 (Past Tense): More native-sounding, requires gender/number agreement. Będę + spał/spała.
- Always match the plurality: If the subject is plural (we, you, they), the second verb must be in the plural past tense form.