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Issues understanding "to go" verb in Polish language


Lecrede 1 | 1
6 May 2018 #1
Hello!

I am currently using Duolingo as a supplement to understanding and speaking the Polish language. I have, however, stumbled upon an issue in discerning the verbs (iść) and another which I do not know the root of. Duolingo considers these two verbs synonymous, yet fails my answers to questions in which they are prompted. The pictures attached will hopefully explain what I mean. Why are both verbs used as "to go"

and "to walk," yet sometimes are not deemed correct in these questions? Is it context? Conjugation?

I would really like some help in resolving this matter. It's making it very confusing.

Thanks!





mafketis 37 | 10,898
6 May 2018 #2
The problem is with duo and not you. I've used duolingo but they are very erratic in terms of translations and very slow to correct mistakes (if they ever get corrected).

duolingo is best at helping you brush up on a rusty language or as a supplement to other learning materials, the interface doesn't lend itself to being a primary source

both walk and go should be accepted as translations (and both present continuous and simple present should be accepted)
OP Lecrede 1 | 1
6 May 2018 #3
I really appreciate your answer. As a follow-up- are these two verbs interchangeable in standard conversation? Are there situations when one is more appropriate than the other? Perhaps (iść) is more generally "to go" and the other is more used for specifically "to walk" (y'know, to actually "walk" somewhere)?

Many thanks in advance!
gumishu 13 | 6,138
6 May 2018 #4
iść means specifically to walk - if you are using some means of transport you use the verb jechać - you don't say . Idę samochodem but Jadę samochodem.

Pić is pronounced by English speakers as picz - pić means to drink picz means pussy - Chcę pić means I am thirsty (literally I want to drink) Chcę picz means I want pussy
mafketis 37 | 10,898
6 May 2018 #5
you don't say . Idę samochodem but Jadę samochodem.

Also the Polish equivalents of a number of expressions in English that use 'go' don't use any verb of motion in Polish

I went to the doctor - Byłem u lekarza (I was at the doctor's)

We went to the movies - Byliśmy w kinie (we were at/in the movie theater)
Lyzko 45 | 9,429
6 May 2018 #6
In English, we are far less directionally specific than in Polish!

If I say, "I'm going to Poland.", it's obvious that it's not on foot. Therefore, I needn't specify that I'm "flying" or even sailing by ship, to Poland:-)

In Polish, "Ide do Polski." might well cause the Poles much amusement. Probably, "Odlatuje do Polski" would do the trick nicely,
i.e. (literally) " I fly [this one time] off to Poland".
Lyzko 45 | 9,429
7 May 2018 #7
In addition, if one wishes to indicate "going" ON FOOT vs. some other way, such as taking the bus, one may, of course simply use "isc"/"pojsc" pieszo or piechota!

Predzej poszedlbym pieszo niz przyjechal z autobusem. = I'd sooner [rather] go on foot than take the bus.
johnny reb 48 | 7,098
7 May 2018 #8
In English, we are far less directionally specific than in Polish!

Thank you for that explanation Lyzko.
My American butchering of the English language has repeatedly been corrected by Polish members here.
At first I didn't understand how they cross all the "t's" and dot all the "I's".
Now with your further explanation I get how I was confusing them.
"Directional specific" is the correct answer for verbs.
mafketis 37 | 10,898
7 May 2018 #9
The three big factors with Polish verbs of motion (which aren't that important in English) are

1. by foot or by vehicle (sometimes type of vehicle) iść vs jechać
2. is there a destination? (fex jechać (towards a place by vehicle) jeździć (go by vehicle but not necessarily toward a destination)
3. is/was/will be the destination reached? (jechał vs pojechał_
kaprys 3 | 2,245
7 May 2018 #10
*pojechał autobusem

Go - chodzić, iść but also jechać so ' Jadę do Polski' is general enough if you don't want to mention the means of transport.

As for flying I'd rather say Lecę do Polski but Mój samolot odlatuje z lotniska x.
Lyzko 45 | 9,429
7 May 2018 #11
@Thank you, Johnny and kaprys!

You're welcome, sir! One never stops learning about their native language included.

@kaprys,

Careless of me. Naturally, "PO"- and not "PRZY-"jechal" in that context. I ought to have remembered when I was in Poland, the announcements saying "Pociag ODjechal!", in Polish, English, and German:-)

He WENT by car to the restaurant. = On przyjechal do restauracji (..no need to mention "..ze samochodem.."!!).
She took a cab. = Ona pojechala z taksowka,
The bus/train already left. = Autobus/Pociag juz odjechal.

My memory occasionally needs to be jogged, thanks!
kaprys 3 | 2,245
8 May 2018 #12
@Lyzko
We don't really use 'z' with means of transport. It's not like in German.

Jechać taksówką/pociągiem/autem etc.

He went ... - on pojechał ...
he came/arrived ... - on przyjechał ...
Lyzko 45 | 9,429
8 May 2018 #13
Ah, yes. The narzednik often doesn't require a preposition, I merely forgot momentarily:-)

"Interesuje nowymi samochodami". etc.. and such. Right, German would have required one. Just confused the two for a sec.

Remember now.

WHHHOOOPSIDAISY!!.

"Interesuje SIE nowymi samochodami."

Need to proofread extra before I click "post message":-) Apologies, just a typo, but nonetheless, a mistake.


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