Verbs: to be with 'być' and 'to'

01

Identification: The 'To' Construction

The word to functions similarly to a pointer ("this" or "that") or an equals sign. It is used primarily when you are defining a person, object, or place, or when identifying who someone is.

In this structure, both the subject and the noun following it remain in the Nominative case (the basic dictionary form). You do not change the endings of the words.

Structure: Noun A + to + Noun B

• Warszawa to piękne miasto.

  Warsaw is a beautiful city.

• To jest mój brat.

  This is my brother.

• Pies to zwierzę.

  A dog is an animal.

Note that while you can add the verb jest (is) after to (as in to jest), it is often omitted in definitions, leaving just to.

02

Roles and Professions: The 'Być' Construction

When you use the conjugated verb być (e.g., jestem, jesteś, jest) to describe a person's profession, nationality, kinship, or social role, the grammar changes.

The noun describing the role must be put into the Instrumental case. This usually involves changing the noun ending to -em (masculine) or -ą (feminine).

Structure: Subject + być + Noun (Instrumental)

• On jest dobrym lekarzem.

  He is a good doctor.

• Jestem studentką.

  I am a student (female).

• Jesteśmy sąsiadami.

  We are neighbors.

03

Comparing the Two

The choice between these forms changes the nuance of the sentence.

• To identifies the subject. It answers the question "Who is that?" or "What is that?".
• Być describes the subject's state or function. It answers "What does he do?" or "What is his role?".

Compare these examples:

• To jest nauczyciel.

  This is a teacher. (Identifying a person in a photo)

• On jest nauczycielem.

  He is a teacher. (Describing his profession)

04

Using Adjectives

There is an important exception when using adjectives. If the verb być is followed only by an adjective (without a noun), the adjective stays in the Nominative case. It does not change to the Instrumental.

• Ten dom jest stary.

  This house is old. (Nominative adjective)

• Ona jest wysoka.

  She is tall. (Nominative adjective)

However, if the adjective is attached to a noun, the whole phrase takes the Instrumental case:

• Ona jest wysoką kobietą.

  She is a tall woman. (Instrumental phrase)

05

Abstract Situations

When describing a general situation or an abstract concept using "This is...", use to (or to jest) followed by an adjective in the neuter gender (usually ending in -e).

• To jest ważne.

  This is important.

• To ciekawe.

  That's interesting.