bardzo

Degree with Bardzo

Level 1

Bardzo is the primary Polish word for 'very' or 'very much.' It is an unchanging particle used to add intensity to qualities or actions.

How It Works

The degree particle bardzo is one of the most frequent words in Polish. Its main job is to increase the intensity of the word it modifies.

1. With Adjectives and Adverbs
When modifying an adjective or adverb, bardzo usually comes right before it. It functions exactly like the English 'very.'

  • bardzo duży (very big)
  • bardzo powoli (very slowly)

2. With Verbs
When used with verbs, especially those expressing feelings, appreciation, or thanks, it means 'very much' or 'really.'

  • Bardzo dziękuję (Thank you very much)
  • Bardzo lubię kawę (I really like coffee)

3. Morphology
Bardzo is an invariable particle. This means it never changes its ending, regardless of the gender, number, or case of the noun it is describing. Whether you are talking about one man or many women, it remains bardzo.

4. Bardzo vs. Dużo
A common trap for learners is confusing bardzo (intensity) with dużo (quantity). Use bardzo for 'how intense' and dużo for 'how many/much volume.' Note that with comparative adjectives (like 'better' or 'faster'), you must use dużo or znacznie, never bardzo.

Examples (5)

  1. To jest bardzo ciekawa książka.

    This is a very interesting book.

    Word by Word: This is very interesting book.

    Here, 'bardzo' modifies the adjective 'ciekawa' (interesting).

  2. On mówi po polsku bardzo dobrze.

    He speaks Polish very well.

    Word by Word: He speaks in Polish very well.

    'Bardzo' is used here to intensify the adverb 'dobrze' (well).

  3. Bardzo mi się to podoba.

    I like this very much.

    Word by Word: Very to-me [reflexive] this pleases.

    When used with the verb 'podobać się', 'bardzo' translates to 'very much'.

  4. Jesteśmy bardzo zmęczeni.

    We are very tired.

    Word by Word: We-are very tired.

    'Bardzo' remains the same even though the adjective 'zmęczeni' is plural.

  5. Bardzo dziękuję za pomoc!

    Thank you very much for the help!

    Word by Word: Very I-thank for help!

    This is the standard way to express strong gratitude in Polish.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'bardzo' with comparative adjectives.

    Ten samochód jest bardzo lepszy.
    Ten samochód jest dużo lepszy.

    In Polish, you cannot say 'very better.' You must use 'dużo' (much) or 'znacznie' (significantly) with comparative forms.

  • Adding 'dużo' to 'bardzo' when intensifying a verb.

    Bardzo dużo cię lubię.
    Bardzo cię lubię.

    English speakers often try to translate 'very much' literally. In Polish, 'bardzo' alone is sufficient to mean 'very much' when modifying a verb like 'lubić' (to like).

How It Connects

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bardzoLevel 1Degree with Bardzo

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Learn Adjective Agreement before Degree With Bardzo.

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