o + Accusative

O with the Accusative

Level 4

The preposition o with the accusative case is used for hitting things, showing differences in amount (like age or price), and asking for or worrying about something.

How It Works

The preposition o is a 'two-case' preposition. While the locative version is for neutral topics of conversation, the accusative version is more active and specific.

1. Physical Impact (Collision)
It describes the object you hit or bump against. Common verbs include uderzyć (to hit) or zahaczyć (to hook/snag).
Example: Uderzyłem się o stół. (I hit myself against the table.)

2. Margin of Difference
Used with comparatives to show the exact amount of difference. It is also used with verbs of change like 'increase' or 'decrease'.
Example: Jestem o rok starszy. (I am older by a year.)

3. Requests and Concerns
Specific verbs require o + accusative to indicate the object of desire or worry. This includes prosić (to ask for), walczyć (to fight for), and martwić się (to worry about).
Example: Nie martw się o mnie. (Don't worry about me.)

4. The Phrase 'Chodzi o...'
This is a very common idiom meaning 'It is about...' or 'The point is...'. It always takes the accusative.
Example: Chodzi o pieniądze. (It's about money.)

Examples (5)

  1. Uderzyłem się w głowę o szafkę.

    I hit my head against the cabinet.

    Word by Word: I-hit myself in head against cabinet.

    Here, 'o' indicates the object of physical impact (the cabinet) in the accusative case.

  2. Mój brat jest o dwa lata młodszy ode mnie.

    My brother is two years younger than me.

    Word by Word: My brother is by two years younger than me.

    The accusative 'o dwa lata' shows the margin of difference in age.

  3. Czy mogę prosić o pomoc?

    May I ask for help?

    Word by Word: Whether I-can ask for help?

    The verb 'prosić' (to ask/request) always takes 'o' plus the accusative of the thing requested.

  4. Nie martw się o mnie.

    Don't worry about me.

    Word by Word: Not worry yourself about me.

    While 'about' often uses locative, the verb 'martwić się' (to worry) specifically requires the accusative.

  5. Chodzi o to, że nie mam czasu.

    The point is that I don't have time.

    Word by Word: It-goes about this, that not I-have time.

    The phrase 'chodzi o' is a fixed expression meaning 'it's about' or 'the issue is'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the locative case for requests.

    Proszę o pomocy.
    Proszę o pomoc.

    Learners often confuse 'o' (about/topic) with 'o' (for/request). Requests always use the accusative case.

  • Using the accusative for clock time.

    Spotkamy się o piątą.
    Spotkamy się o piątej.

    Even though 'o' is used for time, specific clock hours always require the locative case, not the accusative.

How It Connects

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o + AccusativeLevel 4O with the Accusative

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Learn Accusative Case, O With The Locative before O With The Accusative.

Words in This Pattern