Present Second-Person Singular
The second-person singular is used for 'you' (informal). In Polish, the pronoun ty is usually dropped because the verb ending -sz already tells you who is being addressed.
How It Works
In Polish, the present tense second-person singular is used to talk to one person you know well. This follows a strict informal ty vs. formal Pan/Pani distinction.
There are four main patterns for the ending:
- -asz: Used for verbs like czytać (to read) → czytasz.
- -esz: Used for verbs like pisać (to write) → piszesz. Note that the stem often changes (s → sz).
- -isz: Used after 'soft' consonants (like robić → robisz).
- -ysz: Used after 'hardened' consonants (like słyszeć → słyszysz).
Because Polish is a pro-drop language, you don't need to say ty unless you want to emphasize 'YOU' specifically. One major exception to the -sz rule is the verb być (to be), which becomes jesteś.
Examples (4)
- Co teraz robisz?
What are you doing now?
Word by Word: What now [you] do?
The verb 'robić' (to do/make) takes the -isz ending in the second person.
- Czy wiesz, gdzie on jest?
Do you know where he is?
Word by Word: Whether [you] know, where he is?
The verb 'wiedzieć' (to know) becomes 'wiesz' in the second person.
- Często pijesz kawę.
You often drink coffee.
Word by Word: Often [you] drink coffee.
The verb 'pić' (to drink) follows the -esz pattern.
- Dobrze czytasz po polsku.
You read well in Polish.
Word by Word: Well [you] read after Polish.
The verb 'czytać' (to read) follows the simple -asz pattern.
Common Mistakes
Using the 'ty' form with a stranger or someone you should address formally.
Different MeaningPrzepraszam, co robisz?Przepraszam, co Pan robi?'Przepraszam, co robisz?' is natural with a friend, a child or family. With a stranger or a superior it is too familiar, so use 'Pan' or 'Pani' with the third-person verb: 'Przepraszam, co Pan robi?'
Using the infinitive stem for all verbs.
Ty pisasz list.Piszesz list.Many verbs change their stem. 'Pisać' (to write) changes to 'pisz-' before adding the '-esz' ending.
Overusing the pronoun 'ty'.
Ty idziesz do kina i ty jesz popcorn.Idziesz do kina i jesz popcorn.Repeating 'ty' sounds unnatural and repetitive. The verb ending already makes it clear you are talking to 'you'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Learn Present Tense before Present Second-Person Singular.
Related Patterns
- Present First-Person Singular
The 'I' form of the verb, which often shares the same stem as the 'you' form.
Level 1 - tyInformal Ty
The social context and pronoun used with second-person singular verbs.
Level 1 - Pan / PaniFormal Pan and Pani
The polite alternative to the second-person singular, which uses third-person verb forms.
Level 3 - Leaving Out Subject Pronouns
Explains why the word 'ty' is usually left out of the sentence.
Level 1 - -am / -aszThe -Am, -Asz Pattern
The most common and regular conjugation pattern for second-person singular verbs.
Level 2 - byćThe Verb Być
The most important exception to the -sz ending rule (jesteś).
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice Present Second-Person Singular in Bubblegum
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