są
/ˈsɔw̃/
The English word "are" is translated into Polish as są.
The word są is the present tense form of the verb "to be" used to describe plural subjects (they/them).
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, the Polish verb są does not change based on whether the subject is masculine, feminine or neuter. It remains the same for all plural genders.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Polish, są is specifically the third-person plural form of the verb "to be".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsɔw̃/
Did you know?
- Because the form of the verb są clearly indicates that the subject is 'they', Polish speakers often omit the pronoun entirely in a sentence.
- The word są is a distant linguistic cousin to the English word 'are' and the Latin word 'sunt', as they all share the same ancient Indo-European root.
- The word są can be used to express existence, such as saying 'there are', without needing a separate word for 'there'.
Examples in context
- Te psy są duże.These dogs are big.This sentence illustrates how to use są to describe the size of dogs.Tatoeba #362012 by zipangu, translation #55306 by CK
- Dla kogo są te?Who are these for?This sentence shows how to use są when asking who objects are for.Tatoeba #3865970 by jeedrek, translation #1886583 by CK
- To nie są słowa.These are not words.This sentence demonstrates the use of są in a negative statement about words.Tatoeba #4124388 by jeedrek, translation #896996 by CM
- Oni są świetnymi pracownikami.They are excellent employees.
- Czy państwo są gotowi na spotkanie?Are you (formal) ready for the meeting?
- Jak się czujesz?How are you feeling?
- Jesteście najlepszymi przyjaciółmi.You are (plural) the best friends.
- Czy jesteś gotowy na imprezę?Are you (informal) ready for the party?
- oni sąThey are
- ty jesteśYou are
- 1071 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tomasz and Katarzyna are looking for their keys.
- TomaszGdzie są moje klucze?Where are my keys?
- KatarzynaOne są na stole, Tomaszu.They are on the table, Tomasz.
- TomaszTo nie są moje klucze.Those are not my keys.
- KatarzynaPrzepraszam, one są podobne.I'm sorry, they are similar.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry są, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries są, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
