ci
/ˈt͡ɕi/
ci is the Polish word for "to you".
ci is a pronoun used to refer to the person being spoken to. It is specifically used when that person is the indirect object of a verb.
Which one should you use?
While both ci and tobie can mean "to you", ci is used in standard sentence structures. In contrast, tobie is used when you want to provide emphasis or when the word follows a preposition.
How does it change in a sentence?
ci is the dative case of the pronoun ty (you). You use this specific form when the person is the indirect object within a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtɕi/
Did you know?
- In Polish, ci can appear in an 'ethical dative' construction, such as saying 'I lost my keys to you' zgubiłem ci klucze. This does not mean the keys were given to the person, but that the loss emotionally affects them.
- Using the intimate ci with a stranger or a superior is not just a grammatical error, but can be perceived as a deliberate insult or an aggressively bold attempt at forced closeness.
- The word ci is a linguistic relative of the English word 'thee', as both originate from ancient Indo-European roots used to point directly at a single person.
Examples in context
- Mogę ci pomóc?Can I help you?
- To ci się spodoba.You will like this.
- Nie chcę ci nic mówić.I don't want to tell you anything.
Example conversation
Paweł is offering Katarzyna a gift.
- PawełMam dla ciebie niespodziankę.I have a surprise for you.
- KatarzynaNaprawdę? Co to jest?Really? What is it?
- PawełTo ci się spodoba!You will like this!
- KatarzynaDziękuję ci bardzo, Paweł.Thank you very much, Paweł.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ci, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
