Potrzebuję pomocy
The Polish phrase for "I need help" is Potrzebuję pomocy.
This phrase is used to express that you require assistance from another person.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Potrzebuję pomocy, the verb Potrzebuję is conjugated in the first person singular, where the uję ending indicates that "I" am the one who needs something. The word for help, pomoc, changes to its genitive form pomocy because the verb potrzebować (to need) requires the genitive case.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying Potrzebuję pomoc. While pomoc is the standard noun for help, English speakers often mistakenly use this nominative form instead of the required genitive form pomocy after the verb potrzebuję.
Did you know?
- The root of pomocy is related to the Proto-Slavic word moťi, which means 'to be able'. This implies that providing 'help' is literally giving someone the 'ability' to do something.
- While Potrzebuję pomocy is the literal translation for 'I need help', Polish speakers often use Pomóż mi meaning 'Help me' in urgent situations. In a crisis, a direct imperative is more natural than stating a need.
- Depending on the region, some Poles might use Pomóżcie! instead of Pomocy! when addressing a crowd. The -cie ending specifically signals that the speaker is pleading with multiple people at once.
Examples in context
- Potrzebuję pomocy z bagażem.I need help with my luggage.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Potrzebuję pomocy when asking for help with luggage.Tatoeba #3417884 by konrad509, translation #2387489 by CK
- Dlatego potrzebuję pomocy.This is why I need help.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Potrzebuję pomocy to provide a reason.Tatoeba #3641185 by jeedrek, translation #3162024 by CK
- Potrzebuję pomocy.I need help.This sentence is useful for practicing the standalone phrase Potrzebuję pomocy.Tatoeba #1591778 by TopMan, translation #582309 by CM
- Przepraszam, czy możesz mi pomóc? Zgubiłem się.Excuse me, can you help me? I'm lost.
- Potrzebuję pomocy. Czy możesz mi pokazać, gdzie znajduje się [product name]?I need help. Can you show me where [product name] is located?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tomasz is trying to fix a broken sink.
- TomaszMałgorzato, potrzebuję pomocy przy tym kranie.Małgorzata, I need help with this faucet.
- MałgorzataOczywiście, zaraz ci pomogę.Of course, I will help you in a moment.
- TomaszDziękuję, to bardzo miłe z twojej strony.Thank you, that is very kind of you.
- MałgorzataNie ma za co, Tomasz.You're welcome, Tomasz.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pomocy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
