w
/v/
The Polish preposition 'in' is expressed as w. It is also spelled we.
Meaning: contained by (prep)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| w | /v/ | |
| we | /ˈvɛ/ | alternative form |
The preposition w is used to indicate that something is contained by or located within something else.
Which one should you use?
While w is the standard form, the alternative spelling we is used primarily to make the word easier to pronounce when it is followed by a word beginning with a difficult consonant cluster.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing a static location, the preposition w governs the locative case. However, it can also govern the accusative case when expressing motion into something.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /v/.
Did you know?
- The preposition w is used in the phrase w ogóle, which means 'at all' or 'generally'. In this context, it has nothing to do with physical location or being inside a space.
- Polish uses w to express time in a way that English cannot. You can say w poniedziałek for 'on Monday', using the word for 'in' where English uses 'on'.
- The Polish w shares a common ancestor with the English preposition 'in' through the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁énder, which also relates to the word 'end'.
Examples in context
- Co masz w ręce?What do you have in your hand?This sentence is useful for asking what someone is holding in their hand using w.Tatoeba #3655381 by jeedrek, translation #69234 by CK
- On jest w Tokio.He is in Tokyo.This sentence shows how to use w to state that someone is in a specific city.Tatoeba #357841 by zipangu, translation #301914 by CC
- Co jest w pudle?What is in the box?This sentence demonstrates the use of w to ask what is inside a box.Tatoeba #923077 by zipangu, translation #282644 by CK
- Jestem we Wrocławiu.I am in Wrocław.
- Jesteś w domu?Are you in the house?
- Spotkajmy się na rynku.Let's meet in the market square.
- 4659 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Piotr and Małgorzata are looking for a document in a drawer.
- MałgorzataCzy jest to w tej szufladzie?Is it in this drawer?
- PiotrNie widzę tego w szufladzie.I don't see it in the drawer.
- MałgorzataMoże jest w tej teczce?Maybe it is in this folder?
- PiotrTak, jest w teczce.Yes, it is in the folder.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in” translations and entries w, we, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries w, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
