albo
The Polish word for "or" is albo.
albo is a conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities when only one can be chosen.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the exclusive "either… or" structure, you can use the correlative albo … albo.
Did you know?
- In very formal or legal Polish, albo is used to ensure there is no ambiguity. It legally strips away the possibility of 'both', whereas lub might leave a legal loophole open.
- In casual speech, Polish speakers often replace albo with the word czy in questions. While czy technically means 'whether', it functions as the primary 'or' when asking a yes or no question.
- The word albo is a direct descendant of the Proto-Slavic word *alibo. This shows that the logic of exclusive choice has been baked into Slavic languages for thousands of years.
Examples in context
- Być albo nie być?To be or not to be?This example shows how to use albo in a philosophical question.Tatoeba #5358908 by krzysiek, translation #789102 by sacredceltic
- Przestań albo dam ci popalić.Stop that, or I'll fix your wagon.This example shows how albo can be used to issue a warning.Tatoeba #13659433 by Rudzielec, translation #30203 by CM
- Możesz iść pływać albo na ryby.You may go swimming or fishing.This example shows how to use albo to present different options for an activity.Tatoeba #363512 by zipangu, translation #270867 by CK
- Chciałbym kawę lub herbatę.I would like coffee or tea.
- Czy chcesz iść do kina albo na spacer?Do you want to go to the movies or for a walk?
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Krzysztof are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- AnnaZjesz pizzę albo sushi?Will you eat pizza or sushi?
- KrzysztofWolę pizzę, dziękuję.I prefer pizza, thank you.
- AnnaChcesz małą albo dużą?Do you want a small or a large one?
- KrzysztofWeźmy dużą na pół.Let's get a large one to share.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries albo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
