do
/ˈdɔ/
The English phrase "to" is translated into Polish as do.
The preposition do is used to express movement toward a person or a specific destination, such as arriving at a place. It is also used when an action is directed toward a person, for example, when speaking or writing to someone.
Meaning: in the direction of, and arriving at (prep)
Which one should you use?
While do expresses movement toward a person or a specific destination, it is distinct from the preposition na, which is used for movement toward certain types of surfaces, events or open spaces.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition do always requires the noun following it to be in the genitive case. Note that in Polish, the suffixes -ać, -eć and -ić also function as infinitive markers for verbs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdɔ/
Did you know?
- The phrase do widzenia is the standard way to say 'goodbye' and literally translates to 'until seeing', using do to mark the time until the next meeting.
- While do indicates movement toward a destination, using it with certain nouns can change the meaning from 'to' to 'into', such as 'do domu' meaning 'to the house' or 'into the house'.
- The preposition do is part of a larger family of Slavic prepositions that evolved from a single Proto-Slavic source, meaning its function is deeply rooted in the structural history of the language.
Examples in context
- Nie mów do mnie.Don't talk to me.This sentence shows how to use do when an action is directed toward a person.Tatoeba #7881718 by maria_lysik, translation #1860410 by CK
- Do piekła z tym!To Hell with that!This sentence uses do to express a destination in an idiomatic expression.Tatoeba #11319034 by jezykiija, translation #10221270 by lucasmg123
- Jak dojść do NHK?Can you direct me to NHK?This sentence demonstrates using do to indicate a destination.Tatoeba #363524 by zipangu, translation #72196 by magnificentgoddess
- Chcę iść do teatru.I want to go to the theater.
- Piszę list do burmistrza.I am writing a letter to the mayor.
- Potrzebuję iść do sklepu.I need to go to the store.
- Chcę pójść do kina.I want to go to the movies.
- Idziemy do restauracji.We are going to a restaurant.
- Idę do domu.I am going to the house.
- Idę do sklepu.I am going to the store.
- Damian idzie na basen.Damian is going to the swimming pool.
- Marta wróciła z imprezy.Marta returned from the party.
- 3201 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding where to go for a walk.
- PiotrChcesz iść do kawiarni?Do you want to go to a cafe?
- AgnieszkaNie, wolę iść do parku.No, I prefer to go to the park.
- PiotrDobrze, idziemy do parku.Okay, we are going to the park.
- AgnieszkaSuper, idę za tobą.Great, I'm coming with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “to” translations and entries do, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
