z
/z/
The Polish preposition 'with' is expressed by z.
The preposition z is used to express accompaniment, meaning 'with'. For example, the phrase razem z means 'together with' and Z kim? is the standard way to ask 'with whom?' Note that depending on the context and the grammatical case used, z can also mean 'from' to indicate origin or movement.
Meaning: with (prep)
Which one should you use?
While z is the standard form for 'with', the variant ze is used to make pronunciation easier when the following word starts with certain consonant clusters. Additionally, the phrase ze sobą is used to mean 'with oneself' or 'with each other' in the context of accompaniment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition z requires the noun or pronoun that follows it to be in the instrumental case. In certain phonetic environments, the form ze is substituted for z to facilitate easier speech.
How do you pronounce it?
/z/
Did you know?
- The word z is a descendant of the Proto-Indo-European root *sem-, which also evolved into the English word 'some'.
Examples in context
- Mam z nim iść?Do you want me to go with him?This sentence uses z to ask about going with someone.Tatoeba #13335520 by Radek, translation #3903853 by CH
- Tom był z nami.Tom was with us.This sentence uses z to indicate being with a group.Tatoeba #3749895 by gin, translation #3736092 by CK
- Weź to ze sobą.Take this with you.This sentence uses ze to indicate taking something with oneself.Tatoeba #5969996 by stagos, translation #5968173 by Hybrid
- Idę z kolegą.I am going with a friend.
- Masz spotkanie z szefem.You have a meeting with the boss.
- Chodzę z psem.I am walking with a dog.
- Jemy obiad razem z rodziną.We are having dinner together with the family.
- Z kim idziesz na spacer?With whom are you going for a walk?
- 1815 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Anna are talking about a movie.
- PawełIdziesz do kina z nami?Are you going to the cinema with us?
- AnnaTak, chętnie pójdę z wami.Yes, I would love to go with you.
- PawełCzy jesteś z Anną?Are you with Anna?
- AnnaTak, jestem z nią.Yes, I am with her.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “with” translations and entries z, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries z, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
