Which one should you use?
In English, "years" is a fixed plural, but in Polish, the form changes depending on the number used. While lata is the nominative plural, it is used specifically with the numbers 2, 3 and 4. For other quantities, a different form is required.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is rok. When counting years, use the form lata for the numbers 2, 3 and 4 (such as 3 lata). However, you must use the genitive plural form lat when specifying any number greater than 5, which includes numbers ending in 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 0, as well as most large numbers.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using lata for all quantities. English speakers often mistakenly use this form for every number, but you must switch to lat for numbers ending in 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0 and most large numbers.
Did you know?
- The word lata is also the plural of lato, which means 'summer'. In ancient Slavic cultures, a year was often conceptualized as a single summer cycle.
- The Polish word lata can also mean 'flights' or 'flying' as a noun, derived from the verb latać meaning 'to fly'.
- A person's 'golden years' in English is expressed in Polish using jesień życia, which translates literally to 'the autumn of life'.
Examples in context
- To było lata temu.That was years ago.This sentence shows how to use lata to describe something that happened in the past.Tatoeba #567011 by Bilberry, translation #442962 by CK
- Zmarł trzy lata temu.He died three years ago.This sentence demonstrates how to use lata when specifying a small number of years.Tatoeba #822184 by zipangu, translation #822043 by CK
- Tom ma teraz trzy lata.Tom is three years old now.This sentence shows how to use lata when stating someone's age.Tatoeba #3851561 by jeedrek, translation #1024807 by CK
- 143 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their old school memories.
- KrzysztofMinęło wiele lat.Many years have passed.
- AgnieszkaTak, to prawda.Yes, that is true.
- KrzysztofPamiętasz te wszystkie lata w szkole?Do you remember all those years in school?
- AgnieszkaOczywiście, że pamiętam.Of course I remember.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
