A2 Polish GrammarCoordinating Conjunctions
Connect Polish sentences and clauses with coordinating conjunctions. Learn to use i (and), ale (but), lub/albo (or), bo (because), więc (so), and other connectors. These words join equal grammatical units without changing word order in the connected clauses.
1Adding Information: I, Oraz, A
I means 'and' and is the most common way to connect words, phrases, or sentences. Oraz is a more formal 'and', often used in lists. A can mean 'and' but often implies contrast or juxtaposition between two different things.
Additive Conjunctions
| Conjunction | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| i | and | general connection |
| oraz | and (also) | formal, lists |
| a | and/while | contrast/juxtaposition |
| też | also | addition (adverb) |
Examples
Mam brata i siostrę.
I have a brother and a sister.
i - simple connection
Lubię kawę oraz herbatę.
I like coffee and also tea.
oraz - more formal 'and'
Ja pracuję, a on odpoczywa.
I work, and/while he rests.
a - contrasting two situations
On też jest nauczycielem.
He is also a teacher.
też - 'also/too'
2Contrast: Ale, Jednak, Lecz
Ale means 'but' and is used for contrast or unexpected information. Jednak means 'however/nevertheless' and is slightly more formal. Lecz is a literary 'but', mostly found in writing. All express opposition between ideas.
Contrastive Conjunctions
| Conjunction | Meaning | Register |
|---|---|---|
| ale | but | neutral |
| jednak | however | formal |
| lecz | but | literary |
| natomiast | whereas | formal |
Examples
Chciałem przyjść, ale nie mogłem.
I wanted to come, but I couldn't.
ale - basic contrast
Jest zimno, jednak wychodzę.
It's cold, however I'm going out.
jednak - 'nevertheless'
Nie on, lecz ona to zrobiła.
Not he, but she did it.
lecz - literary 'but'
Ja lubię kawę, natomiast on woli herbatę.
I like coffee, whereas he prefers tea.
natomiast - contrast between two things
3Alternatives: Lub, Albo, Czy
Lub and albo both mean 'or' and are interchangeable in most contexts. Albo...albo means 'either...or' for clear alternatives. Czy is used in questions meaning 'or' and in indirect questions. Ani...ani means 'neither...nor'.
Alternative Conjunctions
| Conjunction | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| lub | or | general alternative |
| albo | or | general alternative |
| albo...albo | either...or | clear choice |
| ani...ani | neither...nor | negative alternative |
Examples
Chcesz kawę lub herbatę?
Do you want coffee or tea?
lub - simple alternative
Albo jedziemy, albo zostajemy.
Either we go, or we stay.
albo...albo - clear choice
Nie wiem, czy przyjdzie.
I don't know if/whether he will come.
czy - indirect question
Nie mam ani czasu, ani pieniędzy.
I have neither time nor money.
ani...ani - double negation
4Cause and Result: Bo, Więc, Dlatego
Bo means 'because' and introduces a reason. Więc means 'so/therefore' and introduces a result. Dlatego means 'that's why/therefore'. Unlike subordinating conjunctions, these don't change word order in the following clause.
Cause and Result
| Conjunction | Meaning | Function |
|---|---|---|
| bo | because | gives reason |
| więc | so/therefore | gives result |
| dlatego | that's why | gives result |
| zatem | therefore | formal result |
Examples
Nie idę, bo jestem chory.
I'm not going because I'm sick.
bo - gives reason
Pada deszcz, więc zostaję w domu.
It's raining, so I'm staying home.
więc - result
Byłem zmęczony, dlatego poszedłem spać.
I was tired, that's why I went to sleep.
dlatego - explanation
Nie ma biletu, zatem nie wejdzie.
He has no ticket, therefore he won't enter.
zatem - formal 'therefore'