Polish · Everyday Verbs
"to try" in Polish: próbować
próbować
To try in Polish is próbować. The useful forms are próbuję (I), próbujesz (you, singular) and próbuje (he, she or it). Próbować can mean attempt or taste; it commonly takes genitive or an infinitive.
Your own action
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How to pronounce próbować
Say it
proobovatsh
/prubɔvatɕ/
In próbować, ó has the same vowel as u; ć/ci has a soft ch-like sound. The content words in próbować normally use penultimate stress when they have multiple syllables.
"to try" in Polish: quick reference
| Polish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| próbować | to try Infinitive or dictionary expression. | Infinitive or dictionary expression. |
| próbuję | I try First-person singular present. | First-person singular present. |
| próbujesz | you try Informal second-person singular. | Informal second-person singular. |
| próbuje | he or she tries Third-person singular. | Third-person singular. |
How to use próbować in real life
- 1Your own action
Próbuję nowej zupy.
I try the new soup.
Próbuję is the form shown for your action in this example.
- 2Speaking to one person
Próbujesz mówić po polsku?
Are you trying to speak Polish?
Use próbujesz when addressing one person informally; polite address uses third-person grammar.
- 3Another person or situation
Ona próbuje otworzyć drzwi.
She tries to open the door.
Próbować can mean attempt or taste; it commonly takes genitive or an infinitive.
Mistakes English speakers make with próbować
Incorrect: Ja próbować.
Correct: Ja próbuję.
Conjugate próbować with ja: próbuję. A bare infinitive cannot express this statement.
Incorrect: Ty próbuję.
Correct: Ty próbujesz.
For informal singular ty, the matching form of próbować is próbujesz, rather than the first-person form.
Good to know
Próbować can mean attempt or taste; it commonly takes genitive or an infinitive.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Talk about try
Partner
Podaj przykład użycia tego czasownika.
Give an example using this verb.
You
Próbuję nowej zupy.
I try the new soup.
Partner
A jak zapytasz drugą osobę?
And how will you ask another person?
You
Próbujesz mówić po polsku?
Are you trying to speak Polish?
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to try" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to try" in Polish
What does próbować mean?
Próbować can mean attempt or taste; it commonly takes genitive or an infinitive.
How do I use próbować with “I”?
The first-person form is próbuję. For example: Próbuję nowej zupy. — I try the new soup.
How do I ask one person using próbować?
Use próbujesz for informal singular you. Próbujesz mówić po polsku? — Are you trying to speak Polish?
What is the third-person form of próbować?
Use próbuje with a singular subject. Ona próbuje otworzyć drzwi. — She tries to open the door.
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