biegać — meaning in English: to run

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Guess the translation for to run

później

zjeść

słońce

biegać

wyrafinowany

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Polish speakers commonly use 'biegać' in everyday conversations when discussing fitness or leisure activities, such as jogging in a park or running during a sports event. It's also frequently heard in contexts related to children playing outside or competitive athletics during school events.

Synonyms & nuances

'Biegać' is often compared to 'bieg,' which refers specifically to a run or the act of running a race. While 'biegać' implies the general action of running, 'bieg' might be used when talking about a specific event or competition, making the context crucial in choosing the right term.

Culture

'Biegać' has roots in Old Polish and is linked to the Proto-Slavic word 'biegati,' which also means 'to run.' Running is not just a physical activity in Poland; it’s a cultural phenomenon with events like the Warsaw Marathon gaining popularity. Interestingly, many Poles take part in local running clubs, reflecting a growing trend towards fitness and community engagement.

FAQ

Q.What is the correct conjugation of 'biegać' in present tense?

'Biegać' is an imperfective verb, and its present tense conjugation goes as follows: ja biegam (I run), ty biegasz (you run), on/ona biega (he/she runs), my biegamy (we run), wy biegacie (you all run), oni/one biegają (they run).

Q.Are there any idiomatic expressions using 'biegać'?

Yes! A common expression is 'biegać za czymś,' meaning 'to run after something' in the sense of pursuing a goal or dream. This phrase emphasizes the effort and determination involved in achieving something.

Q.Can 'biegać' be used in a figurative sense?

'Biegać' is primarily used in a literal sense, but it can also be employed metaphorically to describe being busy or rushed, as in 'Biegam od rana do wieczora,' which means 'I’m running from morning till evening.' This adds a layer of urgency or busyness to the expression.

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Polish Vocabulary