Czytaj

Czytaj is the second-person singular imperative form of the Polish verb czytać, meaning to read. It functions as a direct command or request to read something, and is commonly used in everyday language, signage, instructions, and literary contexts.

Grammatical notes: The verb czytać belongs to the imperfective aspect. The imperative for the singular is czytaj, while the plural form is czytajcie. The negative imperative is nie czytaj. In polite or formal contexts, speakers may use phrases like proszę czytać or proszę czytaj, or opt for a more neutral construction such as proszę przeczytać.

Usage and context: Czytaj appears in various contexts to prompt readers to engage with text. It can be found on signs, labels, or digital interfaces that invite the user to read further. In literature and dialogue, it can reflect a character’s directive to another person to examine a text or document. The form is also used as part of phrases like Czytaj dalej (Read on) and Czytaj uważnie (Read carefully).

Translations and related forms: The basic translation is "read" in the imperative sense. Related forms include czytasz (you read, present indicative), czytajmy (let’s read), and czytajcie (you all read). The imperative mood in Polish often appears as concise commands and is widely understood in both formal and informal registers.

Notes: While czytaj typically appears in lowercase within sentences, it may be capitalized when used as a heading, title, or standalone directive at the beginning of a section or call to action.