Pomocna

Pomocna is the feminine singular form of the Polish adjective pomocny, meaning helpful or useful. It is used to describe feminine nouns, such as ta rada (this advice), ta dłoń (this hand), or ta sugestia (this suggestion). The adjective agrees with the gender and number of the noun it modifies.

Etymology and forms: pomocna derives from the noun pomoc, meaning help, combined with adjective-forming suffix -na. Related forms include pomocny (masculine singular) and pomocne (neuter singular or plural in feminine and neuter). In full declension, the forms are: masculine singular pomocny, feminine singular pomocna, neuter singular pomocne; plural masculine personal pomocni, plural non-masculine (feminine and neuter) pomocne.

Usage: pomocna is commonly used to express that something provides assistance or is advantageous. Examples include: "ta rada była pomocna" (that advice was helpful), "to była bardzo pomocna sugestia" (that was a very helpful suggestion), and "potrzebna pomocna dłoń" (a needed helping hand). In predicative position, neuter nouns or impersonal constructions often use pomocne, as in "to było pomocne" (that was helpful).

Synonyms and nuances: close synonyms include przydatny (useful), użyteczny (handy, utilitarian), and pożyteczny (beneficial). While pomocna emphasizes the act of helping, przydatny focuses more on utility, and pożyteczny on beneficial outcomes.

See also: help, assistance, Polish adjectives, grammar of agreement.