Spróbuj

Spróbuj is the second person singular imperative form of the Polish verb spróbować, meaning to try or to taste. It is used to encourage or request someone to attempt something or to sample food or drink.

Etymology and grammar: Spróbować is the perfective counterpart of the imperfective próbować (to try, to attempt, to sample). The prefix s- with prób- forms the perfective aspect. The corresponding imperfective imperative is próbuj (you try). The base noun is próba, meaning a trial or attempt. In everyday speech, spróbuj is typically directed at a single, informal subject; for plural or polite address one would use spróbujcie or a more formal construction such as proszę spróbować.

Usage: Spróbuj can express both trying something new and tasting something. It can be followed by an infinitive or an object, for example: Spróbuj to zrobić (Try to do that) or Spróbuj tego ciasta (Taste this cake). The sense often depends on context: it may imply a single attempt, a recommendation, or a polite prompt to test something.

Translations and nuances: In English, spróbuj translates as “try,” “have a taste,” or “give it a go,” depending on context. The verb emphasizes sampling or attempting rather than sustained effort.

See also: spróbować, próbować, próba.