Swojemu

Swojemu is a form of the Polish possessive pronoun swój, used to indicate possession that belongs to the subject of the clause. It is a dative singular masculine and neuter form, appearing when the recipient or beneficiary of an action is the possessor in question.

In Polish, swój functions as a reflexive possessive pronoun, distinct from other possessive pronouns like mój, twój, jego, or jej. The swo- forms decline to agree with the possessor and the noun they modify, rather than with the possessed object. Swojemu specifically marks the dative case for masculine and neuter referents.

Usage and examples help illustrate the distinction from non-reflexive possessives. Swojemu is used when the referent is the subject of the sentence and the possessed item is directed toward that referent. Examples include: “Daj to swojemu bratu” (Give this to your own brother) and “Opowiedz to swojemu tacie” (Tell this to your own dad). The emphasis is on the possessor being the speaker or the context’s subject, rather than another person.

Polish grammar notes that swojemu is part of a broader system of reflexive possessives that cover different genders and cases. Learners typically encounter swojemu in everyday sentences involving giving, showing, or addressing something to someone within the speaker’s circle.

See also: Polish grammar, possessive pronouns, swój, declension patterns.