chwilach

Chwilach is the locative plural form of the Polish noun chwila, meaning a moment or a brief period of time. It is used after prepositions such as w (in) or na (during) to refer to a span of time within a broader context. For example, phrases like "w chwilach radości i cierpienia" or "w chwilach kryzysowych" point to moments or periods rather than a precise timestamp.

Usage and nuance: The word often conveys a sense of temporariness or a particular emotional or situational phase. It is common in literary, journalistic, and everyday language when speakers want to highlight experiences that occur over a span of moments rather than a single instant. The connotation can be neutral or emphasize duration, intensity, or significance of those moments.

Grammar and related forms: Chwila is a feminine noun; its locative plural is chwilach. Related terms include chwila in its other cases, the diminutive chwilka, and the adjective chwilowy meaning temporary. The adverbial form chwilowo denotes something done for a short time or temporarily.

Examples:

- W chwilach największych trudności trzeba zachować spokój.

- W chwilach radości i smutku człowiek często zastanawia się nad sensem życia.

See also: Polish noun for moment, related adjectives and adverbs describing temporariness, such as chwilowy and chwilowo.