funkcjonuj

Funkcjonuj is the second-person singular imperative of the Polish verb funkcjonować, meaning to function or to operate. It is used to command or urge someone to function, operate a device, or behave according to expectations. The form appears in technical instructions, guidelines, and everyday speech.

Grammatical notes: The imperative forms are funkcjonuj (singular) and funkcjonujcie (plural). The negative command is nie funkcjonuj (or nie funkcjonujcie). The related noun forms include funkcjonowanie (functioning) and funkcja (function). The verb is regular in its conjugation, with standard Polish endings for the present tense and imperative.

Etymology: The verb funkcjonować is derived from the noun funkcja, meaning function, which itself comes from Latin functio. The Polish verb uses the productive suffix -ować to form a verbal infinitive and its imperatives.

Usage and nuance: In everyday language, an imperative like funkcjonuj is most common in direct instructions or informal dialogue. In formal writing, speakers may prefer gentler or more indirect formulations, such as proszę funkcjonować zgodnie z zasadami (please function in accordance with the rules) or use a different verb phrase. Metaphorically, funkcjonuj can describe how a system, organization, or person operates under given conditions.

See also: funkcjonowanie, funkcja, system, operować.