krokami

Krokami is a Polish linguistic term derived from the noun krok, meaning step. It functions as the instrumental plural form of krok and is used as an adverbial expression to denote manner or pace of movement, essentially meaning by steps or step by step. In descriptive prose, it helps convey gradual or measured action.

In usage, krokami appears with verbs of motion to describe walking or moving in steps. For example, szli krokami po parku translates to they walked in steps through the park. In a figurative sense, it can indicate gradual progress toward a goal, as in krokami zbliżać się do celu, meaning to approach the goal step by step. The form contrasts with krokiem, the instrumental singular, which can emphasize a single step or a different nuance of action.

Etymology and form: krokami comes from the Polish noun krok (step) and uses the instrumental plural ending -ami. The word belongs to the common Slavic roots for motion-related vocabulary and has been in use in Polish from the medieval period onward.

Notes: Krokami is primarily found in written and literary Polish, where precise description of movement or progression is desired. In casual speech, speakers may opt for simpler constructions like szedł po kolei or simply used without explicit instrumental marking, depending on emphasis and rhythm.

See also: krok, krokiem, po krokach.