ksztatuj

Ksztatuj is the imperative form of the Polish verb ksztaltować, meaning to shape, form, or mold. The term covers both literal shaping of materials—such as metal, clay, or plastic—and figurative shaping of plans, processes, or character. It can also be used in expressions encouraging development or refinement, for example in personal or professional contexts.

Etymology and related forms: ksztaltować derives from the noun ksztalt (shape) with the productive suffix -ować, a common pattern for forming verbs meaning “to shape.” The noun ksztalt (shape) itself comes from older Slavic roots related to form. Related forms include ksztaltowanie (shaping/process of shaping) and ksztaltujący (shaping, shaping someone).

Conjugation and usage: ksztaltować is a regular -ować verb. Present tense forms typically appear as ja ksztaltuję, ty ksztaltujesz, on/ona ksztaltuje, my ksztaltujemy, wy ksztaltujecie, oni ksztaltują. The imperative form used to address a single person is ksztaltuj, and ksztaltujcie for plural. In everyday language, ksztaltować is used in both concrete and abstract contexts, for example: Rzeźbiarz ksztaltuje glinę w figurę (The sculptor shapes clay into a figure). Plan trzeba ksztaltować stopniowo (The plan must be shaped/formulated gradually). Dobre nawyki ksztaltują charakter (Good habits shape character).

See also and nuance: ksztalt (shape) is the related noun; ksztaltować is often used interchangeably with formować or kształtować in figurative contexts. The term emphasizes deliberate shaping and development, rather than incidental change.