najkrótsza

Najkrótsza is the feminine singular form of the Polish superlative adjective najkrótszy, derived from the adjective krótki (short). It means “the shortest” and is used to describe feminine nouns or to function predicatively with feminine subjects. The form reflects standard Polish agreement: it changes for gender, number, and case like other adjectives.

Etymology and form: The superlative is formed with the prefix naj- attached to the positive form of the adjective. In the feminine singular, the ending becomes -a, yielding najkrótsza. This contrasts with the masculine singular najkrótszy and the neuter singular najkrótsze, while plural forms align with the corresponding noun.

Grammar and usage: Najkrótsza is used both attributively (before a noun) and predicatively (after a linking verb). Examples include: To jest najkrótsza droga do miasta. (This is the shortest road to the town.) Droga jest najkrótsza spośród wszystkich tras. (The road is the shortest among all routes.) Najkrótsza możliwość została wybrana. (The shortest option was chosen.) The form must agree with the noun it describes in gender, number, and case.

See also: najkrótszy, krótszy, superlatives in Polish grammar.