samochodem

Samochodem is the instrumental singular form of the Polish noun samochód (car). It denotes the means of transport used for an action or the vehicle itself, and is commonly translated as “by car” or “in a car” in English.

Grammar and forms: Samochodem is masculine inanimate and appears in the instrumental case. Singular instrumental: samochodem; plural instrumental: samochodami. Its base declines like other masculine nouns ending in -ód when in the instrumental, with the genitive sam o chodu (samochodu) and other cases following regular patterns. It is used with verbs of motion to indicate the vehicle or means of travel, for example: Jechać samochodem, Wyjechałem samochodem o ósmej.

Usage notes: The instrumental form is typically used after verbs that express movement or travel, such as jechać, podróżować, przyjechać, wrócić, and similar verbs. For example: Jedziemy samochodem do Warszawy. Udało mi się wjechać samochodem przez wąski most. In everyday speech, the noun auto is also common, with the instrumental form autem (Jechać autem), though samochodem remains widely used and preferred in formal contexts.

Etymology and relation: Samochód originates as a compound of sam- (self) and chód (movement, walk), roughly “self-movement,” historically referring to a vehicle that moves itself. The term reflects the concept of a self-propelled means of transport.

See also: Auto as a synonym; other Polish vehicle terms.