spalaj

Spalaj is a Polish verb form that functions as the second-person singular imperative of the imperfective verb spalać, meaning to burn or to burn up. The related infinitive forms are spalać (imperfective) and spalić (perfective). Spalaj is used when giving a direct command to one person to burn something, emphasizing the act rather than its completion. Other imperative forms include spalajcie (you all burn) and spalajmy (let us burn). The negative imperative is nie spalaj (do not burn).

In usage, spalaj appears with a direct object, for example spalaj drewno w piecu (burn the wood in the stove). The form follows standard Polish imperative patterns: it derives from the root spal- and carries the characteristic -aj ending of many second-person imperatives in the present or imperfective aspect. The imperfective aspect contrasts with the perfective imperative of the related verb spalić, which would use forms such as spal (2sg) or spalcie (2pl) in order to indicate burning to completion.

Etymologically, spalaj comes from the Slavic verb family related to burning and combustion and reflects common Polish verb formation for imperatives of -ać verbs. In contemporary Polish, spalaj is most commonly encountered in practical, everyday language, instruction, or warnings related to handling fire in appropriate and safe contexts.

Spalaj is of interest primarily to learners of Polish grammar, linguists studying imperative mood and aspect, and readers encountering the word in Polish texts. It is not a proper noun and should not be confused with place names or other entities.