trzecich

Trzecich is the genitive plural form of the Polish ordinal numeral trzeci, meaning “the third.” It is used in phrases where the modified noun is in the genitive plural and a reference to a specific ordinal position within a group is required. In practice, trzecich commonly appears in formal or legal language, as well as in descriptive or enumerative contexts.

Etymology and form. The word trzeci derives from the Proto-Slavic root for “three” and the ordinal formation that yields distinct case endings in Polish. The genitive plural form trzecich is irregular compared with the cardinal three (trzy) and other adjectives, reflecting historical development of Polish ordinal inflection. As with other genitive plurals, trzecich accompanies nouns that themselves are in genitive plural, or are governing a genitive construction.

Usage. Trzecich appears when indicating the third item, party, or position within a larger set. Examples include:

- osób trzecich (third parties)

- w trzecich miejscach (in the third places)

- z trzecich pozycji w rankingu (from the third positions in the ranking)

In everyday speech, speakers may opt for the straightforward form referring to the third item using nominative or accusative cases (e.g., trzeci), but trzecich is used when the governing noun requires genitive plural or in fixed expressions.

See also. Polish grammar, ordinal numerals, genitive case.