zdmuchaj

Zdmuchaj is a Polish verb form that functions as the second-person singular imperative meaning “blow out” or “blow away.” It is used to instruct someone to extinguish a flame or light by blowing on it. The form is derived from the root dmuchać (to blow) with the prefix z-, which in Polish often indicates completion or cessation, and it is associated with the perfective notion of extinguishing (zdmuchnąć).

In ordinary speech, zdmuchaj is most commonly heard in contexts involving candles, lamps, or other small fires. The standard everyday imperative for blowing is dmuchaj, but when the intent is to extinguish something, zdmuchaj is frequently used. For addressing more than one person, the corresponding form is zdmuchajcie. Polish also has maps to related imperatives for more formal or indirect phrasing, such as using the plural zdmuchajcie in direct addresses to a group.

Usage notes and variants: zdmuchaj appears in both literal and occasionally figurative contexts, where it can convey putting an end to something by “blowing it out.” In most cases, however, it retains its primary sense of extinguishing a flame or light. Linguistically, it is part of a family of related forms built from the verb dmuchać and its perfective counterpart zdmuchnąć, which underpins the nuances of completion and cessation in Polish imperatives.

Examples: Zdmuchaj świeczkę. Zdmuchaj ogień z kominka. Zdmuchajcie te płomienie, proszę.