Polish has two ways to talk about the future. The one to learn first is the compound future: the future of 'to be' plus a verb. Six words and you can say what you will do.
| Meaning | Polish | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| I will be | będę | BEN-deh |
| you will be | będziesz | BEN-jesh |
| he / she will be | będzie | BEN-jeh |
| we will be | będziemy | ben-JEH-mih |
| you will be (plural) | będziecie | ben-JEH-cheh |
| they will be | będą | BEN-down |
Compound future: będę + verb
Put the dictionary form of a verb after 'będę'. 'Będę pracować' = I will work. 'Będę jeść' = I will eat. This pattern always works and is always understood.
Będę pracować jutro
/ BEN-deh prah-TSOH-vahch YOO-troh /
I will work tomorrow
The short future (for later)
For a single, finished action Polish often uses one perfective verb that looks present but means future: 'Zrobię to' = I'll do it (and get it done). Pick these up word by word; you don't need them yet.
Watch out: As a beginner, lean on 'będę + verb' for nearly everything future. It may not always be the most natural choice, but you will be understood every time.
Tip: The future of 'to be' on its own just means 'will be': 'Będę w domu' = I'll be home.
Będę w domu o piątej
/ BEN-deh v DOH-moo oh PYON-tey /
I'll be home at five