"Czekam na samolot."

Translation: I am waiting for an airplane.

[mckara]

Why is 'waiting on the airplane,' incorrect?

[immery]

I don't think "wait for airplane" and "wait on airplane" mean the same.

[mckara]

I used it in the context of physically waiting on board an aircraft, similarly to your previous example of waiting or being on a ship.

[ArthurFlat]

I think that would translate as "Czekam na samolocie." Not quite the same as, "Czekam na samolot."

[mckara]

So, I guess it's usage beyond what has been taught thus far. I still don't understand the difference between waiting aboard a ship, like previous example, and being aboard an airplane. [I was waiting on the airplane for a stewardess to begin offering something to drink.] Thanks.

[immery]

czekam na samolot= I am waiting for the plane
(wait for= czekać na + genitive

czekam w samolocie= I am waiting being aboard the airplane
(samolot is a place you are inside= w +locative)

czekam na samolocie= I am waiting while being on the top of the airplane (na + locative)

it's different with ships

czekam na statek(genitive) = I am witing for the ship
czekam na statku(locative)= I am waiting being aboard the ship.

[NaomiNorth]

I'd also add that wait for takes the preposition "na." For example, "Czekam na ciebie," I'm waiting for you.

[thyo88]

They can. Compare: I am waiting for the results. I am waiting on the results. For and on can both follow the word wait with the same meaning.

[Glen624972]

Why is "I am waiting for the plane" wrong?

[Frederic606350]

Can it be "I am waiting for my plane" ?

[edB4zK]

I think in Immery's post with the examples: czekać na... should say Accusative (instead of Genitive).

If I've got this wrong somebody please let me know, I'll delete this comment. Thank you :)

[alik1989]

Yes, you are absolutely right. The preposition "na" can either take the accusative or the locative case, but never genitive.

[edB4zK]

Thank you Alik :)