Hello, Language Enthusiasts!
As you embark on your Polish language journey, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Polish idioms. These expressions not only enrich your vocabulary but also offer a glimpse into Polish culture.
Here are some popular idioms with their phonetic transcriptions, making them accessible for English speakers.
„Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy” – Not my circus, not my monkeys
Phonetic: [nyeh moy tsirk, nyeh moy-eh mow-pi] Meaning: Not my problem. Use this idiom to humorously express that something is not your responsibility.
„Mieć muchy w nosie” – To have flies in one’s nose
Phonetic: [myech moo-hi v no-sheh] Meaning: To be touchy or overly sensitive. This idiom describes someone who gets easily upset or offended.
„Zrobić z igły widły” – To make a pitchfork out of a needle
Phonetic: [zroh-bich z ig-wi vid-wi] Meaning: To make a big deal out of something small. Perfect for describing someone who is exaggerating a minor issue.
„Wiercić komuś dziurę w brzuchu” – To drill a hole in someone’s belly
Phonetic: [vyer-chich koh-moosh joo-roo v bzhoo-hoo] Meaning: To pester someone with questions. Use this when someone won’t stop asking questions or being nosy.
„Rzucać grochem o ścianę” – To throw peas against the wall
Phonetic: [zoo-chat groh-hem o shtsyah-neh] Meaning: Talking to someone who is not listening. Ideal for those moments when you feel like you’re talking to a wall.
„Mieć węża w kieszeni” – To have a snake in one’s pocket
Phonetic: [myech ven-zha v kyeh-sheh-nee] Meaning: To be stingy. This colorful idiom describes someone who is reluctant to spend money.
„Trzymać kogoś w garści” – To hold someone in one’s fist
Phonetic: [tzhi-mach koh-gosh v garsh-chi] Meaning: To have control over someone. It’s used when someone has a strong influence over another person.
„Lepszy wróbel w garści niż gołąb na dachu” – Better a sparrow in the fist than a pigeon on the roof
Phonetic: [lep-shi vroo-bel v garsh-chi nizh go-womb na dah-hoo] Meaning: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. This idiom is similar to its English equivalent, about valuing what you currently have.
„Gdzie diabeł nie może, tam babę pośle” – Where the devil cannot, he sends a woman
Phonetic: [gdzyeh jah-bel nyeh mo-zheh, tam bah-beh posh-leh] Meaning: A woman can manage where a man cannot. A cheeky idiom, often used humorously to praise women’s problem-solving skills.
„Kupić kota w worku” – To buy a cat in a sack
Phonetic: [koo-pich ko-tah v vor-koo] Meaning: To buy something without inspecting it first. Similar to “buying a pig in a poke,” it’s used when making a purchase without full knowledge.
These idioms not only make your Polish more authentic but also add a playful element to your conversations. Don’t be afraid to use them and enjoy the quirky side of Polish language!
0 Comments