Polish · Real conversations
Clarify a meaning naturally in Polish
Clarification works best when you identify the unclear part. Ask about a word, check a possible interpretation, or request an example that makes the meaning concrete.
Three ways to say it
Co znaczy to słowo?
What does this word mean?
Ask about one unfamiliar word.
Masz na myśli, że powinniśmy już wyjść?
Do you mean that we should leave now?
Check whether you have understood the person's intended message.
Czy możesz wyjaśnić to na przykładzie?
Could you explain that with an example?
Ask for a concrete example when a definition is not enough.
Avoid translating word by word
English 'Do you mean ...?' asks about intended meaning, not an average or an unkind person. Keep the target-language construction for intention or meaning instead of translating the isolated word 'mean'.
See the difference in context
An unfamiliar word in a sentence
W tym zdaniu jest nowe słowo.
There's a new word in this sentence.
Co znaczy to słowo?
What does this word mean?
Checking whether it is time to leave
Nie mamy dużo czasu.
We don't have much time.
Masz na myśli, że powinniśmy już wyjść?
Do you mean that we should leave now?
Your turn
You understand the words but not how the idea works. Ask for an explanation with an example.
Reveal a sample reply
Czy możesz wyjaśnić to na przykładzie?
Could you explain that with an example?
This speaking goal in other languages
A note on speaking Polish
Polish distinguishes familiar ty from polite pan and pani. Choose pan when addressing a man and pani when addressing a woman formally; the paired forms shown in examples are alternatives, so say one. A formal question usually uses a third-person verb, such as Czy może pan …? First-person past and conditional forms can change with the speaker’s gender.
Keep letters such as ą, ę, ł, ń, ó, ś, ź, and ż. Noun and adjective endings can change with their role in the sentence. Learn the complete expression before replacing a name, object, or time.
