Bedeutung
Be humble.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Modesty is a key social value. Accepting a compliment too enthusiastically can be seen as 'pyszne' (conceited). Using this phrase helps maintain social equilibrium. In Silesian culture, hard work is expected, and boasting is even more frowned upon than in other parts of Poland. The phrase is used to emphasize that one is just doing their duty. In modern Polish startups, there is a conflict between the traditional 'nie ma co się chwalić' and the need for 'pitching' and self-promotion. Younger professionals often use the phrase ironically. Second-generation Poles often lose this phrase because they adopt the more assertive self-promotion styles of English-speaking cultures, which can lead to 'culture clash' when visiting relatives in Poland.
The 'E tam' prefix
Poles almost always start this phrase with 'E tam' or 'A tam' to add an extra layer of dismissal. 'E tam, nie ma co się chwalić.'
Don't overdo it
If you use this for every single thing you do, you might come across as having very low self-esteem rather than just being modest.
Bedeutung
Be humble.
The 'E tam' prefix
Poles almost always start this phrase with 'E tam' or 'A tam' to add an extra layer of dismissal. 'E tam, nie ma co się chwalić.'
Don't overdo it
If you use this for every single thing you do, you might come across as having very low self-esteem rather than just being modest.
Use 'czym' for objects
If you are pointing at a specific thing (like a trophy), 'Nie ma się czym chwalić' sounds slightly more professional.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing words to complete the humble response.
A: Twoja nowa praca brzmi świetnie! B: Dzięki, ale nie ___ ___ ___ chwalić, to tylko staż.
The standard phrase is 'nie ma co się chwalić'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'It's nothing to brag about' when talking about a mediocre exam result?
Dostałem 3 z egzaminu...
Option 'a' uses the correct reflexive form and infinitive.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: You bought a used car that breaks down often. Someone says 'Nice car!'
Using the phrase to downplay a poor purchase is very natural.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate variation.
Marek: Słyszałem, że wygrałeś konkurs! Ty: Tak, ale to był mały konkurs, więc nie ___ ___ ___ chwalić.
Both 'nie ma co się chwalić' and 'nie ma się czym chwalić' work perfectly here.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenA: Twoja nowa praca brzmi świetnie! B: Dzięki, ale nie ___ ___ ___ chwalić, to tylko staż.
The standard phrase is 'nie ma co się chwalić'.
Dostałem 3 z egzaminu...
Option 'a' uses the correct reflexive form and infinitive.
Situation: You bought a used car that breaks down often. Someone says 'Nice car!'
Using the phrase to downplay a poor purchase is very natural.
Marek: Słyszałem, że wygrałeś konkurs! Ty: Tak, ale to był mały konkurs, więc nie ___ ___ ___ chwalić.
Both 'nie ma co się chwalić' and 'nie ma się czym chwalić' work perfectly here.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it's actually the opposite. It's a way to be polite and modest in Polish culture.
Yes, but be careful. Use it for minor skills or mistakes, not for your main qualifications.
'Co' focuses on the act of bragging, 'czym' focuses on the thing you are bragging about. They are 95% interchangeable.
Yes, 'Szału nie ma' is a very common slang alternative meaning 'it's not impressive.'
Not necessarily. It usually just means 'it's not worth a celebration.'
Yes, but it's quite critical. 'On nie ma co się chwalić' means 'He has nothing to be proud of.'
It's part of a cultural script that values humility and shared struggle over individual boasting.
It's neutral-informal. In a very formal speech, you'd say 'Nie jest to powód do dumy.'
Yes! It's a 'humble brag.' You can be happy but say this to stay grounded.
Say 'Jestem dumny/dumna.' But be prepared for people to think you're very confident!
Verwandte Redewendungen
nie ma o czym mówić
similarnothing to talk about / don't mention it
chwalić się
builds onto boast / to show off
żadna rewelacja
synonymnothing special
bić brawo
contrastto applaud
