B2 Expression Neutral

być na czyimś utrzymaniu

to be dependent on someone

Significado

To rely on someone for money.

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Contexto cultural

The 'Gniazdownicy' (Nest-dwellers) phenomenon is widely discussed. Over 45% of Poles aged 25-34 still live with their parents, often remaining 'na ich utrzymaniu' due to the difficult housing market. In Poland, parents are legally obligated to support their children (alimenty) as long as the child is trying to become independent (e.g., studying), even after age 18. Historically, the 'dożywocie' contract allowed elderly parents to be 'na utrzymaniu' of the child who inherited the farm, ensuring they were fed and housed until death. There is a growing trend of 'DINKs' (Double Income, No Kids) who pride themselves on not being 'na niczyim utrzymaniu' and having full financial freedom.

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Use it for Tax

If you ever work in Poland, remember 'osoba na utrzymaniu' is the term for 'dependent' on your tax return (PIT).

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Watch the Tone

Be careful using this with adults; it can imply they are not trying hard enough to find a job.

Significado

To rely on someone for money.

💡

Use it for Tax

If you ever work in Poland, remember 'osoba na utrzymaniu' is the term for 'dependent' on your tax return (PIT).

⚠️

Watch the Tone

Be careful using this with adults; it can imply they are not trying hard enough to find a job.

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The 'Pozostawać' Trick

Use 'pozostawać' instead of 'być' to sound 20% more professional and advanced.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the correct form of the word 'utrzymanie'.

Marek ma 25 lat i nadal jest na _________ rodziców.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: utrzymaniu

The preposition 'na' in this context requires the Locative case.

Which sentence is the most formal?

Select the formal way to say someone is a dependent.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Osobnik ten pozostaje na utrzymaniu rodziców.

'Pozostawać' is the formal verb used in legal and official contexts.

Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.

A: Czy Twoja siostra już pracuje? B: Nie, wciąż studiuje i _________.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: jest na moim utrzymaniu

The speaker is supporting the sister, so she is 'na moim utrzymaniu'.

Match the phrase to the situation.

Match 'być na garnuszku' with the correct context.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: A casual conversation about a lazy cousin

'Być na garnuszku' is an informal, idiomatic variation.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Fill in the correct form of the word 'utrzymanie'. Fill Blank B1

Marek ma 25 lat i nadal jest na _________ rodziców.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: utrzymaniu

The preposition 'na' in this context requires the Locative case.

Which sentence is the most formal? Choose B2

Select the formal way to say someone is a dependent.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Osobnik ten pozostaje na utrzymaniu rodziców.

'Pozostawać' is the formal verb used in legal and official contexts.

Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase. dialogue_completion B1

A: Czy Twoja siostra już pracuje? B: Nie, wciąż studiuje i _________.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: jest na moim utrzymaniu

The speaker is supporting the sister, so she is 'na moim utrzymaniu'.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching B2

Match 'być na garnuszku' with the correct context.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: A casual conversation about a lazy cousin

'Być na garnuszku' is an informal, idiomatic variation.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

5 preguntas

Not really. You would say 'utrzymuję psa' (I keep/maintain a dog), but a dog isn't 'na utrzymaniu' because it's not expected to be independent.

Yes, it specifically refers to financial support for living expenses.

'Na koszt' (at the cost of) is often used for specific events (e.g., 'kolacja na koszt firmy'), while 'na utrzymaniu' is a long-term state.

It's not exactly rude, but it's very informal and can be slightly patronizing.

You say 'Utrzymuję się sam' (male) or 'Utrzymuję się sama' (female).

Frases relacionadas

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utrzymywać kogoś

builds on

To support someone financially.

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być na garnuszku

synonym

To be supported by someone (idiomatic).

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utrzymywać się samemu

contrast

To support oneself.

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koszty utrzymania

similar

Cost of living.

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