Significado
To support someone emotionally.
Contexto cultural
In Poland, 'dodawanie otuchy' often involves a shared meal or coffee. It's rarely just words; the physical presence of a friend is considered the best way to 'add heart'. During the 19th century, when Poland was not on the map, poets like Adam Mickiewicz wrote 'ku pokrzepieniu serc' (to hearten hearts), which is a more formal version of adding otucha to the whole nation. On Polish Instagram/Facebook, you will see the hashtag #dodajemyotuchy used in charity campaigns or mental health awareness posts. Unlike some cultures where feedback is purely professional, Polish managers often feel it is their duty to 'dodać otuchy' to a stressed employee to maintain a 'rodzinna atmosfera' (family atmosphere).
Use with 'trochę'
If you want to sound more natural and less dramatic, say 'dodać trochę otuchy' (to add a bit of heart).
Case Sensitivity
Never say 'dodać otucha'. The 'y' at the end is mandatory for this idiom.
Significado
To support someone emotionally.
Use with 'trochę'
If you want to sound more natural and less dramatic, say 'dodać trochę otuchy' (to add a bit of heart).
Case Sensitivity
Never say 'dodać otucha'. The 'y' at the end is mandatory for this idiom.
Silence is okay
In Poland, sometimes just sitting with someone in silence is described later as 'dodawanie otuchy'.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the pronoun (Dative case).
Mój brat bardzo się boi dentysty, więc muszę ______ (on) dodać otuchy.
The recipient of 'dodać otuchy' must be in the Dative case. 'Mu' is the Dative form of 'on'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct version:
'Otucha' must be in the Genitive case ('otuchy') and the person in Dative ('mojej siostrze').
Match the response to the situation.
Twoja przyjaciółka właśnie oblała egzamin na prawo jazdy. Co powiesz, żeby dodać jej otuchy?
Adding heart involves empathy and positive reinforcement, not criticism.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Boję się tej operacji. B: Nie martw się, lekarz jest najlepszy w mieście. Chcę ci tylko _________.
The fixed idiom is 'dodać otuchy'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosMój brat bardzo się boi dentysty, więc muszę ______ (on) dodać otuchy.
The recipient of 'dodać otuchy' must be in the Dative case. 'Mu' is the Dative form of 'on'.
Choose the correct version:
'Otucha' must be in the Genitive case ('otuchy') and the person in Dative ('mojej siostrze').
Twoja przyjaciółka właśnie oblała egzamin na prawo jazdy. Co powiesz, żeby dodać jej otuchy?
Adding heart involves empathy and positive reinforcement, not criticism.
A: Boję się tej operacji. B: Nie martw się, lekarz jest najlepszy w mieście. Chcę ci tylko _________.
The fixed idiom is 'dodać otuchy'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasNo, it's almost never used alone. You will only see it in this phrase or very old books.
Not really. It implies there was some fear, sadness, or doubt that needed to be overcome.
'Pocieszyć' is like giving a hug to someone crying. 'Dodać otuchy' is like giving a pep talk to someone who is afraid.
Yes! It means to encourage yourself. 'Musiałem dodać sobie otuchy przed lustrem.'
Frases relacionadas
podnieść na duchu
synonymTo lift someone's spirits.
pocieszyć
similarTo comfort someone.
wspierać
builds onTo support.
odebrać nadzieję
contrastTo take away hope.
