Signification
To do something to make people feel more comfortable in a social setting.
Contexte culturel
In Poland, breaking the ice is often done over coffee or cake. It's a very hospitable culture. In the US, ice-breaking is often structured, like 'ice-breaker games' at the start of meetings. In Japan, breaking the ice is more subtle, often involving shared food or bowing rituals. Germans value efficiency; ice-breaking is usually brief and leads directly to the agenda.
Perfective vs Imperfective
Use 'przełamać' for a one-time action and 'przełamywać' for a process.
Social Context
Poles appreciate a bit of humor to break the ice, but keep it light.
Signification
To do something to make people feel more comfortable in a social setting.
Perfective vs Imperfective
Use 'przełamać' for a one-time action and 'przełamywać' for a process.
Social Context
Poles appreciate a bit of humor to break the ice, but keep it light.
Don't be literal
Never talk about actual ice when using this phrase!
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Na początku spotkania warto ______, aby wszyscy czuli się swobodnie.
The idiom is 'przełamać lody', meaning to break the ice.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct option:
The idiom is plural ('lody') and the perfective/imperfective aspect 'przełamywać' works best here.
Match the situation to the best way to 'break the ice'.
Match:
Context dictates the method of breaking the ice.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Jest tu bardzo cicho.' B: 'Tak, musimy jakoś ____.'
The context of silence suggests the need to break the ice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNa początku spotkania warto ______, aby wszyscy czuli się swobodnie.
The idiom is 'przełamać lody', meaning to break the ice.
Choose the correct option:
The idiom is plural ('lody') and the perfective/imperfective aspect 'przełamywać' works best here.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Context dictates the method of breaking the ice.
A: 'Jest tu bardzo cicho.' B: 'Tak, musimy jakoś ____.'
The context of silence suggests the need to break the ice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it's too informal for a formal email. Use it in person or in casual messages.
No, you can use it between two people too.
No, it can be a question, a compliment, or a simple gesture.
People will understand you, but it will sound like you are making a mistake.
Expressions liées
Nawiązać kontakt
similarTo establish contact
Złapać wspólny język
builds onTo find common ground
Otworzyć się
similarTo open up
Rozluźnić atmosferę
synonymTo relax the atmosphere
