Signification
Being speechless due to shock or emotion.
Contexte culturel
Poles often use 'brak słów' with a specific 'pff' sound or a click of the tongue to emphasize frustration. In Polish internet slang, people sometimes write 'brak słów' as 'bs' (though rare) or just use the ellipsis '...' to imply the phrase. Using 'brak słów' about a superior's decision is a common way to vent frustration with coworkers without being explicitly 'insulting'. Grandparents often use this when they see 'modern' trends they don't understand, reflecting a generational gap.
Use with Emojis
On social media, 'Brak słów...' followed by 😶, 😲, or 😡 perfectly conveys your mood without extra typing.
Watch your Tone
The meaning changes 100% based on your face. Smile for 'wow!', frown for 'how could you?'.
Signification
Being speechless due to shock or emotion.
Use with Emojis
On social media, 'Brak słów...' followed by 😶, 😲, or 😡 perfectly conveys your mood without extra typing.
Watch your Tone
The meaning changes 100% based on your face. Smile for 'wow!', frown for 'how could you?'.
The 'Mi' trick
Adding 'mi' (Brak mi słów) makes you sound much more like a native speaker than just saying 'Brak słów'.
The Polish Sigh
A long exhale before saying 'brak słów' is the most authentic way to express frustration.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Dostałeś 100 punktów na egzaminie? Po prostu ... słów!
The standard idiom is 'brak słów'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct to say 'I am speechless'?
How do you say 'I am speechless'?
We use the dative 'mi' with 'brak'.
Match the situation to the most likely use of 'brak słów'.
Situation: Your friend just told a very offensive joke.
In this context, it expresses that the joke was so bad you can't even comment.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Zobacz, kupiłem nam bilety na Hawaje! B: Co?! ...
This is a positive use of the idiom in the correct plural genitive form.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Brak słów'
Positive
- • Beautiful view
- • Big gift
- • Great news
Negative
- • Rudeness
- • Big mess
- • Bad news
Absurd
- • Stupid joke
- • Bureaucracy
- • Crazy prices
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDostałeś 100 punktów na egzaminie? Po prostu ... słów!
The standard idiom is 'brak słów'.
How do you say 'I am speechless'?
We use the dative 'mi' with 'brak'.
Situation: Your friend just told a very offensive joke.
In this context, it expresses that the joke was so bad you can't even comment.
A: Zobacz, kupiłem nam bilety na Hawaje! B: Co?! ...
This is a positive use of the idiom in the correct plural genitive form.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot inherently. It depends on the context. It can be a compliment or a sign of frustration.
No, that sounds like you are missing exactly one word. The idiom is always plural: 'słów'.
They are 99% the same. 'Nie mam słów' is slightly more personal ('I' don't have words).
Use 'Brakowało mi słów' or 'Zabrakło mi słów'.
Only if you are expressing great positive surprise or deep sympathy. Avoid it for professional disagreements.
Yes, it can be used for 'brak czasu' (lack of time) or 'brak pieniędzy' (lack of money).
Because 'brak' requires the genitive case, and we are talking about words in general (plural).
Yes! If a friend does something hilariously stupid, 'brak słów' is a perfect reaction.
Yes, 'zamurowało mnie' is more informal and 'slangy'.
It sounds exactly like the English 'w' in 'water'.
Expressions liées
nie mam słów
synonymI don't have words
zamurowało mnie
similarI was turned to stone / floored
oniemieć
builds onTo become mute with shock
szczęka opada
similarJaw drops
bez komentarza
specialized formNo comment
