Signification
easily seen by everyone
Contexte culturel
The 'neighborly eye' (sąsiedzkie oko) is a strong concept. Being 'na widoku' in a small town or a block of flats often leads to gossip. Young Poles use 'być na widoku' to describe the pressure of Instagram and TikTok, where one's life is constantly 'on display'. In Polish history, 'być na widoku' was a dangerous state for insurgents (powstańcy) hiding in forests. Polish law distinguishes between private acts and those 'na widoku publicznym', which can be penalized.
Preposition Trap
Never say 'w widoku'. It's a direct translation from English that sounds very unnatural in Polish.
Security Context
In Poland, if someone says 'zostawiłeś to na widoku', they are almost always warning you about potential theft.
Signification
easily seen by everyone
Preposition Trap
Never say 'w widoku'. It's a direct translation from English that sounds very unnatural in Polish.
Security Context
In Poland, if someone says 'zostawiłeś to na widoku', they are almost always warning you about potential theft.
Modesty
Poles often avoid being 'na widoku' to seem modest. If you want to compliment someone's work without making them uncomfortable, do it privately.
Grammar Hack
Think of 'na widoku' as a location. Just like 'na stole' (on the table), you are 'on the view'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing preposition and noun form.
Nie zostawiaj portfela ___ _________.
The phrase 'na widoku' requires the preposition 'na' and the Locative case.
Which sentence is correct?
A: On jest na wizji. B: On jest na widoku.
'Na wizji' is for TV; 'na widoku' is for general visibility.
Match the Polish phrase with its English equivalent.
1. Na widoku publicznym, 2. Zniknąć z widoku, 3. Mieć na widoku
These are common variations of the core phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
Marek: Gdzie schowałeś prezent? Kasia: W szafie, żeby nie był ___ ______.
Kasia wants to hide the gift so it's not 'in plain sight'.
In which situation would you say 'Nie bądź na widoku'?
A. During a bank robbery (to a witness), B. When someone is on TV, C. When someone is buying bread.
It's a warning to stay hidden and not be seen.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Visibility vs. Fame
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesNie zostawiaj portfela ___ _________.
The phrase 'na widoku' requires the preposition 'na' and the Locative case.
A: On jest na wizji. B: On jest na widoku.
'Na wizji' is for TV; 'na widoku' is for general visibility.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are common variations of the core phrase.
Marek: Gdzie schowałeś prezent? Kasia: W szafie, żeby nie był ___ ______.
Kasia wants to hide the gift so it's not 'in plain sight'.
A. During a bank robbery (to a witness), B. When someone is on TV, C. When someone is buying bread.
It's a warning to stay hidden and not be seen.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business report.
Yes, 'On jest na widoku' means he is standing where everyone can see him.
The opposite is 'być schowanym' (to be hidden) or 'być w ukryciu'.
No, that's redundant. Just say 'na moich oczach'.
Yes, frequently, to describe characters exposed to danger or social judgment.
If it's hidden but easily found, you might say 'pod nosem' (under the nose).
No, the phrase 'na widoku' stays singular even if many things are visible.
Rarely. It's mostly for physical or social visibility.
Not itself, but many actions (like drinking) are crimes when done 'na widoku publicznym'.
'Widoczny' is an adjective (visible). 'Na widoku' is a state of being exposed.
No, use 'być na oku u kogoś' (to be watched by someone).
Yes, especially in crime reports or political commentary.
You would rather say 'na stronie' or 'widoczny na stronie'.
Like the 'oo' in 'boot', but shorter.
Expressions liées
na widoku publicznym
specialized formIn public view (legal context)
mieć na widoku
similarTo have something in mind or in sight
zniknąć z widoku
contrastTo disappear from sight
być na świeczniku
similarTo be in the spotlight (fame/status)
wystawić na widok
builds onTo put on display
