Signification
Someone does not care about something.
Contexte culturel
In Poland, being 'obojętny' in social matters is often criticized as 'znieczulica' (social numbness). It's a strong word used to describe people who don't help others in need. When a guest says 'jest mi obojętne' to an offer of food, a Polish host might take it as a sign to serve whatever they have best, but some might find it slightly unhelpful. There is a historical thread of stoicism in Polish literature where 'obojętność' is seen as a way to maintain dignity in the face of suffering. Younger generations in Poland often replace 'obojętne' with 'whatever' (po angielsku) or 'mi to rybka' (it's a fish to me).
The Dative Rule
Always remember: Me = Mi, You = Ci. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Don't be too indifferent!
In a relationship, saying 'jest mi obojętne' too much can make your partner feel like you aren't interested in the relationship itself.
Signification
Someone does not care about something.
The Dative Rule
Always remember: Me = Mi, You = Ci. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Don't be too indifferent!
In a relationship, saying 'jest mi obojętne' too much can make your partner feel like you aren't interested in the relationship itself.
Use 'Zupełnie'
Add 'zupełnie' (completely) to sound more natural: 'Jest mi to zupełnie obojętne.'
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct dative pronoun (mi, ci, mu, jej, nam, wam, im).
Marek nie lubi herbaty, więc jest ___ obojętne, jaką kupisz.
Marek is a man (he), so we use the dative 'mu'.
Choose the correct form of the adjective 'obojętny'.
Ta decyzja jest mi ___.
'Decyzja' is a feminine noun, so the adjective must be 'obojętna'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your friend asks if you want to watch a horror movie or a comedy. You like both.
Since you like both, you have no preference, making 'obojętne' the perfect choice.
Complete the dialogue.
Ania: 'Wolisz iść do parku czy nad rzekę?' Tomek: 'Szczerze? ___.'
This is the standard, grammatically correct neutral way to express lack of preference.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMarek nie lubi herbaty, więc jest ___ obojętne, jaką kupisz.
Marek is a man (he), so we use the dative 'mu'.
Ta decyzja jest mi ___.
'Decyzja' is a feminine noun, so the adjective must be 'obojętna'.
Situation: Your friend asks if you want to watch a horror movie or a comedy. You like both.
Since you like both, you have no preference, making 'obojętne' the perfect choice.
Ania: 'Wolisz iść do parku czy nad rzekę?' Tomek: 'Szczerze? ___.'
This is the standard, grammatically correct neutral way to express lack of preference.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot usually. It's a neutral way to express lack of preference. However, tone of voice matters!
Yes, but it's very cold. 'On jest mi obojętny' means 'I have no feelings for him anymore.'
'Obojętne' is slightly more formal/standard. 'Wszystko jedno' is very common in casual speech.
Yes. 'Te opcje są mi obojętne.'
It's a common error. While understood, it's grammatically incorrect. Stick to 'Mi jest obojętne.'
Use 'Jest mi to całkowicie obojętne' or 'Jest mi to zupełnie obojętne.'
Yes, to show flexibility regarding minor details like meeting times or document formats.
The opposite would be 'ważny' (important) or 'istotny' (significant).
Yes: 'Było mi to obojętne.'
Yes, 'obojętność' (indifference).
Expressions liées
wszystko mi jedno
synonymIt's all one to me.
bez różnicy
synonymNo difference.
nie robi mi to różnicy
similarIt makes no difference to me.
mieć coś gdzieś
slangTo have something somewhere (to not care).
neutralny
similarNeutral.
