Signification
Time is a valuable resource.
Contexte culturel
In the 1990s, this phrase became the unofficial motto of the 'new Poles' who were building businesses from scratch. It represented a break from the perceived laziness of the previous system. In modern Warsaw office culture, this phrase is often used with a hint of irony to complain about 'crunch time' or excessive meetings. In rural areas, time is often viewed more through the seasons than the clock. Using 'Czas to pieniądz' here might make you sound like an impatient city dweller. Younger Poles often use the slang word 'hajs' instead of 'pieniądz' to give the phrase a more modern, street-style vibe.
Use it to end meetings
If a meeting is going nowhere, say 'Słuchajcie, czas to pieniądz, przejdźmy do decyzji.' It makes you sound like a leader.
Don't overdo it
If you say this too often, you might seem stressed or greedy. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
Signification
Time is a valuable resource.
Use it to end meetings
If a meeting is going nowhere, say 'Słuchajcie, czas to pieniądz, przejdźmy do decyzji.' It makes you sound like a leader.
Don't overdo it
If you say this too often, you might seem stressed or greedy. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
The 'Hajs' variation
With people under 25, you can say 'Czas to hajs' to sound more 'cool' and less like a textbook.
Grammar Hack
Remember: A to B. No cases to change! Just two basic words connected by 'to'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Czas to _______.
The proverb uses the singular form 'pieniądz' in the Nominative case.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to say 'Czas to pieniądz'?
Choose the best scenario:
The phrase is about productivity and the value of time in a professional context.
Complete the dialogue.
Szef: Dlaczego ten projekt jeszcze nie jest gotowy? Pracownik: Przepraszam, miałem problemy techniczne. Szef: Proszę to skończyć jak najszybciej. Pamiętaj, że...
The boss is emphasizing the need for speed and the cost of delay.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Singular vs Plural
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesCzas to _______.
The proverb uses the singular form 'pieniądz' in the Nominative case.
Choose the best scenario:
The phrase is about productivity and the value of time in a professional context.
Szef: Dlaczego ten projekt jeszcze nie jest gotowy? Pracownik: Przepraszam, miałem problemy techniczne. Szef: Proszę to skończyć jak najszybciej. Pamiętaj, że...
The boss is emphasizing the need for speed and the cost of delay.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's an archaic form preserved in the proverb. In the past, 'pieniądz' was used more broadly as a singular concept for wealth.
It can be. It implies their company isn't worth the time you're 'losing'. Use it only if you're actually in a rush for something important.
Grammatically yes, but nobody says it. It sounds like a non-native speaker trying to be too formal.
Not really. We almost exclusively use 'pieniądz' (money).
You can say 'Czas to hajs' or 'Czas to flota'.
Extremely. It's one of the top 10 most used proverbs in business and daily life.
Yes, especially in a follow-up email if someone hasn't replied to a business proposal.
It can imply a lack of work-life balance or a 'cold' personality if used too much.
Maybe 'Co nagle, to po diable' (Haste makes waste), which warns against rushing.
Yes, it appears in many 19th-century novels about the rise of the bourgeoisie.
Expressions liées
Szkoda czasu
similarIt's a waste of time.
Czas ucieka
similarTime is running out.
Czas leczy rany
contrastTime heals wounds.
Pieniądze to nie wszystko
contrastMoney isn't everything.
Zyskać na czasie
builds onTo buy time / to gain time.
Gonić terminy
specialized formTo chase deadlines.
