Signification
Giving someone permission to speak freely.
Contexte culturel
Poles value 'szczerość' (honesty) over 'uprzejmość' (politeness) in many casual settings. This phrase is a tool for that honesty. On Polish Facebook or X (Twitter), 'Mówcie co chcecie' is often used to introduce an 'unpopular opinion'. In modern Polish startups, the hierarchy is flatter, and 'Mów co chcesz' might be used by a manager to encourage feedback, though it's still informal. Parents might use this with children to end an argument about chores, signaling that the child's complaints won't change the outcome.
The 'Ale' Rule
90% of the time, when this phrase is used to express an opinion, it is followed by the word 'ale' (but). Master this pattern: 'Mów co chcesz, ale [Your Opinion].'
Watch your tone
If you say it too fast and with a flat tone, it sounds like you are angry. If you say it with a smile, it sounds like you are being a good friend.
Signification
Giving someone permission to speak freely.
The 'Ale' Rule
90% of the time, when this phrase is used to express an opinion, it is followed by the word 'ale' (but). Master this pattern: 'Mów co chcesz, ale [Your Opinion].'
Watch your tone
If you say it too fast and with a flat tone, it sounds like you are angry. If you say it with a smile, it sounds like you are being a good friend.
The 'Sobie' addition
Adding 'sobie' (Mów sobie co chcesz) makes it much more dismissive. Use it only if you really don't care!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Mów co _______, ja i tak kupuję ten telefon.
The phrase 'Mów co chcesz' uses the 2nd person singular 'chcesz' to match the singular imperative 'Mów'.
Which form should you use when talking to a group of friends?
Addressing a group:
'Mówcie' is the plural imperative and 'chcecie' is the plural 'you want'.
Match the tone to the situation.
Situation: You are telling a hater their opinion doesn't matter.
In this context, 'Mów co chcesz' is used to show indifference.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Nie wiem czy to dobry pomysł... B: __________, ale ja to zrobię.
The standard word order is Imperative + Co + Verb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Two Faces of 'Mów co chcesz'
The Green Light (Permission)
- • Be honest
- • I'm listening
- • Don't be shy
The Shield (Indifference)
- • I don't care
- • I know my truth
- • You won't change me
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMów co _______, ja i tak kupuję ten telefon.
The phrase 'Mów co chcesz' uses the 2nd person singular 'chcesz' to match the singular imperative 'Mów'.
Addressing a group:
'Mówcie' is the plural imperative and 'chcecie' is the plural 'you want'.
Situation: You are telling a hater their opinion doesn't matter.
In this context, 'Mów co chcesz' is used to show indifference.
A: Nie wiem czy to dobry pomysł... B: __________, ale ja to zrobię.
The standard word order is Imperative + Co + Verb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt can be. With friends, it's normal. With a boss or a stranger, it's considered impolite because it uses the informal 'Ty' form.
Yes, 'Powiedz co chcesz' is also used, but it's less common for the 'I don't care' meaning and more common for 'Tell me what you want (to buy/eat)'.
The plural is 'Mówcie co chcecie'. Use this when talking to two or more people.
Use 'Niech pan/pani mówi, co chce' or 'Proszę mówić, co pan/pani uważa'.
No, it can also mean 'I'm listening, go ahead and be honest.' Context and tone are key.
Yes, 'Gadaj co chcesz' is a more casual, slightly more aggressive version.
Because it's a relative clause: 'Speak [that which] you want.' The verb must be conjugated for the person you are talking to.
Only in a very informal email to a close friend. Never in a business email.
'Mów' is about speaking; 'Rób' is about doing. 'Rób co chcesz' is often used when someone is frustrated with another person's actions.
Yes, it's a staple of Polish cinema dialogue, especially in comedies and dramas.
Expressions liées
Rób co chcesz
similarDo what you want.
Wszystko mi jedno
synonymIt's all the same to me / I don't care.
Bez obrazy
builds onNo offense.
Słucham cię
contrastI am listening to you.
