Signification
Being indifferent to something.
Contexte culturel
Poles value honesty and can be quite direct. 'Mieć coś w nosie' is a way to be direct about your lack of interest without using swear words. It's a key part of 'social survival' in casual Polish life. In Polish schools, 'mania w nosie' (having it in the nose) is often seen as a sign of coolness or rebellion against the strict educational system. While Poland is becoming more corporate, there is still a strong 'informal' layer. Colleagues often use this phrase to bond over shared frustrations with management. Many iconic Polish comedy characters (like in 'Kiler') use this phrase to show they are unshakeable and tough.
Use 'Głęboko' for impact
If you want to sound like a native, add 'głęboko' (deeply) before 'w nosie'. It shows you really don't care.
Watch the hierarchy
Never say this to your boss or a police officer. It's seen as a lack of respect for authority.
Signification
Being indifferent to something.
Use 'Głęboko' for impact
If you want to sound like a native, add 'głęboko' (deeply) before 'w nosie'. It shows you really don't care.
Watch the hierarchy
Never say this to your boss or a police officer. It's seen as a lack of respect for authority.
The 'To' Shortcut
90% of the time, people just say 'Mam to w nosie'. Master this short version first!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'mieć' and the object.
Ja (mieć) ______ tę starą gazetę w nosie.
The subject is 'Ja', so the verb 'mieć' becomes 'mam'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'They don't care about him'?
'Oni' requires 'mają', the preposition is 'w', and the object 'on' becomes 'go' in Accusative.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your friend tells you that your ex-boyfriend has a new car.
Since the focus is on the person (the ex), 'Mam go w nosie' is the most natural response.
Complete the dialogue with the full idiom.
A: Czy widziałeś te nowe przepisy w biurze? B: Tak, ale szczerze mówiąc, ______.
'Przepisy' (rules) is plural non-masculine-personal, so the pronoun is 'je'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJa (mieć) ______ tę starą gazetę w nosie.
The subject is 'Ja', so the verb 'mieć' becomes 'mam'.
How do you say 'They don't care about him'?
'Oni' requires 'mają', the preposition is 'w', and the object 'on' becomes 'go' in Accusative.
Situation: Your friend tells you that your ex-boyfriend has a new car.
Since the focus is on the person (the ex), 'Mam go w nosie' is the most natural response.
A: Czy widziałeś te nowe przepisy w biurze? B: Tak, ale szczerze mówiąc, ______.
'Przepisy' (rules) is plural non-masculine-personal, so the pronoun is 'je'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's informal and dismissive, but not vulgar. It's like saying 'I don't give a hoot' in English.
Yes! 'Mam go w nosie' means 'I don't care about him'.
You should use 'Jest mi to obojętne' or 'Nie przywiązuję do tego wagi'.
Yes, 'mieć' conjugates normally: 'Miałem/Miałam to w nosie'.
No, it must be 'Mam cię w nosie'. No 'o' is needed.
Only with very close colleagues during a coffee break. Never in meetings.
The nose is often used in Polish idioms for pride and attention. Having something 'in' it means it's a minor annoyance you ignore.
'Olewać' is more slangy and slightly more aggressive.
Yes: 'Mam ich w nosie' (I don't care about them).
Yes, it's a very common 'safe' idiom for children and teenagers.
Expressions liées
gwizdać na coś
synonymto whistle at something
kręcić nosem
contrastto turn up one's nose / to complain
mieć coś głęboko gdzieś
similarto have something deep somewhere
olewać coś
synonymto pee on something (slang)
