Signification
Possibility of success.
Contexte culturel
The TV show 'Szansa na sukces' (A Chance for Success) is a cultural icon. It was the first talent show in Poland and ran for decades, making the phrase synonymous with 'making it big'. In Polish business culture, 'mieć szansę' is often used to soften a 'maybe'. If a partner says 'Mamy szansę na współpracę', they are interested but not yet committed. Poles often use 'szansa' to be polite when they aren't sure. Instead of saying 'I will definitely come', they might say 'Jest szansa, że będę', which is less binding. Polish sports commentators are famous for using 'szansa!' as a shout when a player is about to score a goal.
The 'Na' Rule
Always pair 'szansa' with 'na' if a noun follows. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Positivity Only
Never use 'szansa' for bad things like accidents or illnesses. Use 'ryzyko' instead.
Signification
Possibility of success.
The 'Na' Rule
Always pair 'szansa' with 'na' if a noun follows. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Positivity Only
Never use 'szansa' for bad things like accidents or illnesses. Use 'ryzyko' instead.
Dating Tip
Asking 'Czy mam u ciebie szansę?' is a very direct but cute way to ask someone out in Poland.
Negative Genitive
Remember: 'Mam szansę' (Accusative) but 'Nie mam szansy' (Genitive).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct preposition.
Mam wielką szansę ___ nową pracę.
In Polish, we always say 'szansa na' something.
Choose the correct form of the word 'szansa' in a negative sentence.
Niestety, nie mamy już żadnej ___.
After 'nie mam', we use the Genitive case: 'szansy'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Czy myślisz, że wygramy mecz? B: Tak, ___.
'Mamy szansę' is the best way to express the possibility of winning.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'Daj mi jeszcze jedną szansę!'
This is a classic way to ask for forgiveness or a second try.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Szansa vs. Ryzyko
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMam wielką szansę ___ nową pracę.
In Polish, we always say 'szansa na' something.
Niestety, nie mamy już żadnej ___.
After 'nie mam', we use the Genitive case: 'szansy'.
A: Czy myślisz, że wygramy mecz? B: Tak, ___.
'Mamy szansę' is the best way to express the possibility of winning.
Sentence: 'Daj mi jeszcze jedną szansę!'
This is a classic way to ask for forgiveness or a second try.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, that sounds like 'I have a chance for you' in a way that doesn't make sense in Polish. You should say 'Daję ci szansę' (I am giving you a chance).
'Możliwość' is a general possibility (it can happen), while 'szansa' implies a positive opportunity or a hope for success.
It is neutral. You can use it in a job interview or with friends. It's safe everywhere.
You can say 'Nie ma szans!' or 'Bez szans!'.
Yes, you can say 'Jest szansa na słońce' (There is a chance for sun), but only if you want the sun!
The Accusative case (Biernik). For example: 'szansę na nagrodę' (feminine) or 'szansę na sukces' (masculine).
In 99% of cases, yes. It carries a connotation of hope.
You say 'pół na pół' or 'szanse są wyrównane'.
It's better to say 'Mam szansę wygrać' (perfective) because you are talking about a specific result.
It means 'a shadow of a chance', used when the probability is very, very low.
Expressions liées
wykorzystać szansę
builds onTo take/use the chance
dać komuś szansę
similarTo give someone a chance
stracić szansę
contrastTo lose a chance
ostatnia szansa
specialized formLast chance
mieć okazję
similarTo have an opportunity
