Signification
Ending a conversation to leave.
Contexte culturel
The 'Polish Goodbye' (pożegnanie po polsku) is famous for being long. Even after saying 'Muszę już iść', expect to spend another 15 minutes talking at the door. In Polish offices, it is common to say 'Muszę już iść' at the end of the day to colleagues, often followed by 'Miłego popołudnia' (Have a nice afternoon). Polish hosts may feel they haven't been good enough if you leave too early. Using 'muszę' (I must) helps shift the 'blame' for leaving onto your schedule rather than their hosting. Younger Poles often replace 'iść' with 'lecieć' (to fly) or 'zwijać się' (to roll oneself up/leave) to sound more dynamic.
The 'Już' Factor
Always include 'już'. Without it, 'Muszę iść' sounds like a robotic command. 'Już' makes it a social signal.
Don't say 'Ja'
Avoid starting with 'Ja muszę...'. It makes you sound like a foreigner or someone who is being overly dramatic about their own needs.
Signification
Ending a conversation to leave.
The 'Już' Factor
Always include 'już'. Without it, 'Muszę iść' sounds like a robotic command. 'Już' makes it a social signal.
Don't say 'Ja'
Avoid starting with 'Ja muszę...'. It makes you sound like a foreigner or someone who is being overly dramatic about their own needs.
The Softener
Add 'No dobra...' (Well, okay...) before the phrase to sound 100% native. 'No dobra, muszę już iść.'
The Doorway Chat
Be prepared to say the phrase again once you reach the door. It's part of the ritual!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the polite exit.
Przepraszam, ale ______ już iść.
'Muszę' (I must) is the correct modal verb for this expression.
Which phrase is the most natural way to say 'We must go now'?
Select the correct plural form:
'Musimy' is the 1st person plural (we) form of 'musieć'.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: Chcesz jeszcze herbaty? B: Nie, dziękuję. Jest późno i ________.
The context of 'it's late' (jest późno) strongly suggests a departure.
Match the phrase to the correct level of formality.
1. Muszę lecieć! 2. Będę się już z Państwem żegnać.
'Lecieć' (to fly) is slangy/informal, while 'żegnać się z Państwem' is very formal.
Choose the correct verb of motion.
Słuchaj, muszę już ______, bo mój pociąg odjeżdża za 10 minut.
'Iść' is used for a specific instance of going/leaving.
What does 'już' add to the phrase 'Muszę iść'?
The word 'już' makes the phrase:
'Już' acts as a temporal softener in social interactions.
🎉 Score : /6
Aides visuelles
Politeness Levels
Banque d exercices
6 exercicesPrzepraszam, ale ______ już iść.
'Muszę' (I must) is the correct modal verb for this expression.
Select the correct plural form:
'Musimy' is the 1st person plural (we) form of 'musieć'.
A: Chcesz jeszcze herbaty? B: Nie, dziękuję. Jest późno i ________.
The context of 'it's late' (jest późno) strongly suggests a departure.
1. Muszę lecieć! 2. Będę się już z Państwem żegnać.
'Lecieć' (to fly) is slangy/informal, while 'żegnać się z Państwem' is very formal.
Słuchaj, muszę już ______, bo mój pociąg odjeżdża za 10 minut.
'Iść' is used for a specific instance of going/leaving.
The word 'już' makes the phrase:
'Już' acts as a temporal softener in social interactions.
🎉 Score : /6
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, it is neutral. However, adding 'Przepraszam' (Excuse me) at the beginning makes it even better.
Use 'iść' if you're walking or as a general term for leaving. Use 'jechać' only if you want to emphasize you are driving or taking a bus.
You can, but it sounds slightly less natural. 'Muszę już iść' is the standard word order.
It's informal, but very common. You can use it with friends and colleagues you know well.
In Polish culture, saying you 'must' leave implies that you value the current company but are forced away by external duties, which is more polite.
Change 'Muszę' to 'Musimy'. The rest stays the same: 'Musimy już iść'.
You can say 'Muszę już iść, przepraszam, ale rano mam ważne sprawy.'
In this context, it's closer to 'now' or 'at this point'.
No, it's primarily a spoken phrase. In an email, you would use 'Będę kończyć' (I will be finishing).
In Poland, leaving without a word (the 'English exit' or 'French exit') is often considered rude in small groups.
It's a very soft, hissed sound. Try saying 'eesh' and then a soft 'ch' like in 'cheap'.
Probably 'Dobra, lecę!' or 'Nara!'
Yes, to your dining companions. To the waiter, you would ask for the bill instead.
No, 'już' is used across all registers.
Expressions liées
Muszę lecieć
informalI must fly / I'm in a rush
Będę się zbierać
similarI'll be heading out
Czas na mnie
similarIt's time for me (to go)
Pora iść
similarTime to go
Uciekam
slangI'm running away / I'm off
Do widzenia
builds onGoodbye
