Signification
get moving
Contexte culturel
Poles value 'konkret' (concreteness). Being direct about not wasting time is seen as a sign of honesty and efficiency, especially in the workplace. In Polish startups, this phrase is a badge of honor. It reflects the 'agile' mindset of moving fast and failing fast. While Poles are known for long hospitality, using this phrase at the end of a visit is a polite way for a guest to signal they don't want to overstay and burden the host. In the context of Polish tourism, there is a strong 'sightseeing' drive. People often use this phrase to pack as many monuments as possible into one day.
Use it as a transition
Use this phrase to end a long discussion. It's the most polite way to say 'shut up and let's work'.
Watch the case!
Always say 'czasu' (Genitive). Saying 'tracić czas' (Nominative) after 'nie ma co' is a very common beginner mistake.
Signification
get moving
Use it as a transition
Use this phrase to end a long discussion. It's the most polite way to say 'shut up and let's work'.
Watch the case!
Always say 'czasu' (Genitive). Saying 'tracić czas' (Nominative) after 'nie ma co' is a very common beginner mistake.
Don't be too aggressive
If you say this too loudly to a stranger, it might sound like you are telling them they are slow. Use a friendly tone.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct case.
Nie ma co tracić ________ (czas), musimy iść!
After 'nie ma', we use the genitive case. The genitive of 'czas' is 'czasu'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend to stop overthinking and just act?
Twoja przyjaciółka nie może się zdecydować, którą sukienkę kupić. Co powiesz?
This is the standard idiomatic way to break indecision.
Match the Polish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Each phrase has a specific nuance regarding time.
In which situation would you NOT use 'nie ma co tracić czasu'?
Wybierz sytuację, w której to wyrażenie jest nieodpowiednie:
The phrase is too utilitarian and pragmatic for a solemn, emotional event like a funeral.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNie ma co tracić ________ (czas), musimy iść!
After 'nie ma', we use the genitive case. The genitive of 'czas' is 'czasu'.
Twoja przyjaciółka nie może się zdecydować, którą sukienkę kupić. Co powiesz?
This is the standard idiomatic way to break indecision.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Each phrase has a specific nuance regarding time.
Wybierz sytuację, w której to wyrażenie jest nieodpowiednie:
The phrase is too utilitarian and pragmatic for a solemn, emotional event like a funeral.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, but it's better to use 'Nie należy zwlekać' or 'Sugeruję niezwłoczne rozpoczęcie' for a very professional tone.
Yes, in this construction, it always precedes an infinitive verb (e.g., nie ma co pić, nie ma co jeść).
'Tracić' is neutral (to lose), while 'marnować' is negative (to squander/waste foolishly).
Because of the negation 'nie ma'. In Polish, the direct object of a negated verb moves from Accusative to Genitive.
Absolutely! It means 'there's no point in wasting money'. The structure is very flexible.
Expressions liées
szkoda czasu
synonymit's a waste of time
nie ma na co czekać
similarthere's nothing to wait for
czas to pieniądz
builds ontime is money
marnować czas
specialized formto squander time
