Signification
Everything has a cost.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects a post-communist skepticism. During the PRL era, many things were 'free' but of poor quality. Modern Poles value transparency in pricing. While the concept is the same (TINSTAAFL), Americans often use it to argue for fiscal conservatism, whereas Poles use it as a general life rule. The concept of 'Giri' (social obligation) makes the idea of 'free' things even more complex than in Poland. A free gift is never truly free because you must return the favor. Germans share the Polish realism. The phrase 'Umsonst ist nur der Tod' is a common way to express that everything has a price, often used with a dark sense of humor.
Use it for scams
If you see a suspicious email, say 'To brzmi zbyt dobrze, nie ma nic za darmo' to sound like a savvy native.
Don't be too cynical
Using this phrase when someone offers you a small favor (like holding a door) makes you sound paranoid.
Signification
Everything has a cost.
Use it for scams
If you see a suspicious email, say 'To brzmi zbyt dobrze, nie ma nic za darmo' to sound like a savvy native.
Don't be too cynical
Using this phrase when someone offers you a small favor (like holding a door) makes you sound paranoid.
The 'Ocet' variation
Learn 'Za darmo to i ocet słodki' to impress your Polish friends with your knowledge of folk wisdom.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
W życiu nie ______ nic ______ darmo.
The correct form is 'nie ma' (there is not) and the preposition 'za' in the phrase 'za darmo'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Nie ma nic za darmo'?
Situation: You see an ad online saying you can get a brand new iPhone for $1 if you enter your credit card details.
The phrase is a perfect warning for 'too good to be true' offers that likely have hidden costs or risks.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Dlaczego muszę tyle ćwiczyć, żeby schudnąć?' B: 'Niestety, ________.'
Response 'a' correctly identifies that weight loss requires effort (a cost).
Choose the synonym for 'za darmo'.
Które słowo oznacza to samo co 'za darmo'?
'Bezpłatnie' is a more formal synonym for 'za darmo' (free of charge).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesW życiu nie ______ nic ______ darmo.
The correct form is 'nie ma' (there is not) and the preposition 'za' in the phrase 'za darmo'.
Situation: You see an ad online saying you can get a brand new iPhone for $1 if you enter your credit card details.
The phrase is a perfect warning for 'too good to be true' offers that likely have hidden costs or risks.
A: 'Dlaczego muszę tyle ćwiczyć, żeby schudnąć?' B: 'Niestety, ________.'
Response 'a' correctly identifies that weight loss requires effort (a cost).
Które słowo oznacza to samo co 'za darmo'?
'Bezpłatnie' is a more formal synonym for 'za darmo' (free of charge).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot inherently, but it is cynical. It's a statement of fact or a warning, not a polite social phrase.
Yes, it means the same thing, but 'nie ma nic za darmo' is the more common proverbial form.
It simply means 'for free' or 'free of charge'.
In this fixed idiom, 'nic' is used, though 'niczego' is technically the standard genitive for 'nic' in many other sentences.
Very often. It's used to discuss hidden costs, ROI, and the reality of market transactions.
You can use 'nie ma nic za darmo' or the direct translation 'nie ma darmowych obiadów'.
Yes, to imply that relationships require work and effort from both sides.
There isn't a single proverb, but words like 'bezinteresowność' (selflessness) or 'prezent' (gift) represent the opposite concept.
Yes, if you are discussing project costs or why a certain strategy is expensive.
Yes, 'dar' means gift. 'Darmo' is an old way of saying 'as a gift'.
Expressions liées
za darmo to i ocet słodki
similarPeople will take anything if it's free, even if it's bad.
bez pracy nie ma kołaczy
similarWithout work, there are no cakes (rewards).
chytry dwa razy traci
builds onA greedy person loses twice.
darowanemu koniowi w zęby się nie zagląda
contrastDon't look a gift horse in the mouth.
