Signification
Clarifying that the focus is elsewhere.
Contexte culturel
Poles value 'sedno' (the core/essence). Using 'nie o to chodzi' is a way to strip away superficialities to get to the real truth of a matter. In Polish meetings, this phrase is used to keep the agenda focused. It is not considered rude to tell a superior 'nie o to chodzi' if they have misunderstood a technical point. Younger Poles often use 'nie o to biega' as a way to sound more relaxed and less 'textbook'. It shows a mastery of casual flow. In the Silesian dialect (śląska godka), you might hear variations, but the standard 'nie o to chodzi' is understood and used as a bridge to standard Polish.
The 'Mi' Trick
If you want to sound more natural and personal, always add 'mi'. 'Nie o to mi chodzi' sounds much more like a native speaker than the generic version.
Watch your tone
If you say this too loudly or quickly, it can sound like you are annoyed. Keep your voice calm to ensure it sounds like a helpful clarification.
Signification
Clarifying that the focus is elsewhere.
The 'Mi' Trick
If you want to sound more natural and personal, always add 'mi'. 'Nie o to mi chodzi' sounds much more like a native speaker than the generic version.
Watch your tone
If you say this too loudly or quickly, it can sound like you are annoyed. Keep your voice calm to ensure it sounds like a helpful clarification.
The 'Ale' Follow-up
In Poland, it's common to follow this phrase with 'ale' (but) to immediately provide the correct answer. Don't just leave them hanging!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Nie o ___ chodzi.
The preposition 'o' in this idiom always takes the Accusative 'to'.
Which sentence means 'That's not what I meant'?
Select the correct option:
Adding 'mi' (to me) and using the past tense 'chodziło' specifies your past intention.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Dlaczego nie jesz mięsa? Jesteś wegetarianinem? B: Nie, ________. Po prostu to danie mi nie smakuje.
B is clarifying that the reason isn't being a vegetarian, but the taste of the specific dish.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are explaining that you aren't late because you're lazy, but because the bus was late.
This correctly uses the phrase to dismiss the 'lazy' assumption.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNie o ___ chodzi.
The preposition 'o' in this idiom always takes the Accusative 'to'.
Select the correct option:
Adding 'mi' (to me) and using the past tense 'chodziło' specifies your past intention.
A: Dlaczego nie jesz mięsa? Jesteś wegetarianinem? B: Nie, ________. Po prostu to danie mi nie smakuje.
B is clarifying that the reason isn't being a vegetarian, but the taste of the specific dish.
Situation: You are explaining that you aren't late because you're lazy, but because the bus was late.
This correctly uses the phrase to dismiss the 'lazy' assumption.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsYes, but it's better to use 'Nie o to mi chodziło' or 'Chciałbym wyjaśnić, że...' to sound more professional.
'To nie to' means 'This is not the right thing' (e.g., the wrong object). 'Nie o to chodzi' means 'This is not the right point/reason'.
It's not rude, but it's very informal. Use it with friends, but avoid it with teachers or elders.
The verb 'chodzić o' always takes the Accusative case. 'To' is the Accusative form of 'to'.
No, 'chodziło' is past tense. Use it only if you are referring to something said or done in the past.
You say 'Właśnie o to chodzi!'
Yes, it is a universal standard Polish expression used from Gdańsk to Zakopane.
No, for that use 'To nieistotne' or 'Nieważne'.
Expressions liées
o co chodzi?
similarWhat's it about? / What's going on?
chodzi o to, że...
builds onThe point is that...
nie o to mi biega
synonymThat's not what I'm getting at (slang).
nie to miałem na myśli
synonymThat's not what I had in mind.
