Signification
Very surprised by what I heard.
Contexte culturel
Poles often use this idiom with a specific intonation—a long 'nieeee' at the beginning to emphasize the shock. Tabloid headlines in Poland (like 'Fakt' or 'Super Express') frequently use this idiom to draw readers into scandalous stories. Using this idiom when someone tells you a secret shows that you are a good listener and that you find their secret 'worthy' of shock. In the communist era, this phrase was often used ironically when listening to official state propaganda that contradicted reality.
Add 'Aż'
Add the word 'Aż' at the beginning ('Aż nie wierzę własnym uszom!') to sound even more like a native speaker. It adds extra emphasis to the shock.
Check the Case
Never say 'uszami' (Instrumental) or 'uszy' (Accusative). It must be 'uszom' (Dative).
Signification
Very surprised by what I heard.
Add 'Aż'
Add the word 'Aż' at the beginning ('Aż nie wierzę własnym uszom!') to sound even more like a native speaker. It adds extra emphasis to the shock.
Check the Case
Never say 'uszami' (Instrumental) or 'uszy' (Accusative). It must be 'uszom' (Dative).
Body Language
Poles often tilt their head or open their mouth slightly when saying this to convey the 'frozen' state of shock.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the word 'ucho' in the idiom.
Kiedy usłyszałem o wygranej, nie wierzyłem własnym _______.
The Dative plural of 'ucho' is 'uszom'.
Which situation is best for this idiom?
Sytuacja: Twój brat mówi, że przeprowadza się na Marsa.
Since you are hearing the news, 'ears' is the correct sensory idiom.
Complete the dialogue with the idiom.
A: Kasia i Tomek biorą ślub! B: Co?! _______! Przecież oni się nie lubią.
This is the most natural idiomatic reaction to shocking news.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesKiedy usłyszałem o wygranej, nie wierzyłem własnym _______.
The Dative plural of 'ucho' is 'uszom'.
Sytuacja: Twój brat mówi, że przeprowadza się na Marsa.
Since you are hearing the news, 'ears' is the correct sensory idiom.
A: Kasia i Tomek biorą ślub! B: Co?! _______! Przecież oni się nie lubią.
This is the most natural idiomatic reaction to shocking news.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! It is very common for winning prizes, getting a promotion, or hearing a compliment.
Yes, if the news is genuinely surprising. It shows you are paying attention.
'Nie wierzę' is more immediate and idiomatic. 'Nie mogę uwierzyć' is a bit more literal and descriptive.
It is 'uszom' (Dative). 'Uszach' is Locative and would be used with 'w' (in).
You can, but it sounds like a translation from English. 'Własnym' is the natural Polish choice.
Not at all. It is used every day by people of all ages, including on social media.
Simply swap 'uszom' for 'oczom': 'Nie wierzę własnym oczom'.
Absolutely. It's a great way to express indignation at something rude you've heard.
Yes, 'No nie gadaj!' or 'Bez kitu!' are common slang ways to express the same feeling.
No, 'własnym' is plural and doesn't change based on the gender of the speaker.
Expressions liées
nie wierzyć własnym oczom
similarTo not believe one's eyes
przecierać oczy ze zdumienia
similarTo rub one's eyes in amazement
zaniemówić z wrażenia
builds onTo be struck dumb with impression
brać coś za dobrą monetę
contrastTo take something at face value
