Signification
To prove what one can achieve.
Contexte culturel
Poles often use this phrase in the context of 'national pride', especially when Polish athletes or scientists compete internationally. In Polish startups, this phrase is used to foster a 'can-do' attitude, often appearing in motivational posters or Slack channels. Teachers use this to encourage students who are underperforming but have high potential, focusing on growth mindset. The hashtag #pokaznacociestac is popular among fitness enthusiasts and people sharing personal transformations.
The 'Cię' Rule
Always use the short pronoun 'cię' instead of 'ciebie' unless you want to be incredibly dramatic. It sounds much more natural.
Don't Conjugate!
Never say 'staję' or 'stoisz' in this phrase. 'Stać' is a special form that never changes here.
Signification
To prove what one can achieve.
The 'Cię' Rule
Always use the short pronoun 'cię' instead of 'ciebie' unless you want to be incredibly dramatic. It sounds much more natural.
Don't Conjugate!
Never say 'staję' or 'stoisz' in this phrase. 'Stać' is a special form that never changes here.
Modesty vs. Ambition
It's okay to say this about yourself in a job interview, but with friends, it's often better to say it about the group ('nas stać') to avoid sounding arrogant.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct pronoun (mnie, cię, go, nas, was, ich).
Oni są bardzo zdolni. Na jutrzejszym koncercie pokażą, na co ___ stać.
Since the subject is 'Oni' (They), the corresponding pronoun is 'ich'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct version:
The idiom requires the Accusative pronoun 'cię' and the impersonal form 'stać'.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
Situation: A coach talking to a team before the final game.
The coach is addressing a group ('was' - you all) and giving an order/encouragement.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Boję się tego egzaminu. B: Nie martw się, uczyłeś się dużo. Po prostu ___.
B is encouraging A (you), so 'cię' is the correct pronoun.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Pronoun Guide
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesOni są bardzo zdolni. Na jutrzejszym koncercie pokażą, na co ___ stać.
Since the subject is 'Oni' (They), the corresponding pronoun is 'ich'.
Choose the correct version:
The idiom requires the Accusative pronoun 'cię' and the impersonal form 'stać'.
Situation: A coach talking to a team before the final game.
The coach is addressing a group ('was' - you all) and giving an order/encouragement.
A: Boję się tego egzaminu. B: Nie martw się, uczyłeś się dużo. Po prostu ___.
B is encouraging A (you), so 'cię' is the correct pronoun.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo! While 'stać mnie na to' can mean 'I can afford this car', the full idiom 'pokazać na co kogo stać' is almost always about skills and potential.
Yes! 'Pokazałem, na co mnie stać' (I showed what I was made of). The 'stać' part stays the same.
Not at all. It's a very positive, motivational phrase. However, saying it with a mean tone can make it sound like a threat.
'Potrafić' is 'to be able to' (skill). 'Stać' in this idiom is more about the *extent* of your power or potential.
It's a bit risky. It sounds like you are challenging them. Better to say it to a colleague or a subordinate.
Yes, etymologically they are related. Think of it as 'standing your ground' or 'having the standing' to do something.
Pokażę im, na co mnie stać.
Yes! 'Pokażmy, na co nas stać!' is very common for teams.
You can just say 'Pokaż się!' in some contexts, but it's less specific than the full idiom.
The Accusative case (Biernik). That's why we say 'mnie', 'cię', 'go', etc.
Yes, it's very common in both classic and modern Polish literature.
Yes! 'Zobaczymy, na co stać ten samochód' (Let's see what this car can do).
Expressions liées
dać z siebie wszystko
synonymTo give one's all
wykazać się
similarTo prove oneself
pokazać lwi pazur
specialized formTo show a lion's claw
stać kogoś na coś
builds onTo be able to afford something
wyjść z siebie
contrastTo lose one's temper
