Signification
Having enough money or time for something.
Contexte culturel
Poles often use this phrase to express modesty. Saying 'Nie mogę sobie na to pozwolić' is a polite way to decline an expensive outing without making others feel bad about their own wealth. In Polish corporate culture, 'pozwolić sobie na błąd' (to afford a mistake) is a common way to discuss risk management and quality control. The hashtag #pozwólsobie is popular among Polish lifestyle influencers, encouraging followers to indulge in self-care or luxury products. During the communist era, 'pozwolić sobie' was often about access rather than money. Today, it reflects the freedom of the market economy.
The 'Treat Yourself' Rule
Use this phrase when you want to sound like you are making a conscious, positive decision to spend money or time on yourself.
Don't forget 'Sobie'!
Without 'sobie', you are just a boss giving permission. With 'sobie', you are a person with a budget.
Signification
Having enough money or time for something.
The 'Treat Yourself' Rule
Use this phrase when you want to sound like you are making a conscious, positive decision to spend money or time on yourself.
Don't forget 'Sobie'!
Without 'sobie', you are just a boss giving permission. With 'sobie', you are a person with a budget.
Polite Declining
If a friend invites you to an expensive trip, 'Nie mogę sobie na to pozwolić' is the most natural and polite way to say no.
Accusative Case
Always use the Accusative after 'na'. It doesn't change to Genitive in the negative for this specific idiom.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing reflexive pronoun and preposition.
Nie mogę _______ _______ to pozwolić.
The phrase is 'pozwolić sobie na'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct form:
After 'na', we use the Accusative case (Biernik). 'Nowy telefon' is the correct Accusative form.
Match the sentence to the context.
Sentence: 'Za dużo sobie pozwalasz!'
This is a common idiomatic way to tell someone they are crossing boundaries.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ten zegarek jest piękny! B: Tak, ale jest drogi. Nie mogę...
You need both 'sobie' and 'na' + the pronoun 'niego' (referring to the watch).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Pozwolić sobie vs. Stać mnie
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNie mogę _______ _______ to pozwolić.
The phrase is 'pozwolić sobie na'.
Choose the correct form:
After 'na', we use the Accusative case (Biernik). 'Nowy telefon' is the correct Accusative form.
Sentence: 'Za dużo sobie pozwalasz!'
This is a common idiomatic way to tell someone they are crossing boundaries.
A: Ten zegarek jest piękny! B: Tak, ale jest drogi. Nie mogę...
You need both 'sobie' and 'na' + the pronoun 'niego' (referring to the watch).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's also very common for time ('pozwolić sobie na przerwę') and behavior ('pozwolić sobie na żart').
'Pozwolić' is for a specific, one-time event. 'Pozwalać' is for habits or general rules.
Not directly. You must use a noun. Instead of 'pozwolić sobie na kupić', say 'pozwolić sobie na zakup'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss, your friends, or in a newspaper.
No, 'sobie' stays the same regardless of who is speaking (ja, ty, on, my).
'Nie stać mnie' is faster, but 'Nie mogę sobie na to pozwolić' is more descriptive.
Only if you are talking about 'affording' to lose them or hire them. 'Nie możemy sobie pozwolić na stratę tego pracownika'.
The Accusative (Biernik) case.
Yes, it is a confrontation. Use it only when someone is actually being disrespectful.
Yes! It's the perfect phrase for a 'cheat meal'.
Expressions liées
stać mnie na coś
synonymto be able to afford something financially
brać sobie wolne
similarto take time off
przeginać pałę
contrastto go too far / overstep
szarpnąć się na coś
specialized formto splash out / spend a lot of money on something
mieć środki
similarto have the funds
