Signification
Acknowledging reality, even if difficult.
Contexte culturel
Poles value 'szczerość' (sincerity) over 'uprzejmość' (politeness) in crisis situations. Using this phrase is seen as a sign of maturity. In Polish startups, this phrase is often used to signal a 'pivot' or a change in strategy after a failure. Polish literature often explores the theme of 'living in truth' (życie w prawdzie), a concept popularized by dissidents like Václav Havel (Czech) but deeply felt in Poland. On Polish Twitter (X), this phrase is often used with a hashtag #prawda to start a controversial but 'honest' thread.
The 'Let's' factor
Using 'spójrzmy' (let's look) makes the criticism feel shared and less like an attack on the other person.
Don't overdo it
If you use this for small things, you will sound like a drama queen. Save it for big realizations.
Signification
Acknowledging reality, even if difficult.
The 'Let's' factor
Using 'spójrzmy' (let's look) makes the criticism feel shared and less like an attack on the other person.
Don't overdo it
If you use this for small things, you will sound like a drama queen. Save it for big realizations.
Grammar Hack
If you forget the Dative 'prawdzie', just say 'Bądźmy szczerzy' (Let's be honest). It's easier and means the same thing.
Polish Directness
Don't be offended if a Pole uses this with you. It usually means they take you seriously enough to be honest.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct case.
Spójrzmy _________ (prawda) w oczy, to nie zadziała.
The verb 'spojrzeć' requires the Dative case, which for 'prawda' is 'prawdzie'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'Let's face it' in a serious situation?
Wybierz poprawną formę:
This is the standard idiomatic form.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Kiedy powiesz: 'Spójrzmy prawdzie w oczy'?
The phrase is used for acknowledging difficult realities.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Myślisz, że on odda nam te pieniądze? B: Marek, _________ prawdzie w oczy. On nie ma ani grosza.
The imperative 'spójrzmy' fits the context of a shared realization.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Honesty Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSpójrzmy _________ (prawda) w oczy, to nie zadziała.
The verb 'spojrzeć' requires the Dative case, which for 'prawda' is 'prawdzie'.
Wybierz poprawną formę:
This is the standard idiomatic form.
Kiedy powiesz: 'Spójrzmy prawdzie w oczy'?
The phrase is used for acknowledging difficult realities.
A: Myślisz, że on odda nam te pieniądze? B: Marek, _________ prawdzie w oczy. On nie ma ani grosza.
The imperative 'spójrzmy' fits the context of a shared realization.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's not rude, but it is very direct. It's used when you want to stop wasting time with polite excuses.
Yes, if the situation is serious and you have a good relationship. It shows you are a realist.
'Spójrzmy' is a single look (perfective), 'patrzmy' is a continuous looking (imperfective). 'Spójrzmy' is much more common for the idiom.
Yes! Use 'spójrz' for one person, 'spójrzcie' for a group, and 'spójrzmy' for 'us'.
Not exactly, but 'nie oszukujmy się' (let's not lie to ourselves) is a very common casual alternative.
Because the verb 'spojrzeć' always takes the Dative case in Polish.
Yes, it's a great way to introduce a strong argument or a counter-point.
You can say 'stanąć twarzą w twarz z problemem', but 'spojrzeć prawdzie w oczy' is a fixed idiom specifically for truth.
Yes, many Polish rock and hip-hop songs use it to talk about social issues.
It sounds like the 's' in 'measure' or 'vision'. It's a voiced retroflex fricative.
Expressions liées
powiedzieć prosto z mostu
similarTo say something directly/bluntly.
owijać w bawełnę
contrastTo beat around the bush.
mieć klapki na oczach
contrastTo have blinkers on; to be narrow-minded.
wyłożyć karty na stół
similarTo lay one's cards on the table.
stanąć twarzą w twarz
builds onTo stand face to face with something.
