Signification
To delay information intentionally.
Contexte culturel
In Polish cinema, 'niepewność' is a stylistic tool. Directors like Kieślowski often leave endings ambiguous, literally 'trzymając widza w niepewności' even after the film ends. In Polish business, 'trzymanie w niepewności' is sometimes used as a negotiation tactic to see how much the other party is willing to compromise. There is a popular Polish saying 'kobieta zmienną jest' (a woman is changeable), which historically justified 'trzymanie w niepewności' as a part of romantic mystery, though this is seen as outdated today. Polish news outlets often use clickbait headlines that 'trzymają w niepewności' to force a click.
Use with 'specjalnie'
Adding 'specjalnie' (on purpose) emphasizes that the person is being manipulative or playful.
Case Sensitivity
Always use 'w niepewności' (Locative). Using 'w niepewność' is a common mistake even for advanced learners.
Signification
To delay information intentionally.
Use with 'specjalnie'
Adding 'specjalnie' (on purpose) emphasizes that the person is being manipulative or playful.
Case Sensitivity
Always use 'w niepewności' (Locative). Using 'w niepewność' is a common mistake even for advanced learners.
Perfective form
Use 'potrzymać' if you want to say 'to keep someone in suspense for a little while' (e.g., before a surprise).
Politeness
In professional emails, avoid 'trzymać w niepewności' as it can sound accusatory. Use 'oczekiwać na odpowiedź' instead.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words in the correct form.
Nie ________ (trzymać) mnie dłużej w ________ (niepewność)!
The imperative 'trzymaj' is used for a request, and 'niepewności' is the Locative form.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'The results kept us in suspense'?
Option B uses the correct verb and the correct case (Locative).
Match the response to the situation.
Someone is about to tell you a secret but stops.
This is the natural response when someone stalls while giving information.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Czy dostałeś tę pracę? B: Jeszcze nie wiem. Szef ________.
This fits the context of waiting for a job decision.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNie ________ (trzymać) mnie dłużej w ________ (niepewność)!
The imperative 'trzymaj' is used for a request, and 'niepewności' is the Locative form.
How do you say 'The results kept us in suspense'?
Option B uses the correct verb and the correct case (Locative).
Someone is about to tell you a secret but stops.
This is the natural response when someone stalls while giving information.
A: Czy dostałeś tę pracę? B: Jeszcze nie wiem. Szef ________.
This fits the context of waiting for a job decision.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUsually yes, it implies anxiety. However, it can be positive in the context of surprises or entertainment.
No, unless the driver is intentionally hiding the schedule to tease you. Use 'spóźniać się' for delays.
'Niepewność' is about not knowing the answer. 'Napięcie' is about the physical/emotional stress of the moment.
'Nie trzymaj mnie w niepewności' is the most direct and natural translation.
It's neutral. You can say it to a boss if you have a good relationship, but in a formal letter, use 'oczekiwanie na decyzję'.
No, that sounds unnatural. 'Wątpliwość' means 'doubt', and we don't 'hold' people in it the same way.
'Potrzymać kogoś w niepewności' is used for a completed, often shorter duration of the action.
No, you only 'trzymać' people (or groups of people) in uncertainty.
Not a direct one, but 'robić komuś wodę z mózgu' (to scramble someone's brain) is a much more aggressive way to describe confusion.
Focus on the soft 'n' at the start and the 'sh-chee' sound at the end. Nyeh-pev-nosh-chee.
Expressions liées
trzymać w napięciu
similarTo keep in tension/suspense.
zwodzić kogoś
similarTo lead someone on.
grać na zwłokę
specialized formTo play for time.
nie dawać znaku życia
contrastTo give no sign of life.
