Signification
To support someone in a conflict.
Contexte culturel
In Poland, family loyalty is often seen as more important than objective truth in small domestic disputes. 'Trzymanie strony' of a family member is expected. Workplace hierarchies in Poland are becoming flatter, but 'trzymanie strony' of a manager is still a common strategy for job security in traditional companies. The concept of 'Solidarność' (Solidarity) is a national treasure. It is essentially a macro-level version of 'trzymanie strony' of the working class against the state. Polish Twitter (X) is highly polarized. Users are often forced to 'trzymać stronę' of specific political 'tribes' (plemiona).
The Genitive Trick
If you're not sure about the ending, remember it's the same as 'I don't have [person]'. 'Nie mam brata' -> 'Trzymam stronę brata'.
Don't say 'brać'
While 'take a side' is English, 'brać stronę' sounds like a translation. Stick to 'trzymać'.
Signification
To support someone in a conflict.
The Genitive Trick
If you're not sure about the ending, remember it's the same as 'I don't have [person]'. 'Nie mam brata' -> 'Trzymam stronę brata'.
Don't say 'brać'
While 'take a side' is English, 'brać stronę' sounds like a translation. Stick to 'trzymać'.
Neutrality
If you want to stay out of it, say: 'Nie mieszam się w to' (I'm not getting involved) or 'Nie trzymam żadnej strony'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the person in brackets (Genitive case).
Zawsze trzymasz stronę ________ (twój brat).
The phrase 'trzymać stronę' requires the Genitive case. 'Twój brat' becomes 'twojego brata'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I support my mother' in an argument?
Jak to powiesz?
'Mamy' is the Genitive form of 'mama'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Dlaczego kłócisz się z Markiem? B: Bo on nigdy nie ________ mojej strony!
'Trzymać stronę' is the standard collocation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Sędzia w sądzie musi być...
A judge must be impartial (bezstronny), meaning they don't take sides.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Trzymać vs Stanąć
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesZawsze trzymasz stronę ________ (twój brat).
The phrase 'trzymać stronę' requires the Genitive case. 'Twój brat' becomes 'twojego brata'.
Jak to powiesz?
'Mamy' is the Genitive form of 'mama'.
A: Dlaczego kłócisz się z Markiem? B: Bo on nigdy nie ________ mojej strony!
'Trzymać stronę' is the standard collocation.
Sędzia w sądzie musi być...
A judge must be impartial (bezstronny), meaning they don't take sides.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but 'kibicować' is more common. Use 'trzymać stronę' if there is a specific controversy or argument about the team.
It is always singular 'stronę' (Accusative) because you are holding *one* specific side.
The opposite is 'być bezstronnym' (to be impartial) or 'być przeciwko komuś' (to be against someone).
Yes, to show loyalty or teamwork, e.g., 'Zawsze trzymam stronę zespołu' (I always take the team's side).
No, it's a very neutral, descriptive phrase. It just states a fact of support.
You can say 'Jestem po twojej stronie' or 'Trzymam twoją stronę'. Both are great.
Sure! 'Trzymam stronę psa, on nie chciał ugryźć'.
The Genitive case (Dopełniacz).
It is neutral. It works in both casual and professional settings.
Yes, 'Ta gazeta trzyma stronę lewicy' is a very common type of sentence.
Expressions liées
stanąć po czyjejś stronie
similarTo take someone's side (momentary action)
trzymać z kimś
informalTo hang out with / be allied with someone
być bezstronnym
contrastTo be impartial
popierać
synonymTo support
stanie murem za kimś
builds onTo stand like a wall behind someone
