Signification
To intentionally annoy someone.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'przekora' (contrarianism) is a valued, if frustrating, national trait. Doing things 'na złość' is often seen as a sign of a strong, independent character. There is a stereotype that clerks might do things 'na złość' to citizens by demanding extra paperwork, reflecting a power dynamic. Many classic Polish comedies (e.g., 'Sami Swoi') are entirely based on two neighbors doing things 'na złość' to each other for decades. In the era of influencers, 'robienie na złość' often takes the form of 'unfollowing' or posting specific content to provoke an ex-partner.
Use with 'specjalnie'
Adding 'specjalnie' (on purpose) makes the phrase sound much more natural and emphatic in a complaint.
Dative Case
Always remember: it's 'mi', 'ci', 'mu', not 'mnie', 'ciebie', 'jego' in this context.
Signification
To intentionally annoy someone.
Use with 'specjalnie'
Adding 'specjalnie' (on purpose) makes the phrase sound much more natural and emphatic in a complaint.
Dative Case
Always remember: it's 'mi', 'ci', 'mu', not 'mnie', 'ciebie', 'jego' in this context.
Reflexive Use
You can say 'los zrobił mi na złość' when things go wrong at the worst possible time (like rain on your wedding day).
Sibling Talk
This is the #1 phrase used by Polish children when complaining to their parents.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the pronoun (Dative).
Mój brat zawsze robi ___ (ja) na złość.
After 'robić na złość', we use the Dative case. The short form of 'ja' in Dative is 'mi'.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the natural-sounding sentence:
'Szefowi' is the Dative form of 'szef'. No preposition 'dla' is needed.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Dlaczego on nie przyszedł? B: Myślę, że zrobił nam ___.
The fixed idiom is 'na złość'.
Match the action to the motivation.
Someone hides your keys because they are mad at you.
Hiding keys to annoy someone is a classic example of 'robienie na złość'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Na Złość vs. Na Przekór
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMój brat zawsze robi ___ (ja) na złość.
After 'robić na złość', we use the Dative case. The short form of 'ja' in Dative is 'mi'.
Select the natural-sounding sentence:
'Szefowi' is the Dative form of 'szef'. No preposition 'dla' is needed.
A: Dlaczego on nie przyszedł? B: Myślę, że zrobił nam ___.
The fixed idiom is 'na złość'.
Someone hides your keys because they are mad at you.
Hiding keys to annoy someone is a classic example of 'robienie na złość'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes! Use 'robić' for habits ('On zawsze robi mi na złość') and 'zrobić' for one-time actions.
It's not a swear word, but it is an accusation. Use it when you are actually annoyed.
'Na złość' is an idiom for the motivation; 'złośliwie' is an adverb meaning 'maliciously'. They are similar but 'na złość' is more common in speech.
No, it sounds a bit childish. Use 'działać na szkodę firmy' or 'utrudniać pracę' instead.
In this specific idiom, it means 'spite' or 'malice' rather than just the feeling of being angry.
You say 'zrobić sobie na złość'. It's common when you do something that hurts you just to prove a point.
The formal version would be 'działać złośliwie' or 'podejmować działania odwetowe'.
No, 'do' is wrong. It must be 'bratu' (Dative).
Yes, many Polish pop songs use it to describe relationship drama.
Yes, Poles often personify objects: 'Ten komputer robi mi na złość!'
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'zrobić komuś przysługę' (to do someone a favor) is the functional opposite.
The phrase itself is usually singular, but you can say 'robili nam na złość' (they were spiting us).
Expressions liées
robić na przekór
similarTo do something contrary to instructions.
grać komuś na nerwach
similarTo get on someone's nerves.
dopiec komuś
specialized formTo sting someone with a comment or action.
robić komuś pod górkę
similarTo make things difficult for someone.
zemścić się
builds onTo take revenge.
