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A2 adverb 10 min de lecture

jeszcze

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces jeszcze en 30 secondes

Explication jeszcze in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'jeszcze' is introduced in its most basic forms, primarily as part of fixed phrases like 'jeszcze raz' (one more time) and 'jeszcze nie' (not yet). A1 learners use it to express simple needs in restaurants, such as asking for another drink or a bill. It is one of the first adverbs students learn because it allows them to manage basic interactions. At this stage, the focus is on the 'additive' meaning (more/another) and the simple negative 'not yet'. Students are taught to place 'jeszcze' before 'nie' to avoid common syntax errors. They also learn to use it to ask for repetition when they do not understand something: 'Czy może Pan powtórzyć jeszcze raz?' (Can you repeat one more time?). This level does not delve into the nuances of comparative emphasis or complex temporal shifts, sticking instead to concrete, immediate needs and basic time markers.

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By the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'jeszcze' to describe ongoing states. They begin to use it as 'still' in simple present tense sentences, such as 'On jeszcze śpi' (He is still sleeping). At this level, students start to distinguish between 'jeszcze' and 'już' (already), a critical milestone in Polish proficiency. They learn that 'jeszcze' implies an expected change, while 'nadal' is a more static 'still'. A2 learners also begin using 'jeszcze' with comparative adjectives, like 'jeszcze lepszy' (even better) or 'jeszcze mniejszy' (even smaller). This allows them to add more detail to their descriptions and express preferences more clearly. The grammar focus remains on word order, ensuring that 'jeszcze' correctly precedes the word it modifies. They also start using it in simple future contexts, like 'jeszcze dzisiaj to zrobię' (I will do it still today/before today ends).

At the B1 level, 'jeszcze' becomes a tool for more nuanced storytelling and complex sentence structures. Learners use it to set the scene in the past tense ('Jeszcze wczoraj wszystko było dobrze' - Just yesterday everything was fine) and to manage expectations in more formal settings. They begin to understand the pragmatic functions of 'jeszcze'—how it can express impatience, surprise, or emphasis. For example, 'Ile jeszcze?' (How much longer/more?). B1 students are expected to use 'jeszcze' correctly with different parts of speech, including verbs in various aspects. They also start to encounter idiomatic expressions like 'jeszcze jak!' (and how! / you bet!). The distinction between 'jeszcze' and its more formal synonyms like 'nadal' or 'wciąż' becomes clearer, and students are encouraged to vary their vocabulary depending on the context of the conversation or writing task.

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At the B2 level, mastery of 'jeszcze' involves using it in abstract and metaphorical contexts. Learners can use it to argue a point, adding layers of meaning like 'a jeszcze do tego...' (and on top of that...). They understand how 'jeszcze' interacts with conditional moods and complex temporal sequences. For instance, 'Gdybym miał jeszcze trochę czasu...' (If I had a bit more time...). At this stage, the focus is on the rhythm and flow of the language. 'Jeszcze' is used to create transition and emphasis in essays and formal speeches. Students also learn the more rare uses of 'jeszcze', such as its role in expressing a minimum or a boundary ('jeszcze tylko dwa kilometry' - only two more kilometers). They can accurately interpret the subtle difference between 'jeszcze nie' and 'już nie' in complex narratives without hesitation, reflecting a deeper internalization of the Polish temporal system.

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For C1 learners, 'jeszcze' is a stylistic device. They use it to manipulate the tone of their speech and writing. They are familiar with literary and archaic uses found in Polish classics. They can use 'jeszcze' in highly specific idiomatic structures like 'jeszcze by tego brakowało' (that's all we need / that would be the last straw). C1 speakers use the word to add rhetorical weight to their arguments, often placing it in non-standard positions for dramatic effect. They understand the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to other Slavic languages, which aids in their overall linguistic intuition. At this level, the use of 'jeszcze' is seamless and perfectly integrated into a wide range of registers, from highly technical academic writing to slang-heavy street talk. They also master the use of 'jeszcze' in expressing degree and intensity in very subtle ways that basic learners might miss.

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At the C2 level, 'jeszcze' is used with the precision of a native speaker. The learner understands the most obscure nuances, including its use in legal or bureaucratic language where it might define specific deadlines or conditions. They can play with the word in poetry or creative writing, using its various meanings (still, yet, more, even) to create puns or double meanings. C2 speakers can explain the difference between 'jeszcze' and its synonyms to others and can identify regional variations in its use. They are fully comfortable with the word's role in the 'mowa zależna' (reported speech) and how it shifts meaning depending on the speaker's perspective. For a C2 learner, 'jeszcze' is no longer a 'vocabulary word' to be studied, but a natural building block of their thought process in Polish, used effortlessly to navigate the most complex social and professional landscapes.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

jeszcze en 30 secondes

Jeszcze primarily means 'still', 'yet', or 'more' depending on the sentence context.
In negative sentences, it means 'not yet' and always comes before the word 'nie'.
It is used to ask for additional items or repetitions, like in 'jeszcze raz'.
It acts as an intensifier for comparisons, such as 'jeszcze lepszy' (even better).

The Polish word jeszcze is one of the most versatile and indispensable adverbs in the Polish language. For an English speaker, it primarily translates to still or yet, but its utility extends far beyond these two simple equivalents. Understanding jeszcze is essential for navigating daily Polish life because it functions as a temporal marker, an additive particle, and a tool for comparative emphasis. It is used to describe actions that continue from the past into the present, to request additional items, or to intensify a comparison between two things. Whether you are ordering a second cup of coffee, waiting for a friend who is running late, or describing a situation that has not occurred but is expected to happen, jeszcze is the word you will reach for.

Temporal Continuity: In this context, it functions like the English word 'still'. It indicates that a state or action is ongoing and has not ceased. For example, if someone is sleeping and you expected them to be awake, you would use this word to denote the persistence of their sleep.

Marek jeszcze pracuje w biurze.

Translation: Marek is still working in the office.

Negative Expectation: When paired with the negative particle 'nie', it translates to 'not yet'. This is crucial for expressing that something has not happened up to the current moment but is likely to happen in the future. It sets a temporal boundary that suggests change is imminent.

Obiad jeszcze nie jest gotowy.

Translation: Dinner is not yet ready.

Additive Quantity: This is where Polish differs from the basic English 'still/yet' model. It can mean 'more' or 'another'. If you want an extra piece of cake or another glass of water, you use jeszcze to signal that you want to add to the current quantity.

Czy mogę prosić jeszcze jeden sok?

Translation: Can I ask for one more juice?

Furthermore, jeszcze acts as an intensifier in comparisons. If something is already big, but another thing is even bigger, you would say it is jeszcze większy. This adds a layer of emphasis that 'still' occasionally covers in English but is much more frequent in Polish. It also has a specific use in time expressions to indicate 'as recently as' or 'back in'. For instance, 'jeszcze wczoraj' means 'just yesterday' or 'as recently as yesterday'. This variety of meanings makes it a high-frequency word that appears in almost every conversation, from formal business meetings to casual family dinners.

The placement and syntax of jeszcze are relatively flexible, but there are preferred patterns that dictate how the meaning is perceived by native speakers. Generally, jeszcze precedes the word it modifies. If it modifies a verb, it usually comes before it; if it modifies an adjective or another adverb, it sits directly in front of that word. Understanding these structural nuances will help you sound more natural and avoid ambiguity.

Before the Verb: When describing an ongoing action, place it before the main verb. This emphasizes the continuation of the state.

On jeszcze śpi, więc nie budź go.

Translation: He is still sleeping, so do not wake him up.

With Negation: In negative sentences, jeszcze almost always comes before 'nie'. This structure creates the 'not yet' meaning. Placing it after 'nie' is grammatically incorrect in standard Polish.

My jeszcze nie skończyliśmy projektu.

Translation: We have not finished the project yet.

Comparative Emphasis: When comparing two things, place jeszcze before the comparative form of the adjective to mean 'even more'. This is a powerful way to add weight to your descriptions.

Ta książka jest jeszcze ciekawsza niż poprzednia.

Translation: This book is even more interesting than the previous one.

It is also worth noting how jeszcze interacts with time phrases. When you say 'jeszcze dzisiaj', you mean 'still today' or 'before the end of today'. When you say 'jeszcze w tym roku', you mean 'before this year ends'. This 'within the remaining time' nuance is very common in planning and promises. Conversely, when looking backward, 'jeszcze przed chwilą' means 'just a moment ago'. The word effectively stretches the boundaries of a time period, either into the future or into the immediate past. Mastery of these patterns allows for precise communication regarding timing and quantity, which are foundational aspects of the CEFR A2 level.

In Poland, jeszcze is omnipresent. You will hear it from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep. It is a 'utility' word that greases the wheels of social interaction. In shops, restaurants, and homes, it serves as the default way to express continuity or a desire for more. Because it is so common, it is often pronounced quickly, sometimes sounding like 'jeszcze' but with a very soft 'szcze' sound at the end.

In a Restaurant: Waiters will frequently ask if you want anything else. The standard question is 'Czy coś jeszcze?'. If you want to order another beer, you say 'Poproszę jeszcze jedno piwo'.

Czy podać coś jeszcze do picia?

Translation: Shall I serve anything else to drink?

At Work or School: Colleagues might ask if a task is finished. If you are still working on it, you would say 'Jeszcze nie skończyłem'. If a teacher is explaining something and asks if there are more questions, they use 'Czy są jeszcze jakieś pytania?'.

Mamy jeszcze pięć minut do końca lekcji.

Translation: We still have five minutes until the end of the lesson.

In Casual Conversation: Friends use it to express surprise or to emphasize how recently something happened. 'Jeszcze wczoraj go widziałem' (I saw him just yesterday) implies a sense of disbelief that something might have changed since then.

Jeszcze raz, proszę!

Translation: One more time, please!

You will also hear jeszcze in many common idioms. For instance, 'jeszcze czego!' is an exclamation used to express strong disagreement or indignation, similar to the English 'As if!' or 'No way!'. Another common hearing is in the context of childhood, where parents might say 'jeszcze tylko jedna łyżeczka' (just one more spoonful). Because it is so deeply embedded in the social fabric, hearing jeszcze is a sign that the conversation is dynamic—either things are continuing, things are being added, or expectations are being managed. It is the sound of a language that is constantly measuring time and quantity.

While jeszcze is versatile, its similarity to other adverbs like już (already) and nadal (still) often leads to confusion for English speakers. The primary source of error is the 'still' vs 'already' distinction, which in Polish is perfectly mirrored by jeszcze and już. However, in negative sentences, the English 'yet' becomes jeszcze nie, and 'no longer' becomes już nie. Getting these flipped is the most frequent mistake learners make.

Confusing 'Jeszcze' with 'Już': Many learners say 'Już nie jem' when they mean they haven't started eating yet. 'Już nie jem' actually means 'I am no longer eating' (I am finished). To say 'I haven't eaten yet', you must say 'Jeszcze nie jem' or 'Jeszcze nie jadłem'.

Błąd: ~~Już~~ nie przyszedł. Poprawnie: Jeszcze nie przyszedł.

Explanation: You use 'jeszcze' to say he hasn't arrived 'yet'.

Using 'Więcej' instead of 'Jeszcze': In English, 'more' covers both comparisons and additions. In Polish, 'więcej' is usually for comparative quantity ('mam więcej pieniędzy' - I have more money), whereas 'jeszcze' is for an additional unit ('chcę jeszcze kawę' - I want more coffee/another coffee).

Błąd: Chcę ~~więcej~~ kawę. Poprawnie: Chcę jeszcze kawę.

Explanation: If you want a refill or another cup, 'jeszcze' is the correct choice.

Word Order with Negation: English speakers often try to translate 'not yet' literally by putting the negation first. Saying 'Nie jeszcze' is a major error. It must always be 'jeszcze nie'.

Błąd: ~~Nie jeszcze~~ wiem. Poprawnie: Jeszcze nie wiem.

Explanation: 'Jeszcze' must precede the 'nie' to mean 'not yet'.

Another subtle mistake involves the word nadal. While nadal also means 'still', it is more formal and strictly temporal. You cannot use nadal to mean 'more' or 'another'. If you are at a party and want another drink, saying 'Poproszę nadal drinka' would sound very strange and confusing to a Pole. Stick to jeszcze for requests and use nadal only when you want to sound slightly more formal about an ongoing situation. Finally, be careful with the phrase 'jeszcze raz'. It means 'one more time'. Some learners try to say 'jeden więcej raz', which is completely incorrect. The fixed phrase 'jeszcze raz' is the only way to express this repetition.

To truly master jeszcze, you must understand its neighbors in the Polish lexicon. Several words share semantic space with it, and knowing when to choose one over the other will elevate your Polish from basic to proficient. The main competitors are nadal, wciąż, and znowu. Each carries a specific nuance that jeszcze might lack in certain contexts.

Nadal vs Jeszcze: Both mean 'still'. However, 'nadal' is more formal and emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the action. 'Jeszcze' is more common in spoken language and can also mean 'yet' or 'more', which 'nadal' cannot do.

Wciąż vs Jeszcze: 'Wciąż' also means 'still' or 'continuously'. It often implies a sense of persistence or even annoyance. If someone is 'wciąż' talking, it might suggest they have been talking for a long time without stopping. 'Jeszcze' is more neutral.

Znowu vs Jeszcze raz: 'Znowu' means 'again'. 'Jeszcze raz' means 'one more time'. While they seem similar, 'znowu' often refers to a recurring event, while 'jeszcze raz' is a specific request for a single repetition of an action that just happened.

On nadal tam mieszka.

Translation: He still lives there (Formal/Emphasis on continuity).

Deszcz wciąż pada.

Translation: The rain is still falling (Emphasis on duration).

In summary, while alternatives like nadal or wciąż provide specific shades of meaning, jeszcze remains the primary choice for learners due to its flexibility. It covers the temporal, the additive, and the comparative. When comparing jeszcze to dodatkowo (additionally), jeszcze is much more natural in speech. For example, instead of saying 'Poproszę dodatkowo chleb', you would simply say 'Poproszę jeszcze chleb'. Understanding these subtle distinctions helps in choosing the right word for the right register, ensuring that you sound like a competent speaker of Polish rather than a translation machine.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'jeszcze' is a cognate with the Russian 'ещё' (yeshcho) and Czech 'ještě', showing how little this core word has changed across Slavic languages over centuries.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈjɛʂ.t͡ʂɛ/

US /ˈjɛʃ.t͡ʃɛ/

Penultimate syllable (on the first 'e').

Rime avec

dreszcze leszcze kleszcze wieszcze powieszcze pomieszcze trzeszcze świerszcze

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'szcze' as a single 'sh' sound.
Making the final 'e' sound like 'ee' in 'see'.
Dropping the 'j' at the beginning.
Stress on the final syllable.
Confusing the 'sz' and 'cz' sequence.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though its specific meaning depends on the surrounding words.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct placement, especially in negative sentences.

Expression orale 3/5

Natural use requires distinguishing it from 'już' and 'więcej'.

Écoute 2/5

Very common and usually clear, though can be swallowed in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

nie jeden raz już mieć

Apprends ensuite

nadal wciąż więcej znowu dopiero

Avancé

ponadto tudzież wszakże bynajmniej skądinąd

Grammaire à connaître

Placement with negation

Always 'jeszcze nie', never 'nie jeszcze'.

Comparative intensification

Use 'jeszcze' before comparative adjectives like 'lepszy', 'większy'.

Additive vs Comparative quantity

Use 'jeszcze' for 'one more' (addition) and 'więcej' for 'more than' (comparison).

Temporal aspect

Pair with imperfective verbs for 'still' and perfective for 'not yet' (result expected).

Fixed quantifier phrases

'Jeszcze raz' is a fixed unit and does not change with cases.

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Exemples par niveau

Poproszę jeszcze jedną kawę.

I would like one more coffee.

'jeszcze' means 'more' or 'another' here.

Jeszcze raz, proszę.

One more time, please.

A fixed phrase for repetition.

On jeszcze nie je.

He is not eating yet.

'jeszcze nie' means 'not yet'.

Czy coś jeszcze?

Anything else?

A standard question in service industries.

Mamy jeszcze czas.

We still have time.

'jeszcze' indicates remaining time.

To jeszcze nie koniec.

It is not the end yet.

Used to describe an unfinished process.

Chcę jeszcze jeden sok.

I want one more juice.

'jeszcze' modifies the quantity 'jeden'.

Jeszcze nie wiem.

I don't know yet.

Common response to an undecided question.

Marek jeszcze śpi.

Marek is still sleeping.

Indicates a continuing state.

Ten dom jest jeszcze większy.

This house is even bigger.

Used as an intensifier for the comparative 'większy'.

Jeszcze dzisiaj do ciebie zadzwonię.

I will call you still today.

Indicates the action will happen before the end of the day.

Czy masz jeszcze jakieś pytania?

Do you have any more questions?

Asking for additional items/information.

To jest jeszcze lepsze!

This is even better!

Emphasis on the comparative 'lepsze'.

Oni jeszcze tu nie mieszkają.

They don't live here yet.

Negative state that is expected to change.

Zjedz jeszcze trochę zupy.

Eat a little more soup.

'jeszcze trochę' means 'a little more'.

Jeszcze chwila i będziemy gotowi.

Just a moment and we will be ready.

'jeszcze chwila' is a common way to say 'just a moment'.

Jeszcze wczoraj widziałem go w parku.

Just yesterday I saw him in the park.

Emphasizes the recency of the past event.

Poczekaj, jeszcze nie wszystko stracone.

Wait, not everything is lost yet.

Used to provide hope or indicate a process is ongoing.

Ile jeszcze musimy czekać?

How much longer do we have to wait?

'Ile jeszcze' asks for the remaining duration.

On jest jeszcze młody i musi się wiele nauczyć.

He is still young and has a lot to learn.

Describes a state that explains a current situation.

Czy chcesz coś jeszcze dodać do swojej wypowiedzi?

Do you want to add anything else to your statement?

Formal request for additional information.

Jeszcze nigdy nie widziałem czegoś tak pięknego.

I have never seen anything so beautiful before.

'jeszcze nigdy' is the standard way to say 'never before'.

Będzie jeszcze gorzej, jeśli nic nie zrobimy.

It will be even worse if we do nothing.

Comparative emphasis for a future prediction.

Jeszcze tylko jeden krok i będziemy na szczycie.

Just one more step and we will be at the top.

Indicates a small remaining amount needed to finish.

Jeszcze kilka lat temu nikt o tym nie słyszał.

Just a few years ago, no one had heard of this.

Sets a temporal context in the recent past.

To jeszcze bardziej komplikuje naszą sytuację.

This complicates our situation even more.

Adverbial intensifier for the verb 'komplikuje'.

Jeszcze jak! To był najlepszy film roku.

And how! That was the best movie of the year.

Idiomatic expression meaning 'absolutely' or 'very much so'.

Nie wiemy jeszcze, jakie będą konsekwencje tej decyzji.

We don't know yet what the consequences of this decision will be.

Expressing uncertainty about future outcomes.

Czy jest jeszcze szansa na porozumienie?

Is there still a chance for an agreement?

Inquiring about the persistence of a possibility.

Jeszcze przed wojną ta ulica wyglądała inaczej.

Even before the war, this street looked different.

Using 'jeszcze' to emphasize a specific historical period.

Mamy jeszcze wiele do omówienia na dzisiejszym spotkaniu.

We still have a lot to discuss at today's meeting.

Indicates a large amount of work remaining.

Jeszcze się okaże, kto miał rację.

It remains to be seen who was right.

Future-oriented expression of eventual clarification.

Jeszcze by tego brakowało, żeby teraz zaczęło padać.

That's all we need, for it to start raining now.

Idiomatic expression for 'the last straw'.

Jego zachowanie jest jeszcze bardziej niezrozumiałe w tym kontekście.

His behavior is even more incomprehensible in this context.

Nuanced comparative emphasis in a formal analysis.

Jeszcze nie tak dawno temu wierzono w te mity.

Not so long ago, these myths were still believed.

Sophisticated temporal framing.

Czy można chcieć czegoś jeszcze od życia?

Can one want anything more from life?

Rhetorical question using 'jeszcze' as 'more'.

Problem ten jest jeszcze głębszy, niż się początkowo wydawało.

This problem is even deeper than it initially seemed.

Used to describe increasing complexity.

A jeszcze do tego wszystkiego zapomniałem kluczy.

And on top of all that, I forgot my keys.

Used to add a final, often negative, point to a list.

Jeszcze raz podkreślam wagę tego odkrycia.

Once again, I emphasize the importance of this discovery.

Formal use for rhetorical emphasis.

Wszystko jest jeszcze w sferze domysłów.

Everything is still in the realm of conjecture.

Abstract use to describe an unconfirmed state.

Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła, kiedy my żyjemy.

Poland has not yet perished, so long as we still live.

The opening line of the Polish National Anthem.

To, co mówisz, jeszcze bardziej utwierdza mnie w moim przekonaniu.

What you say confirms my conviction even more.

Using 'jeszcze' to describe the strengthening of an abstract state.

Jeszcze się taki nie urodził, co by każdemu dogodził.

No one has been born yet who could please everyone.

A classic Polish proverb about the impossibility of universal satisfaction.

Analiza ta wymaga jeszcze znacznego doprecyzowania.

This analysis still requires significant refinement.

Academic/Professional use indicating a need for more work.

Jeszcze w powijakach, projekt ten już budzi wielkie emocje.

Still in its infancy, this project is already causing great excitement.

Idiomatic 'w powijakach' (in swaddling clothes) modified by 'jeszcze'.

Czyż nie jest to jeszcze jeden dowód na jego winę?

Is this not yet another proof of his guilt?

Rhetorical structure used in formal argumentation.

Jeszcze nie przebrzmiały echa tej skandalicznej wypowiedzi.

The echoes of that scandalous statement have not yet faded.

Literary use to describe the lingering effects of an event.

Jeszcze rano wydawało się, że wszystko pójdzie zgodnie z planem.

As recently as this morning, it seemed everything would go according to plan.

Contrasting a very recent past state with the present reality.

Collocations courantes

jeszcze raz

jeszcze nie

jeszcze jeden

jeszcze dzisiaj

jeszcze chwila

jeszcze więcej

jeszcze lepiej

jeszcze gorzej

jeszcze rano

coś jeszcze

Phrases Courantes

Jeszcze jak!

— An enthusiastic 'yes' or 'and how!'. Used to agree strongly.

Czy podobał ci się koncert? Jeszcze jak!

Jeszcze czego!

— An exclamation of indignation or refusal. Like 'No way!' or 'As if!'.

Pożyczysz mi pieniądze? Jeszcze czego!

Jeszcze nie teraz.

— Not right now. Used to delay an action.

Możemy wyjść? Jeszcze nie teraz.

Jeszcze tylko...

— Just only... indicating a small amount remains.

Jeszcze tylko dwa dni do wakacji.

Jeszcze zobaczymy.

— We'll see. Used to express uncertainty or a pending decision.

Czy wygramy? Jeszcze zobaczymy.

Mało tego, jeszcze...

— Not only that, but also... used to add a surprising fact.

Spóźnił się, a mało tego, jeszcze zapomniał dokumentów.

Jeszcze wczoraj...

— As recently as yesterday... used to show rapid change.

Jeszcze wczoraj był zdrowy.

Ile jeszcze?

— How much more? or How much longer?

Ile jeszcze kilometrów?

Kto jeszcze?

— Who else? or Who more?

Kto jeszcze idzie z nami?

Gdzie jeszcze?

— Where else?

Gdzie jeszcze musimy pójść?

Souvent confondu avec

jeszcze vs już

English speakers confuse 'still/yet' (jeszcze) with 'already' (już).

jeszcze vs więcej

Learners use 'więcej' for 'another' when they should use 'jeszcze'.

jeszcze vs nadal

Learners use 'nadal' to mean 'more', but it only means 'still' (temporally).

Expressions idiomatiques

"jeszcze by tego brakowało"

— Used to express that a situation is already bad and one more thing would make it unbearable.

Zgubiłem portfel, a teraz jeszcze by tego brakowało, żeby uciekł mi autobus.

informal

"jeszcze się taki nie urodził"

— A proverb meaning it's impossible to please everyone.

Nie przejmuj się krytyką, jeszcze się taki nie urodził, co by każdemu dogodził.

neutral

"jeszcze w powijakach"

— In the very early stages of development (infancy).

Nasz nowy system jest jeszcze w powijakach.

neutral

"jeszcze ciepły"

— Freshly made or brand new (usually about food or news).

Ten chleb jest jeszcze ciepły.

informal

"jeszcze nie czas"

— It's not the right moment for something yet.

Jeszcze nie czas na świętowanie.

neutral

"jeszcze Polska nie zginęła"

— A phrase signifying resilience and hope, from the national anthem.

Damy radę, jeszcze Polska nie zginęła!

formal/patriotic

"jeszcze raz to samo"

— The same thing all over again (often used in music or ordering).

Dla mnie jeszcze raz to samo, co poprzednio.

neutral

"jeszcze tego nie grali"

— Something very unusual or unprecedented has happened.

Śnieg w lipcu? Tego jeszcze nie grali!

informal

"jeszcze będzie przepięknie"

— A hopeful phrase meaning things will get better (popularized by a song).

Nie martw się, jeszcze będzie przepięknie.

neutral

"jeszcze pożyjesz"

— Said to someone when they happen to mention something you were just thinking about (like 'speak of the devil').

Właśnie o tobie myślałem! Jeszcze pożyjesz.

informal

Facile à confondre

jeszcze vs już

Both deal with the state of an action in time.

'Jeszcze' is for ongoing or expected actions. 'Już' is for completed actions or states that have already begun.

Jeszcze nie zjadłem (I haven't eaten yet) vs Już zjadłem (I already ate).

jeszcze vs więcej

Both can translate to 'more' in English.

'Więcej' compares total amounts. 'Jeszcze' asks for an addition to what you have.

Chcę więcej pieniędzy (I want more money/higher salary) vs Chcę jeszcze pieniądze (I want more/another amount of money right now).

jeszcze vs nadal

Both translate to 'still'.

'Nadal' is purely about time and is more formal. 'Jeszcze' is more versatile and used in negatives/additions.

Nadal czekam (Formal) vs Jeszcze czekam (Neutral).

jeszcze vs znowu

Related to repetition.

'Znowu' means 'again' (a repeat of a past event). 'Jeszcze raz' means 'one more time' (a requested repetition).

Znowu to zrobił (He did it again) vs Zrób to jeszcze raz (Do it once more).

jeszcze vs dopiero

Both relate to timing and expectations.

'Dopiero' means 'only' or 'not until' (it happened later than expected). 'Jeszcze' means it hasn't happened yet.

Dopiero przyszedł (He only just arrived) vs Jeszcze nie przyszedł (He hasn't arrived yet).

Structures de phrases

Poproszę jeszcze [noun in Accusative].

Poproszę jeszcze kawę.

[Subject] jeszcze nie [verb].

On jeszcze nie wie.

[Subject] jeszcze [verb].

Mama jeszcze gotuje.

To jest jeszcze [comparative adjective].

To jest jeszcze tańsze.

Jeszcze [time word] [verb in past].

Jeszcze wczoraj tu byłeś.

Ile jeszcze [noun/time]?

Ile jeszcze kilometrów?

Jeszcze by tego brakowało, żeby [subjunctive].

Jeszcze by tego brakowało, żebyśmy się spóźnili.

A jeszcze do tego [noun/clause].

A jeszcze do tego wszystkiego pada deszcz.

Famille de mots

Apparenté

nadal

wciąż

już

znowu

ponownie

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written Polish.

Erreurs courantes

Nie jeszcze wiem. → Jeszcze nie wiem.
In Polish, the adverb 'jeszcze' must precede the negation 'nie' to mean 'not yet'.
Chcę więcej kawę. → Chcę jeszcze kawę.
Use 'jeszcze' when asking for an additional serving of something you already have. 'Więcej' is for general comparisons.
On już nie pracuje. → On jeszcze nie pracuje.
If you mean 'He hasn't started working yet', use 'jeszcze'. 'Już nie' means 'He no longer works'.
Jeden więcej raz. → Jeszcze raz.
The phrase for 'one more time' is a fixed idiom: 'jeszcze raz'.
On nadal nie przyszedł. → On jeszcze nie przyszedł.
While 'nadal' means 'still', 'jeszcze' is much more natural and common in negative 'not yet' constructions.

Astuces

Placement with Negation

Always remember the order: 'jeszcze' + 'nie'. Putting 'nie' first is the most common beginner mistake. Practice saying 'jeszcze nie' as a single unit.

Additive Power

If you are at a dinner and want another pieróg, just say 'jeszcze jeden'. It is the simplest and most natural way to ask for more.

The 'Szcze' Sound

The cluster 'szcze' is hard for English speakers. Think of it as 'sh-ch-e'. Practice by saying 'sh' then immediately 'ch' like in 'cheese'.

Hospitality

Expect to hear 'jeszcze' a lot when visiting Polish homes. It is a sign that your host wants you to be well-fed and happy.

Repetition

Use 'jeszcze raz' whenever you don't understand something. It is polite and clear. 'Czy może Pan/Pani powtórzyć jeszcze raz?'

Even Better

To sound more expressive, use 'jeszcze' before comparatives. Instead of just 'lepiej' (better), say 'jeszcze lepiej' (even better) to show enthusiasm.

Recent Past

Use 'jeszcze' with 'wczoraj' or 'dzisiaj rano' to emphasize that a change happened very quickly. It adds drama to your story.

No Way!

Learn 'jeszcze czego!' to express surprise or strong refusal. It's a very common colloquialism that makes you sound fluent.

In the Shop

When the cashier asks 'Czy coś jeszcze?', and you are done, just say 'Nie, dziękuję, to wszystko'.

The 'Still/Yet' Rule

If you can translate it as 'still' or 'yet' in English, 'jeszcze' is almost always the right word in Polish.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Yes-Che'. 'Yes' (I want more) and 'Che' (like the sound of more coffee being poured). Yes, give me more 'jeszcze'!

Association visuelle

Imagine a glass being refilled. As the water level rises, say 'jeszcze, jeszcze, jeszcze'.

Word Web

Still Yet More Another Even Again Continuity Addition

Défi

Try to use 'jeszcze' in three different ways today: once for 'still', once for 'not yet', and once to ask for 'more' of something.

Origine du mot

Derived from Old Polish 'jeszcze', which has roots in Proto-Slavic *ešče.

Sens originel : The original meaning was likely related to the concept of 'more' or 'again', evolving into its current temporal and additive functions.

Indo-European, Slavic, West Slavic, Lechitic, Polish.

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'jeszcze czego!' can sound quite rude if not used with the right tone among friends.

English speakers often struggle because we use three different words (still, yet, more) where Polish uses one. Focus on the situation rather than the translation.

Mazurek Dąbrowskiego (National Anthem) Song 'Jeszcze będzie przepięknie' by Tilt Film 'Jeszcze raz' (2008 Polish comedy)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Restaurant/Service

Czy coś jeszcze?
Poproszę jeszcze jedno piwo.
To wszystko, dziękuję.
Czy mogę prosić jeszcze menu?

Work/Deadlines

Jeszcze nie skończyłem.
Potrzebuję jeszcze godziny.
Czy to jeszcze aktualne?
Mamy jeszcze czas.

Social/Waiting

Jeszcze czekam na Marka.
Ile jeszcze będziesz?
Jeszcze chwila!
Poczekaj jeszcze.

Comparisons

To jest jeszcze lepsze.
On jest jeszcze wyższy.
Będzie jeszcze trudniej.
Jeszcze bardziej mi się podoba.

Recency

Jeszcze wczoraj tu był.
Jeszcze przed chwilą dzwonił.
Jeszcze rano było słońce.
Jeszcze niedawno to działało.

Amorces de conversation

"Czy masz jeszcze jakieś plany na ten wieczór?"

"Czy chcesz jeszcze jedną porcję tego ciasta?"

"Ile jeszcze dni zostało do twojego urlopu?"

"Czy widziałeś jeszcze jakieś inne filmy tego reżysera?"

"Czy masz jeszcze siłę na kolejny spacer?"

Sujets d'écriture

Napisz o czymś, czego jeszcze nigdy w życiu nie zrobiłeś, a bardzo chcesz.

Opisz sytuację, w której musiałeś czekać na coś jeszcze dłużej niż planowałeś.

Wymień trzy rzeczy, które musisz jeszcze dzisiaj zrobić przed pójściem spać.

Co jest dla ciebie jeszcze trudne w nauce języka polskiego?

Opisz miejsce, które jeszcze niedawno wyglądało zupełnie inaczej.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it can also mean 'yet' (in negative sentences), 'more' (to request addition), or 'even' (to intensify comparisons). For example, 'jeszcze jeden' means 'one more', not 'still one'.

No, that is a common mistake. In Polish, the correct order is always 'jeszcze nie'. For example, 'Jeszcze nie wiem' means 'I don't know yet'.

Use 'nadal' when you want to sound more formal or specifically emphasize that a state is continuing without interruption. Never use 'nadal' to mean 'more' or 'yet'.

Yes, it can be used to describe things that were still happening in the past or to emphasize how recently something happened, like 'jeszcze wczoraj' (as recently as yesterday).

It means 'one more time'. It is a fixed phrase used to ask someone to repeat an action or a statement.

Yes, it is often used before comparative adjectives to mean 'even'. For example, 'jeszcze lepszy' means 'even better'.

The most common way is 'Czy coś jeszcze?'. This is used by shopkeepers and waiters everywhere.

'Jeszcze' is used for an additional serving or unit of something you are currently having. 'Więcej' is used for a general comparison of quantities.

Yes, it is one of the top 100 most used words in the Polish language and is essential for basic communication.

It is an idiomatic way to say 'And how!' or 'Absolutely!'. It shows strong agreement with what was just said.

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