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B1 noun 10 min de lecture

zamiar

Exemples zamiar en 30 secondes
Explication zamiar in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex nuances of 'zamiar'. You primarily encounter it in the very useful phrase 'Mam zamiar...' which means 'I intend to...' or 'I'm going to...'. It is a great way to talk about your future plans before you learn the future tense of verbs. Think of it as a fixed block: 'Mam zamiar' + [the basic form of the verb]. For example, 'Mam zamiar pić kawę' (I intend to drink coffee). It's a simple, reliable way to express what you want to do. At this level, just remember that 'zamiar' is a noun that means 'intention'. You don't need to decline it in many ways yet, just focus on the 'Mam zamiar' structure. It helps you communicate your needs and plans to Polish speakers in a way that sounds slightly more decided than just saying 'Chcę' (I want).
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At the A2 level, you start to see 'zamiar' in more varied contexts. You might notice the difference between 'mieć zamiar' (to have the intention) and the verb 'zamierzać' (to intend). You also learn to use the negative form: 'Nie mam zamiaru'. This is a crucial step because you must remember to change the ending from 'zamiar' to 'zamiaru' because of the negative rule in Polish grammar. You might also start using adjectives with it, like 'dobry zamiar' (good intention) or 'zły zamiar' (bad intention). At this stage, 'zamiar' helps you talk about your weekend plans or your reasons for learning Polish. You are beginning to understand that 'zamiar' is more than just a 'want'—it's a decision you've made in your head. You can use it to explain why you are doing something: 'Zrobiłem to z dobrym zamiarem' (I did it with good intention).
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At the B1 level, 'zamiar' becomes a key word for discussing motivations and more complex plans. You should be comfortable using it in various cases, especially the Instrumental case in the phrase 'z zamiarem' (with the intention of). For example, 'Przyjechałem do Polski z zamiarem znalezienia pracy' (I came to Poland with the intention of finding a job). You also start to recognize common idioms like 'mieć poważne zamiary' (to have serious intentions), often used in the context of relationships. You understand the difference between 'zamiar' (the intent) and 'cel' (the goal). A B1 learner can use 'zamiar' to describe their career paths or their opinions on social issues. You also begin to see the word in news articles or slightly more formal texts, where it might refer to a company's 'investment intentions' or a politician's 'intentions to change the law'.
At the B2 level, you use 'zamiar' with much more precision. You understand that it carries a psychological weight and can distinguish it from 'zamysł' (a concept) or 'projekt' (a project). You can use it in professional settings to discuss 'zamiary strategiczne' (strategic intentions). You are also aware of the formal verb 'powziąć zamiar' (to form/conceive an intention), which adds a more sophisticated touch to your speaking and writing. You can discuss the 'zamiar autora' in a book or the 'zamiary rządu' in a political debate. Your grammatical usage is flawless, correctly applying the genitive in negative sentences and the instrumental in prepositional phrases. You might also start using the word in legal or semi-legal contexts, recognizing that 'zamiar' is a key element in determining responsibility for an action.
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At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and legal depths of 'zamiar'. you are familiar with the legal distinction between 'zamiar bezpośredni' (direct intent) and 'zamiar ewentualny' (oblique intent). You can analyze literature and discuss how a character's 'ukryte zamiary' (hidden intentions) drive the plot. You use the word to discuss abstract concepts like 'zamiary Opatrzności' (the intentions of Providence) or 'zamiary natury' (the intentions of nature). Your vocabulary includes synonyms like 'predylekcja' or 'dążenie' and you know exactly when 'zamiar' is the superior choice. You can write complex essays where 'zamiar' is a central theme, discussing the ethics of intention versus the ethics of results. You hear the word in high-level academic lectures and can use it in a way that sounds both native and intellectually rigorous.
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At the C2 level, 'zamiar' is a tool for subtle linguistic manipulation and deep analysis. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to the concept of 'measuring' (mierzyć) one's actions. You can use it in poetic or highly archaic contexts if necessary, and you understand every nuance of its usage in historical Polish texts. You can engage in debates about the 'zamiar ustawodawcy' (the legislator's intent) in constitutional law or the 'zamiar twórczy' (creative intent) in avant-garde art. For you, 'zamiar' is not just a word for a plan; it is a category of human existence. You can distinguish between 'zamiar' and 'intencja' with absolute clarity, using each in its perfect register. Your command of the word allows you to express the most delicate shades of human will and purpose, making your Polish indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.
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Exemples

zamiar en 30 secondes

  • Zamiar means intention or aim.
  • Commonly used as 'mieć zamiar' (to intend).
  • Requires Genitive case in negative sentences (zamiaru).
  • Can be formal (legal intent) or informal (daily plans).

The Polish word zamiar is a fundamental masculine noun that translates primarily to 'intention,' 'aim,' 'purpose,' or 'intent.' While it shares some semantic space with the English word 'plan,' it carries a more internal, psychological weight. It describes the mental state of being determined to do something or having a specific objective in mind before any concrete steps are necessarily taken. In the hierarchy of Polish goal-setting, a zamiar is the spark of will that precedes a plan (a structured sequence of steps) and targets a cel (the final destination or goal).

Formal vs. Informal
In everyday conversation, you will most frequently encounter the phrase mieć zamiar (to have the intention/to intend). It is the standard way to express what you are planning to do in the near or distant future. However, in legal or formal contexts, zamiar takes on a technical meaning, particularly in criminal law, where it distinguishes between zamiar bezpośredni (direct intent) and zamiar ewentualny (oblique or conditional intent).
The Nuance of Will
Unlike the word 'chęć' (desire/wish), which can be fleeting and passive, zamiar implies a level of commitment. If you have a zamiar, you aren't just wishing for something; you have mentally crossed the threshold into deciding that it should happen. It is the bridge between thought and action.

Nie miałem zamiaru cię urazić, to był tylko żart.

— I didn't have the intention to offend you; it was only a joke.

Understanding the word zamiar also requires understanding its relationship with the verb zamierzać. While the verb is used for the action of intending, the noun is used to discuss the intent itself as an object. For instance, you might talk about 'serious intentions' (poważne zamiary) in the context of a relationship, which is a common Polish idiom implying that someone is thinking about marriage or a long-term commitment.

Czy twoje zamiary są szczere?

— Are your intentions sincere?
The Concept of Aim
In a more abstract sense, zamiar can mean the 'aim' of a project or a literary work. If a critic asks about the 'zamiar autora' (the author's intent), they are looking for the underlying message or purpose of the text. It suggests a teleological view of human action—that everything we do is directed toward a specific end.

On przyszedł tutaj z zamiarem kupna tego domu.

— He came here with the intention of buying this house.

Finally, the word appears in several philosophical and literary contexts. Polish Romanticism, for example, often dealt with the 'zamiary Opatrzności' (the intentions of Providence). This gives the word a certain grandeur when used in the right setting, elevating a simple plan to something that feels like a destiny or a higher calling. Whether you are discussing a grocery list or the meaning of life, zamiar provides the linguistic framework to talk about the 'why' behind the 'what.'

Mastering the usage of zamiar involves understanding its grammatical collocations and case requirements. The most versatile structure is mieć zamiar + infinitive. This is the bread and butter of expressing future plans in Polish. It is slightly more formal than using the future tense but less rigid than saying 'I have a plan.'

The Instrumental Case with 'Z'
When you want to say you are doing something 'with the intention of,' you use the preposition z followed by zamiarem (the instrumental case of zamiar). This is often followed by a noun in the genitive or an infinitive. For example: Z zamiarem wyjazdu (With the intention of leaving).

Mamy zamiar odwiedzić Kraków w przyszłym miesiącu.

— We intend to visit Krakow next month.

Another common construction involves using adjectives to qualify the nature of the intention. Common adjectives include szczery (sincere), ukryty (hidden/ulterior), zły (bad/evil), and dobry (good). For instance, ukryty zamiar is the Polish equivalent of an 'ulterior motive.'

Jej zamiary wobec firmy nie są jasne.

— Her intentions toward the company are not clear.
The Verb 'Powziąć'
In literary or very formal Polish, you might see the verb powziąć (to conceive/take up) used with zamiar. Powziąć zamiar means to form an intention or to decide upon a course of action. It sounds much more decisive and dramatic than simply 'having' an intention.

Prezydent powziął zamiar przeprowadzenia reform.

— The President formed the intention of carrying out reforms.

When discussing the 'intent' of a law or a document, use zamiar ustawodawcy (the intent of the legislator). This is a key phrase in legal interpretation. In everyday life, if you want to ask someone 'What are you up to?' in a slightly suspicious way, you might ask: Jakie masz zamiary? (What are your intentions?). This is a classic line in movies when a father meets his daughter's new boyfriend.

The word zamiar is ubiquitous in Poland, but its frequency and flavor change depending on the setting. You will hear it in the boardroom, the courtroom, the living room, and the pages of a novel. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the profound.

In Business and Professional Life
Polish professionals use zamiar to discuss strategic directions. You will hear phrases like zamiary inwestycyjne (investment intentions) or list intencyjny (a letter of intent, though 'intencyjny' is an adjective derived from 'intencja', the concept is the same). When a company announces its future plans, they are often framed as zamiary rozwojowe.

Spółka ogłosiła zamiar wejścia na giełdę.

— The company announced its intention to go public.
In Legal and Police Contexts
This is where the word gets serious. Polish law distinguishes between crimes committed with zamiar bezpośredni (the perpetrator wanted to commit the crime) and zamiar ewentualny (the perpetrator didn't necessarily want the result but foresaw the possibility and reconciled themselves to it). If you watch a Polish police procedural like 'Wataha' or 'Kruk', you will hear detectives debating the zamiar of the suspect.

Prokurator musi udowodnić zamiar oskarżonego.

— The prosecutor must prove the defendant's intent.

In literature and media, zamiar is often used to discuss the 'grand plans' of historical figures or villains. You might read about the zbrodnicze zamiary (criminal intentions) of a character in a thriller. In a more positive light, a biographer might write about the szlachetne zamiary (noble intentions) of a reformer. Ultimately, whether it's a casual 'What are you doing later?' or a deep dive into the human psyche, zamiar is the word Poles reach for to describe the internal compass of action.

Even though zamiar seems straightforward, there are several pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. These range from grammatical errors to subtle misapplications of meaning.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Genitive in Negation
As mentioned before, this is the most frequent grammatical error. Learners say Nie mam zamiar instead of the correct Nie mam zamiaru. In Polish, the object of a negated verb almost always moves to the Genitive case.
Mistake 2: Confusing 'Zamiar' with 'Plan'
While they are often interchangeable, a 'plan' in Polish is a set of organized steps. A 'zamiar' is the internal will. If you say 'Mam plan jechać do Warszawy', it sounds like you have a train ticket and a schedule. If you say 'Mam zamiar jechać do Warszawy', it sounds like you've decided you want to go, but maybe haven't booked the ticket yet.

Incorrect: On ma zamiar na obiad.

— Why: You cannot have an intention 'on' or 'for' a noun in this way. You have an intention 'to do' something (infinitive).

Another mistake is the over-reliance on the word intencja. While intencja exists in Polish, it is much more formal and often used in religious or highly philosophical contexts (e.g., 'intencja mszalna' - a Mass intention). For everyday 'intentions,' zamiar is the more natural and frequent choice.

Mistake 3: Misusing the Preposition 'Z'
When using z zamiarem, learners sometimes forget to use the Genitive for the following noun. Correct: Z zamiarem kupna (With the intention of buying - 'kupno' in Genitive is 'kupna'). Incorrect: Z zamiarem kupno.

Lastly, be careful with the plural. While 'zamiary' (intentions) is common, using it when you only have one specific plan can sound slightly exaggerated. If you're just going to the shop, stick to the singular: 'Mam zamiar pójść do sklepu.'

To truly sound like a native, you need to know when to use zamiar and when to reach for a synonym. Polish is a language of nuances, and the 'intent' family is no exception.

Zamiar vs. Cel
Cel means 'goal' or 'target.' Use cel when you are talking about the result you want to achieve. Use zamiar when you are talking about the internal decision to act. Example: 'Moim celem jest sukces, a moim zamiarem jest ciężka praca' (My goal is success, and my intention is hard work).
Zamiar vs. Plan
Plan is more concrete. It involves logistics. If you have a zamiar, you have the 'what' and the 'why.' If you have a plan, you also have the 'how,' 'when,' and 'where.'

To nie był tylko zamiar, to był gotowy projekt.

— It wasn't just an intention; it was a ready project.
Intencja vs. Zamiar
As noted, intencja is more formal. You'll see it in phrases like 'dobre intencje' (good intentions), which is almost identical to 'dobre zamiary.' However, zamiar is the workhorse of the language, while intencja is the elegant guest.
Chęć
Chęć means 'desire' or 'willingness.' It is the most informal. 'Mam chęć na kawę' (I feel like having a coffee). You wouldn't say 'Mam zamiar na kawę' because zamiar implies a more serious decision.

By choosing between these words, you can signal exactly how serious, how prepared, and how formal you are being. A 'zamiar' is that perfect middle ground—serious enough to be a decision, but flexible enough to be a starting point.

Le savais-tu ?

It shares the same root as 'miara' (measure), suggesting that an intention is a 'measured' or 'calculated' step of the mind.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈza.mjar/
US /ˈzɑː.mjɑːr/
First syllable (ZA-miar).
Rime avec
wymiar umiar nadmiar obmiar rozmiar podmiar przymiar uwiara
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing it as two distinct syllables 'za-mi-ar'. It should flow as 'za-mjar'.
  • Stress on the last syllable.
  • Mispronouncing the 'z' as 's'.
  • Making the 'i' too long.
  • Forgetting to palatalize the 'm' slightly before the 'a'.
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Exemples par niveau

1

Mam zamiar iść do kina.

I intend to go to the cinema.

Simple 'mieć zamiar' + infinitive.

2

Czy masz zamiar pić herbatę?

Do you intend to drink tea?

Question form of 'mieć zamiar'.

3

On ma zamiar kupić chleb.

He intends to buy bread.

Third person singular.

4

Mamy zamiar grać w piłkę.

We intend to play football.

First person plural.

5

Oni mają zamiar spać.

They intend to sleep.

Third person plural.

6

Mam zamiar czytać książkę.

I intend to read a book.

Common everyday plan.

7

Czy ona ma zamiar tu być?

Does she intend to be here?

Question with 'czy'.

8

Mam zamiar pisać list.

I intend to write a letter.

Basic future intention.

1

Nie mam zamiaru tam iść.

I have no intention of going there.

Negative form requires Genitive: 'zamiaru'.

2

To był mój dobry zamiar.

That was my good intention.

Using an adjective ('dobry') with 'zamiar'.

3

Czy masz zamiar nam pomóc?

Do you intend to help us?

Using a dative pronoun 'nam' with the infinitive.

4

Oni nie mają zamiaru czekać.

They have no intention of waiting.

Plural negative with Genitive.

5

Mam zamiar kupić nowy samochód.

I intend to buy a new car.

Specific future plan.

6

Jaki masz zamiar na jutro?

What is your intention for tomorrow?

Informal question about plans.

7

Zrobiłem to bez zamiaru.

I did it without intention.

Using 'bez' + Genitive.

8

Mój zamiar był prosty.

My intention was simple.

Past tense of 'być' with 'zamiar'.

1

Przyjechał tutaj z zamiarem pracy.

He came here with the intention of working.

Instrumental case: 'z zamiarem'.

2

Czy on ma wobec niej poważne zamiary?

Does he have serious intentions toward her?

Idiom: 'poważne zamiary' (serious intentions/marriage).

3

Nie miałem zamiaru cię przestraszyć.

I didn't intend to scare you.

Negative past tense with Genitive.

4

Jego zamiary są dla mnie zagadką.

His intentions are a mystery to me.

Using 'dla mnie' to express opinion.

5

Mamy zamiar przeprowadzić się do Warszawy.

We intend to move to Warsaw.

Reflexive verb 'przeprowadzić się' after 'zamiar'.

6

On działał ze złym zamiarem.

He acted with bad intention.

Instrumental case with adjective.

7

Czy znasz zamiary swojego szefa?

Do you know your boss's intentions?

Plural accusative 'zamiary'.

8

Mam zamiar nauczyć się polskiego w rok.

I intend to learn Polish in a year.

Specific goal-oriented intention.

1

Powziął zamiar napisania powieści.

He formed the intention of writing a novel.

Formal verb 'powziąć' + 'zamiar'.

2

Jej zamiary inwestycyjne są bardzo ambitne.

Her investment intentions are very ambitious.

Professional adjective 'inwestycyjne'.

3

Działał w zamiarze osiągnięcia zysku.

He acted with the intent of achieving profit.

Formal prepositional phrase 'w zamiarze'.

4

Czy to był tylko zamiar ewentualny?

Was it only oblique intent?

Legal term: 'zamiar ewentualny'.

5

Autor miał zamiar ukazać biedę XIX wieku.

The author intended to show the poverty of the 19th century.

Literary analysis context.

6

Nie wolno nam lekceważyć jego zamiarów.

We must not underestimate his intentions.

Using 'lekceważyć' with plural genitive.

7

To był zamiar z góry zaplanowany.

It was a pre-planned intention.

Compound description of intent.

8

Mimo szczerych zamiarów, wszystko się nie udało.

Despite sincere intentions, everything failed.

Using 'mimo' + genitive plural.

1

Prokuratura musi udowodnić zamiar bezpośredni.

The prosecution must prove direct intent.

Technical legal terminology.

2

Jego zamiary kłóciły się z powszechnym dobrem.

His intentions clashed with the common good.

Abstract social/ethical context.

3

Zamiar twórczy bywa często nieuświadomiony.

Creative intent is often unconscious.

Psychological/artistic analysis.

4

Czytając ten tekst, musimy odgadnąć zamiar autora.

Reading this text, we must guess the author's intent.

Hermeneutic/literary context.

5

Zamiar ewentualny występuje, gdy sprawca godzi się na skutek.

Oblique intent occurs when the perpetrator accepts the consequence.

Definition-style sentence.

6

Jego zamiary wykraczały poza ramy obowiązującego prawa.

His intentions went beyond the framework of existing law.

Metaphorical usage.

7

Wszystkie te działania miały jeden wspólny zamiar.

All these actions had one common intent.

Synthesizing multiple actions.

8

Zamiar ten dojrzewał w nim przez wiele lat.

This intention had been maturing in him for many years.

Personification of an intention.

1

Eseista poddał analizie zamiary metafizyczne poety.

The essayist analyzed the poet's metaphysical intentions.

High-level literary criticism.

2

W doktrynie prawa karnego zamiar zajmuje miejsce centralne.

In the doctrine of criminal law, intent occupies a central place.

Academic legal discourse.

3

Czy można mówić o zamiarze w przypadku zjawisk przyrody?

Can one speak of intention in the case of natural phenomena?

Philosophical inquiry.

4

Jego zamiary, choć wzniosłe, okazały się utopijne.

His intentions, though sublime, turned out to be utopian.

Advanced vocabulary (wzniosłe, utopijne).

5

Zamiar ten był immanentną cechą jego charakteru.

This intention was an immanent trait of his character.

Philosophical term 'immanentny'.

6

Interpretacja zamiaru ustawodawcy wymaga głębokiej wiedzy.

Interpreting the legislator's intent requires deep knowledge.

Legal interpretation context.

7

Wszelkie zamiary reformatorskie spotkały się z oporem.

All reformist intentions met with resistance.

Historical/political analysis.

8

Zamiar ów, pierwotnie mglisty, z czasem nabrał kształtów.

That intention, originally vague, took shape over time.

Archaic/literary pronoun 'ów'.

Collocations courantes

mieć zamiar
powziąć zamiar
szczery zamiar
ukryty zamiar
zły zamiar
z zamiarem
zamiar bezpośredni
zamiar ewentualny
czytać w zamiarach
poważne zamiary

Phrases Courantes

Nie mam zamiaru.

— I have no intention of doing that (strong refusal).

Nie mam zamiaru cię słuchać.

Z dobrym zamiarem.

— With good intentions.

Zrobiłem to z dobrym zamiarem.

Wbrew zamiarom.

— Against one's intentions.

Wszystko poszło wbrew moim zamiarom.

Bez zamiaru.

— Without intending to.

Uderzył go bez zamiaru.

Jaki masz zamiar?

— What are you planning? / What is your intent?

Powiedz mi, jaki masz zamiar.

Mieć zamiar coś zrobić.

— To intend to do something.

Mamy zamiar wyjechać.

Zamiary rządu.

— Government intentions/plans.

Znamy zamiary rządu.

Czyste zamiary.

— Pure/honest intentions.

Moje zamiary są czyste.

Zamiar kupna.

— Intention to buy.

Ogłosił zamiar kupna akcji.

Zamiar sprawcy.

— The perpetrator's intent.

Zamiar sprawcy był oczywisty.

Expressions idiomatiques

"mieć poważne zamiary"

— To be serious about a romantic relationship (thinking of marriage).

Czy on ma poważne zamiary wobec twojej siostry?

social
"czytać w czyichś zamiarach"

— To know what someone is planning before they say it.

Ona potrafi czytać w moich zamiarach.

informal
"psuć komuś zamiary"

— To ruin someone's plans or intentions.

Pogoda popsuła nasze zamiary.

neutral
"zamiar to połowa sukcesu"

— Having the intention is half the battle (though not a standard proverb, it's a common sentiment).

Dobry zamiar to już coś.

informal
"kryć się ze swoimi zamiarami"

— To hide one's intentions.

Nie musisz kryć się ze swoimi zamiarami.

neutral
"zdradzić swoje zamiary"

— To reveal one's intentions.

Niestety, zbyt wcześnie zdradził swoje zamiary.

neutral
"zamiar ewentualny"

— Legal concept: taking a risk knowing a crime might occur.

Sąd uznał zamiar ewentualny.

legal
"mieć szczere zamiary"

— To be honest about what one wants to do.

Zawsze miałem szczere zamiary.

neutral
"powziąć zamiar"

— To make a firm decision to do something.

Nagle powziął zamiar wyjazdu.

literary
"zamiar bezpośredni"

— Legal concept: acting with the specific goal of committing a crime.

To był zamiar bezpośredni.

legal

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Origine du mot

From the Old Polish and Proto-Slavic roots related to 'measuring'.

Sens originel : To set a measure or a goal for oneself.

Slavic
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