Meaning
To disagree with or be bad at something.
Cultural Background
In Polish schools, 'być na bakier z matematyką' is a very common 'confession' among humanities students (humanisty). Poles often use this phrase to describe their relationship with complicated tax laws or regulations. The phrase reflects Poland's historical connection to Baltic trade, specifically through cities like Gdańsk. On Polish Twitter, you'll often see 'na bakier z logiką' used to mock political opponents.
Self-Deprecation
Use this phrase to sound humble when admitting you aren't good at something. It sounds less harsh than 'nie umiem'.
Case Alert
Don't forget the Instrumental case! It's the most common mistake for learners.
Meaning
To disagree with or be bad at something.
Self-Deprecation
Use this phrase to sound humble when admitting you aren't good at something. It sounds less harsh than 'nie umiem'.
Case Alert
Don't forget the Instrumental case! It's the most common mistake for learners.
Abstract Nouns
It works best with abstract nouns like 'logika', 'prawo', 'moda', or 'czas'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the word in brackets (Instrumental case).
Marek jest na bakier z ________ (gramatyka).
After 'z' in this idiom, we use the Instrumental case. For feminine nouns, the ending is '-ą'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural-sounding sentence:
The standard form is 'być na bakier z + Instrumental'.
Match the person to the thing they are 'na bakier' with.
1. A person who is always late. 2. A person who breaks laws. 3. A person who can't spell.
Punktualność = punctuality, Prawo = law, Ortografia = spelling.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMarek jest na bakier z ________ (gramatyka).
After 'z' in this idiom, we use the Instrumental case. For feminine nouns, the ending is '-ą'.
Choose the natural-sounding sentence:
The standard form is 'być na bakier z + Instrumental'.
1. A person who is always late. 2. A person who breaks laws. 3. A person who can't spell.
Punktualność = punctuality, Prawo = law, Ortografia = spelling.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically no. It's better to say 'Mam konflikt z szefem'. 'Na bakier' is for concepts, not people.
In this idiom, it functions as an adverbial part of the phrase. It doesn't change form.
No, it's quite neutral. It can be used for self-criticism or mild criticism of others.
Yes: 'Byłem na bakier z chemią w liceum'.
Not necessarily. It just means you are bad at it or don't follow its rules.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but you could say 'być za pan brat z czymś' (to be on first-name terms with something).
Yes, very often to describe companies that are failing to follow trends or regulations.
Yes: 'Jestem na bakier ze sportem' means you don't exercise or aren't good at it.
No, it's a standard idiom found in dictionaries and literature.
It sounds like 'BAH-kyer'. The 'k' is soft.
Related Phrases
mieć pod górkę
similarTo have a hard time with something
nie po drodze
similarTo not be aligned with something
czarna magia
similarSomething completely incomprehensible
noga z czegoś
synonymTo be very bad at a subject
