Meaning
Asking for clarification of a statement.
Cultural Background
Poles often use this phrase to avoid direct conflict. Instead of saying 'I disagree', they might ask 'Co masz na myśli?' to let the other person explain (and perhaps realize their own mistake). In meetings, precision is highly valued. Using 'Co pan/pani ma na myśli?' is seen as a sign of professional diligence rather than a lack of understanding. Younger Poles heavily use the shorthand 'W sensie?' in place of the full phrase. It's ubiquitous in texting and casual speech. In the Silesian dialect (śląska godka), you might hear 'Co mosz na myślach?' or similar variations, but 'Co masz na myśli?' is understood by everyone.
Add 'dokładnie'
Adding 'dokładnie' (exactly) makes you sound much more fluent: 'Co dokładnie masz na myśli?'
Watch the tone
If said too quickly or loudly, it can sound like you are annoyed. Keep your tone rising at the end to sound curious.
Meaning
Asking for clarification of a statement.
Add 'dokładnie'
Adding 'dokładnie' (exactly) makes you sound much more fluent: 'Co dokładnie masz na myśli?'
Watch the tone
If said too quickly or loudly, it can sound like you are annoyed. Keep your tone rising at the end to sound curious.
The 'Formal' Trap
Always remember to use 'ma pan/pani' with people you don't know. Using 'masz' with a stranger can be seen as disrespectful.
Use with 'mówiąc'
A great pattern is 'Co masz na myśli, mówiąc [word]?' (What do you mean, saying [word]?).
Test Yourself
Choose the correct formal version of the phrase.
You are talking to your professor. How do you ask 'What do you mean?'
'Pan' is the formal way to address a man, and 'ma' is the correct conjugation for 'pan'.
Fill in the missing word.
Nie rozumiem. Co masz ____ myśli?
The phrase always uses the preposition 'na'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase is best when you didn't hear a word because of a loud noise?
'Słucham?' is used for physical hearing; 'Co masz na myśli?' is for conceptual understanding.
Complete the dialogue.
A: To będzie trudny dzień. B: ________? A: Mam dużo spotkań.
B is asking for clarification on why the day will be difficult.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou are talking to your professor. How do you ask 'What do you mean?'
'Pan' is the formal way to address a man, and 'ma' is the correct conjugation for 'pan'.
Nie rozumiem. Co masz ____ myśli?
The phrase always uses the preposition 'na'.
Which phrase is best when you didn't hear a word because of a loud noise?
'Słucham?' is used for physical hearing; 'Co masz na myśli?' is for conceptual understanding.
A: To będzie trudny dzień. B: ________? A: Mam dużo spotkań.
B is asking for clarification on why the day will be difficult.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYou can, but it's very informal and can be rude. 'Co masz na myśli?' is much more polite and specific.
No, 'myśli' here is the singular locative form of 'myśl'.
'Co masz na myśli?' is neutral/polite. 'O co ci chodzi?' is more casual and can sound like 'What's your problem?' if said with a bad attitude.
Use 'Co miałeś na myśli?' (to a man) or 'Co miałaś na myśli?' (to a woman).
Yes, it's very common in professional emails to clarify points.
Yes, it's very casual. Use it with friends, but avoid it in formal writing.
It's just a fixed prepositional phrase in Polish. Think of it as 'on my mind' instead of 'in my mind'.
Yes, just add 'przez to': 'Co masz na myśli przez to?'
Yes: 'Co autor miał na myśli?' is a classic school question in Poland.
Yes, but use the formal: 'Co ma pan/pani na myśli?'
Related Phrases
o co chodzi
similarWhat's it about? / What's the point?
co przez to rozumiesz
synonymWhat do you understand by that?
mieć coś z głowy
contrastTo have something finished/off one's mind.
w sensie
specialized formIn the sense of / Meaning...
sprecyzować
builds onTo specify / clarify.
