Meaning
Showing indifference or lack of concern
Cultural Background
Poles often use 'mam to gdzieś' as a way to cope with overwhelming bureaucracy. It's a verbal shield against 'system' frustration. In schools, this phrase is a staple of 'cool' behavior. Showing that you don't care about grades or rules is a common social trope. The phrase is frequently used in memes, often paired with images of people looking extremely relaxed in chaotic situations. While informal, it's used among 'biurwy' (office workers) to bond over pointless tasks assigned by management.
Context is King
Using this with a teacher or a boss can be seen as a serious sign of disrespect. Use it only with peers.
Add 'Zupełnie'
To sound more native, add 'zupełnie' (completely): 'Mam to zupełnie gdzieś.'
Meaning
Showing indifference or lack of concern
Context is King
Using this with a teacher or a boss can be seen as a serious sign of disrespect. Use it only with peers.
Add 'Zupełnie'
To sound more native, add 'zupełnie' (completely): 'Mam to zupełnie gdzieś.'
The Shrug
Always pair this phrase with a slight shrug of the shoulders for maximum effect.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Nie chcę iść na ten film, ______ to gdzieś.
The idiom always uses the verb 'mieć' (to have).
Which of these is the most appropriate situation to use 'mam to gdzieś'?
Choose the correct context:
It is an informal slang phrase used with friends.
Match the Polish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
All these phrases express indifference but at different levels of formality.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb.
Kasia: 'Czy oni wiedzą, że to jest niebezpieczne?' Tomek: 'Wiedzą, ale ______ to gdzieś.'
The subject is 'oni' (they), so the verb must be 'mają'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Indifference in Polish
Polite
- • Nie obchodzi mnie to
- • Jest mi to obojętne
Informal
- • Mam to gdzieś
- • Mam to w nosie
Vulgar
- • Mam to w dupie
- • Olewam to
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNie chcę iść na ten film, ______ to gdzieś.
The idiom always uses the verb 'mieć' (to have).
Choose the correct context:
It is an informal slang phrase used with friends.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All these phrases express indifference but at different levels of formality.
Kasia: 'Czy oni wiedzą, że to jest niebezpieczne?' Tomek: 'Wiedzą, ale ______ to gdzieś.'
The subject is 'oni' (they), so the verb must be 'mają'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, but it's very informal. It's safe for TV but not for a business meeting.
Yes! 'Mam go gdzieś' means 'I don't care about him.'
'Nie obchodzi mnie to' is neutral/polite. 'Mam to gdzieś' is slangy and more dismissive.
Add 'głęboko' (deeply): 'Mam to głęboko gdzieś.'
Related Phrases
mam to w nosie
similarI don't care (softer)
wisi mi to
synonymI don't care / It's all the same to me
olewać coś
synonymTo ignore something / To 'pee' on something
mieć coś z głowy
contrastTo have something finished
wszystko mi jedno
similarIt's all the same to me
