Meaning
To want to do or eat something.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a staple of 'Polish Hospitality'. Hosts will often ignore a first 'Nie mam chęci' and ask again, assuming you are just being modest (skromny). In some dialects, you might hear 'mieć smak na coś' (to have a taste for something) as a regional alternative to 'mieć chęć'. Younger generations often replace 'chęć' with 'faza' (phase) or 'hype' in very informal settings. In Polish business, 'wyrazić chęć' is a formal way to start negotiations without committing to a contract yet.
The 'Ochota' Swap
If you forget the word 'chęć', use 'ochota'. They are interchangeable in almost every casual situation.
Case Alert!
Don't forget the Accusative. It's 'na kawę' (feminine) and 'na sok' (masculine).
Meaning
To want to do or eat something.
The 'Ochota' Swap
If you forget the word 'chęć', use 'ochota'. They are interchangeable in almost every casual situation.
Case Alert!
Don't forget the Accusative. It's 'na kawę' (feminine) and 'na sok' (masculine).
Polite Refusal
Saying 'Nie mam chęci' is a very common and accepted way to decline food at a Polish party without offending the cook.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'chęć' and the preposition.
Nie mam dzisiaj ______ ______ spacer w lesie.
Because the sentence is negative ('Nie mam'), 'chęć' must be in the Genitive case ('chęci'). The preposition is always 'na'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I fancy a pizza'?
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
'Mam chęć na' followed by the Accusative 'pizzę' is the standard idiomatic way.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Masz chęć na kawę? B: Nie, dziękuję. Właśnie ______ chęci na herbatę.
'Nabrałem chęci' means you just developed the desire, which fits the context of choosing an alternative.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match: 1. Formal request, 2. Sudden craving, 3. Declining politely.
These forms match the specific registers and nuances described.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Chęć vs. Ochota
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNie mam dzisiaj ______ ______ spacer w lesie.
Because the sentence is negative ('Nie mam'), 'chęć' must be in the Genitive case ('chęci'). The preposition is always 'na'.
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
'Mam chęć na' followed by the Accusative 'pizzę' is the standard idiomatic way.
A: Masz chęć na kawę? B: Nie, dziękuję. Właśnie ______ chęci na herbatę.
'Nabrałem chęci' means you just developed the desire, which fits the context of choosing an alternative.
Match: 1. Formal request, 2. Sudden craving, 3. Declining politely.
These forms match the specific registers and nuances described.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThey are 95% the same. 'Ochota' is slightly more common in spoken language for cravings, while 'chęć' can sound a tiny bit more formal or deliberate.
No, it's better for immediate cravings or moods. For long-term goals, use 'chcieć' or 'marzyć o'.
Use 'na' for objects (food, things). Use 'do' for general activities or abstract concepts (e.g., 'chęć do pracy').
Simply say 'Nie mam chęci' or 'Nie mam ochoty'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, but drop the 'na'. Example: 'Mam chęć spać' (I feel like sleeping).
It means to 'get' or 'acquire' the desire, usually suddenly.
Only to a romantic partner. It is sexually suggestive.
It is 'chęci'. It is often used in the plural in phrases like 'dobre chęci' (good intentions).
Use the adjective 'wielka': 'Mam wielką chęć na...'
Related Phrases
mieć ochotę na coś
synonymTo fancy something
nabrać chęci
builds onTo start wanting something
stracić chęć
contrastTo lose the desire
z wielką chęcią
specialized formWith great pleasure
nie mieć chęci do życia
specialized formTo have no will to live
