Meaning
To hold someone in high regard.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the 'Sarmatism' culture of the Polish nobility, where honor (honor) and respect (poważanie) were the most important social currencies. On platforms like Wykop or Facebook, the phrase is almost exclusively used sarcastically to dismiss trolls or opposing political views. In Polish universities, this phrase is still used sincerely in 'laudacje' (speeches honoring someone) or on diplomas. Polish diplomats use this phrase to maintain a high level of decorum, even when relations between countries are strained.
The 'Głębokie' Trick
If you add the word 'głębokie' (deep), you are almost certainly being sarcastic in a modern conversation. Use it sparingly!
Case Sensitivity
Always remember the Accusative for the person. 'Mam Pan (wrong) -> Mam Pana (correct)'.
Meaning
To hold someone in high regard.
The 'Głębokie' Trick
If you add the word 'głębokie' (deep), you are almost certainly being sarcastic in a modern conversation. Use it sparingly!
Case Sensitivity
Always remember the Accusative for the person. 'Mam Pan (wrong) -> Mam Pana (correct)'.
Email Etiquette
In very formal emails, ending with 'Z poważaniem' (With respect) is the standard way to say 'Sincerely'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'poważanie' and the correct case for the person.
Zawsze miałem (mój dziadek) ______ w głębokim ______.
The person must be in the Accusative (mojego dziadka) and 'poważanie' must be in the Locative (poważaniu) after 'w'.
Is the usage Sincere or Ironic?
A student says to a teacher: 'Mam Panią w poważaniu' after the teacher gives them an 'A'.
In a positive context with a superior, it is sincere.
Complete the sarcastic response.
Osoba A: 'Musisz słuchać moich rad!' Osoba B: 'Mam twoje rady ______.'
The idiom is 'w poważaniu'. In this context, it is clearly ironic.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct sentence:
'Was' is the Accusative of 'wy', and 'w poważaniu' is the correct prepositional phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesZawsze miałem (mój dziadek) ______ w głębokim ______.
The person must be in the Accusative (mojego dziadka) and 'poważanie' must be in the Locative (poważaniu) after 'w'.
A student says to a teacher: 'Mam Panią w poważaniu' after the teacher gives them an 'A'.
In a positive context with a superior, it is sincere.
Osoba A: 'Musisz słuchać moich rad!' Osoba B: 'Mam twoje rady ______.'
The idiom is 'w poważaniu'. In this context, it is clearly ironic.
Select the correct sentence:
'Was' is the Accusative of 'wy', and 'w poważaniu' is the correct prepositional phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends entirely on context. In a formal letter, it's very polite. In a casual argument, it's a sophisticated way to be rude.
Only sarcastically. 'Mój kot ma moje prośby w poważaniu' (My cat ignores my requests).
'Szacunek' is general respect. 'Poważanie' is more about social standing, authority, and 'weight'.
Say: 'Mam to w głębokim poważaniu.'
The sincere use is slightly old-fashioned or very formal. The ironic use is very modern.
Yes, e.g., 'mieć prawo w poważaniu' (to respect/disregard the law).
No, that doesn't work. You must use 'Cieszę się poważaniem' to say you are respected.
Yes, in formal correspondence and official statements.
There isn't a single word, but 'lekceważyć' (to ignore/disrespect) is a common antonym.
Yes, 'mieć w poważaniu' sounds more literary and elevated.
Related Phrases
darzyć kogoś szacunkiem
synonymTo bestow respect upon someone.
mieć kogoś w nosie
similarTo ignore someone / not care.
mieć kogoś w dupie
contrastTo not give a damn (vulgar).
cieszyć się uznaniem
similarTo enjoy recognition.
