Meaning
Valuing a friendship.
Cultural Background
The distinction between 'przyjaciel' and 'kolega' is vital. Calling someone a 'przyjaciel' implies a lifelong bond. Using 'mieć za przyjaciela' is a way to elevate someone above the level of a casual acquaintance. In English, 'friend' is used very broadly. Polish learners often struggle because they want to use 'przyjaciel' for everyone they know, but 'mieć za przyjaciela' should be reserved for the inner circle. Similar to the Polish distinction, Japanese has 'tomodachi' vs 'shiriai'. The Polish phrase 'mieć za przyjaciela' aligns with the deep commitment of 'shinyuu' (best friend). Brazilians use 'amigo' very warmly and frequently. The Polish phrase might sound a bit more formal or 'heavy' compared to the lighthearted Brazilian 'ter como amigo'.
The 'Za' Rule
Always remember: 'za' + Accusative for roles. If you use Instrumental, you're talking about physical location!
Don't over-use 'Przyjaciel'
Poles are picky. If you call everyone 'przyjaciel', it loses its meaning. Use 'kolega' for most people.
Meaning
Valuing a friendship.
The 'Za' Rule
Always remember: 'za' + Accusative for roles. If you use Instrumental, you're talking about physical location!
Don't over-use 'Przyjaciel'
Poles are picky. If you call everyone 'przyjaciel', it loses its meaning. Use 'kolega' for most people.
The 'W' Alternative
If you want to sound even more supportive, use 'Mieć w kimś przyjaciela'. It sounds like you found a treasure in that person.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Mam go ______ przyjaciela.
The idiom 'mieć kogoś za przyjaciela' always uses the preposition 'za'.
Choose the correct form of the word 'przyjaciel'.
Cieszę się, że mam cię za (przyjaciel / przyjacielem / przyjaciela).
In this construction, 'za' requires the Accusative case (Biernik).
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Sentence: 'Poczytuję to sobie za zaszczyt mieć Pana za przyjaciela.'
'Poczytuję sobie za zaszczyt' is a very formal expression.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Czy to twój chłopak? B: Nie, mam go tylko ______.
This is a common way to clarify that a relationship is platonic.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMam go ______ przyjaciela.
The idiom 'mieć kogoś za przyjaciela' always uses the preposition 'za'.
Cieszę się, że mam cię za (przyjaciel / przyjacielem / przyjaciela).
In this construction, 'za' requires the Accusative case (Biernik).
Sentence: 'Poczytuję to sobie za zaszczyt mieć Pana za przyjaciela.'
'Poczytuję sobie za zaszczyt' is a very formal expression.
A: Czy to twój chłopak? B: Nie, mam go tylko ______.
This is a common way to clarify that a relationship is platonic.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's grammatically understandable but sounds like a direct translation from English. Stick to 'za' to sound like a native.
No, but the form changes. For a woman, say 'Mam ją za przyjaciółkę'.
'Mieć za' is slightly more personal and emotional. 'Uważać za' is more about your opinion or judgment.
It's neutral. You can use it with your grandma or your boss. It's all about the context.
Use negation: 'Nie mam go za przyjaciela'. Note that 'go' is Genitive here.
Yes! 'Mam moją siostrę za najlepszą przyjaciółkę' is a very common and sweet thing to say.
Because the idiom uses the Accusative case, not the Instrumental case. It's a specific rule for the 'mieć za' construction.
Very! Many Polish pop and rock songs about friendship use this exact phrase.
Absolutely. 'Mam mojego psa za najlepszego przyjaciela' is perfectly fine.
Use the plural: 'Mam ich za przyjaciół'.
Related Phrases
uważać kogoś za przyjaciela
synonymTo consider someone a friend
mieć w kimś oparcie
similarTo have support in someone
mieć kogoś za wroga
contrastTo consider someone an enemy
mieć kogoś za nic
contrastTo have no respect for someone
