Meaning
Possessing currency or funds.
Cultural Background
Poles are generally private about their wealth. Asking someone 'Ile masz pieniędzy?' is considered very rude. In Polish business, 'mieć pieniądze' is often replaced by 'posiadać budżet' to sound more professional. Younger generations use 'hajs' or 'kasa' almost exclusively in informal settings. The transition from communism to capitalism made 'mieć pieniądze' a symbol of freedom and success for many.
The Negation Trap
Always remember to change 'pieniądze' to 'pieniędzy' when you say 'nie mam'. It's the most common marker of a beginner.
Use 'Kasa' for Friends
If you want to sound more like a native speaker with friends, use 'mieć kasę' instead of 'mieć pieniądze'.
Meaning
Possessing currency or funds.
The Negation Trap
Always remember to change 'pieniądze' to 'pieniędzy' when you say 'nie mam'. It's the most common marker of a beginner.
Use 'Kasa' for Friends
If you want to sound more like a native speaker with friends, use 'mieć kasę' instead of 'mieć pieniądze'.
Tipping
When you 'have money' and want to tip in Poland, 10% is standard in restaurants.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'pieniądze'. Remember the negation rule!
Nie mam _________.
In Polish, a negated verb requires the Genitive case. The Genitive of 'pieniądze' is 'pieniędzy'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct sentence:
The verb 'mam' (I have) takes the Accusative case, which for 'pieniądze' is the same as the Nominative.
Match the Polish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are common variations and their standard meanings.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Chcesz iść do kina? B: Nie mogę, nie ______ pieniędzy.
The speaker is talking about themselves, so the first person singular 'mam' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNie mam _________.
In Polish, a negated verb requires the Genitive case. The Genitive of 'pieniądze' is 'pieniędzy'.
Select the correct sentence:
The verb 'mam' (I have) takes the Accusative case, which for 'pieniądze' is the same as the Nominative.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common variations and their standard meanings.
A: Chcesz iść do kina? B: Nie mogę, nie ______ pieniędzy.
The speaker is talking about themselves, so the first person singular 'mam' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsTechnically yes, but it means 'I have a single coin'. To say you have money in general, you must use the plural 'pieniądze'.
'Pieniądze' is neutral and formal, while 'kasa' is informal/slang. Use 'pieniądze' in shops and 'kasa' with friends.
Polish uses the Genitive case for the object of a negated verb. 'Pieniędzy' is the Genitive plural form.
It's not rude to say you have enough for a coffee, but bragging about having 'duże pieniądze' is generally frowned upon in Polish culture.
Related Phrases
zarabiać pieniądze
builds onto earn money
wydawać pieniądze
contrastto spend money
oszczędzać pieniądze
similarto save money
mieć kasę
synonymto have cash (informal)
