Meaning
Possessing great potential for success.
Cultural Background
In Poland, the '100 days before exams' (Studniówka) is a time when students often hear this phrase from teachers and parents, emphasizing the transition to adulthood. In modern Polish offices, this phrase is a key part of 'feedback culture,' used to retain young talent in a competitive market. The phrase is heavily used in the 'Lewandowski era' to describe any young player who shows even a hint of international potential. There is a strong belief in 'wszechstronne wykształcenie' (all-round education). Having a future often implies having a good degree from a reputable university.
Add an Adjective
To sound more like a native, add 'wielką' (great) or 'świetlaną' (bright) before 'przyszłość'.
Reflexive Rule
Always use 'sobą' regardless of whether you are talking to a man or a woman. It refers back to the subject.
Meaning
Possessing great potential for success.
Add an Adjective
To sound more like a native, add 'wielką' (great) or 'świetlaną' (bright) before 'przyszłość'.
Reflexive Rule
Always use 'sobą' regardless of whether you are talking to a man or a woman. It refers back to the subject.
Modesty
If someone says this to you, it's polite to downplay it slightly with 'Mam taką nadzieję' (I hope so).
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing reflexive pronoun in the correct case.
Jesteś bardzo zdolny, masz przed _______ przyszłość.
In this idiom, we use the reflexive pronoun 'sobą' (instrumental case) to refer back to the subject 'ty'.
Which adjective best fits a very successful future?
Ona ma przed sobą _________ przyszłość.
'Świetlana' means bright/illustrious and is the most common colocation for a successful future.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate person.
Kto ma przed sobą przyszłość?
The phrase is used for people with potential and a long career ahead, typically young and talented.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Czy myślisz, że ten stażysta jest dobry? B: Tak, uważam, że...
This is the standard idiomatic way to express that the intern has potential.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJesteś bardzo zdolny, masz przed _______ przyszłość.
In this idiom, we use the reflexive pronoun 'sobą' (instrumental case) to refer back to the subject 'ty'.
Ona ma przed sobą _________ przyszłość.
'Świetlana' means bright/illustrious and is the most common colocation for a successful future.
Kto ma przed sobą przyszłość?
The phrase is used for people with potential and a long career ahead, typically young and talented.
A: Czy myślisz, że ten stażysta jest dobry? B: Tak, uważam, że...
This is the standard idiomatic way to express that the intern has potential.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsGenerally no, unless you are being ironic or talking about a new hobby they just started. It implies a long road ahead.
Almost. 'Mieć przyszłość' is more often used for things/ideas. 'Mieć przed sobą przyszłość' is more personal and idiomatic for people.
Because it's a reflexive action. You have the future in relation to yourself. Polish grammar requires 'sobą' in the instrumental case after 'przed'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your little brother.
Related Phrases
mieć plecy
contrastTo have connections/influence.
przyszłość pokaże
similarTime will tell.
świetlana przyszłość
specialized formA bright/glorious future.
być u progu kariery
builds onTo be at the start of a career.
