Meaning
To be arrogant or self-confident.
Cultural Background
In Poland, 'pokora' (humility) is a highly valued trait, often rooted in Catholic traditions. Having 'wysokie mniemanie o sobie' is seen as a moral failing. Modern Polish offices are becoming more 'Americanized', but 'wysokie mniemanie' is still a common complaint in 360-degree feedback for managers. Characters in Polish epics (like 'Pan Tadeusz') often struggle with their ego and social standing, perfectly illustrating this phrase. There is a growing debate in Polish media about 'pokolenie ja' (the Me Generation) and their high self-opinion.
Negative Connotation
Remember that this phrase is almost always a criticism. Don't use it to describe yourself in a positive way.
Complimenting Others
To compliment someone, say 'Mam o Tobie wysokie mniemanie'. It sounds very professional and respectful.
Meaning
To be arrogant or self-confident.
Negative Connotation
Remember that this phrase is almost always a criticism. Don't use it to describe yourself in a positive way.
Complimenting Others
To compliment someone, say 'Mam o Tobie wysokie mniemanie'. It sounds very professional and respectful.
Humility in Poland
Poles value 'skromność' (modesty). Using this phrase is a way to point out when someone lacks it.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Marek nie słucha nikogo, bo ma zbyt wysokie ________ o sobie.
The noun 'mniemanie' is in the accusative case after the verb 'mieć'.
Which sentence is a critique of someone's arrogance?
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
This is the only phrase that carries a negative connotation of arrogance.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Dlaczego ona tak się chwali? B: Bo ma o sobie ________.
Boasting (chwalenie się) is a result of having a high opinion of oneself.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Kiedy powiesz: 'On ma o sobie wysokie mniemanie'?
The phrase describes overestimating one's abilities or status.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMarek nie słucha nikogo, bo ma zbyt wysokie ________ o sobie.
The noun 'mniemanie' is in the accusative case after the verb 'mieć'.
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
This is the only phrase that carries a negative connotation of arrogance.
A: Dlaczego ona tak się chwali? B: Bo ma o sobie ________.
Boasting (chwalenie się) is a result of having a high opinion of oneself.
Kiedy powiesz: 'On ma o sobie wysokie mniemanie'?
The phrase describes overestimating one's abilities or status.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's mostly used in this idiom. You won't hear it much on its own in modern conversation.
No, 'wysokie' (high) is the standard adjective for this idiom. 'Duże' sounds like a learner mistake.
Yes, it's quite a direct criticism. It's usually said *about* someone, not *to* them.
'Zarozumiałość' is the noun for 'conceit'. 'Mieć wysokie mniemanie' is the action/state of having that conceit.
Yes! 'Oni mają o sobie wysokie mniemanie.'
Use 'mieć niskie mniemanie o sobie'.
It's neutral-to-formal. It's perfectly fine for a business meeting or a book.
Usually, it implies they *think* they are talented, but the speaker disagrees.
Rarely. You might hear 'dobre mniemanie' (good opinion), but 'wysokie' is the most common.
'Ale on gwiazdorzy' or 'Ale go poniosło'.
Related Phrases
zadierać nosa
similarTo turn up one's nose.
być zarozumiałym
synonymTo be conceited.
mieć poczucie własnej wartości
contrastTo have self-esteem.
uważać się za pępek świata
specialized formTo think one is the center of the universe.
