Meaning
keep trying despite failure
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply linked to the 'Polak potrafi' (A Pole can do it) mentality, emphasizing resourcefulness and grit. Commentators frequently use this during football matches when the national team is losing, reflecting a 'fight to the end' ethos. Reflects the spirit of the Warsaw Uprising and other historical struggles where persistence was a moral duty. Used in the thriving Polish tech sector to encourage innovation despite global competition.
Use it as a filler
If you're stuck in a Polish conversation about a problem, this is a great 'safe' phrase to buy time while sounding supportive.
Don't forget the 'się'
Without 'się', you're telling someone there's no point in 'submitting' something, which sounds very confusing in a motivational context.
Meaning
keep trying despite failure
Use it as a filler
If you're stuck in a Polish conversation about a problem, this is a great 'safe' phrase to buy time while sounding supportive.
Don't forget the 'się'
Without 'się', you're telling someone there's no point in 'submitting' something, which sounds very confusing in a motivational context.
Tone matters
Say it with a calm, steady voice to sound encouraging. If you shout it, it might sound like a desperate command.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the motivational phrase.
Wiem, że jest ciężko, ale nie ___ ___ się poddawać.
The fixed expression is 'nie ma co'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct version:
The imperfective 'poddawać' and the reflexive 'się' are both required.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your friend failed their driving test for the third time.
This is the appropriate motivational response.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ten projekt jest zbyt trudny. B: ________. Pomogę ci.
In the context of a 'too difficult' project, 'don't give up' is the logical fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWiem, że jest ciężko, ale nie ___ ___ się poddawać.
The fixed expression is 'nie ma co'.
Choose the correct version:
The imperfective 'poddawać' and the reflexive 'się' are both required.
Situation: Your friend failed their driving test for the third time.
This is the appropriate motivational response.
A: Ten projekt jest zbyt trudny. B: ________. Pomogę ci.
In the context of a 'too difficult' project, 'don't give up' is the logical fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's neutral enough for a professional setting, especially if you have a good relationship with your boss.
Yes! It's very common to say 'nie ma co się poddawać' as an internal monologue.
'Nie poddawaj się' is a direct command (Don't give up!). 'Nie ma co się poddawać' is more like 'There's no point in giving up'.
Yes, you can say 'Nie było co się poddawać' (There was no point in giving up), but it's much less common.
Absolutely. It's a very common text to send to a friend who is having a bad day.
Not at all. It's a timeless expression used by all age groups.
Technically people will understand, but it sounds wrong. Always use the imperfective 'poddawać'.
Try 'nie pękaj' or 'ciśnij dalej'.
Yes! 'Nie ma co czekać' (No point waiting), 'Nie ma co gadać' (No point talking).
Think of the 'sh' in 'sheep' but softer, followed by 'yeh'.
Related Phrases
nie pękaj
synonymdon't crack / don't chicken out
głowa do góry
similarchin up
walczyć do upadłego
builds onto fight until one drops
dać za wygraną
contrastto give up / to let someone else win
