Meaning
To be afraid to do something.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'odwaga cywilna' (civil courage) is taught in schools. it refers to the courage to stand up for one's beliefs against a majority or authority. Many Polish romantic heroes are defined by their struggle between 'odwaga' and 'powinność' (duty). The phrase 'odwaga bycia sobą' (the courage to be yourself) is a very popular self-help slogan in Poland today. During the partitions of Poland, 'odwaga' was synonymous with preserving the Polish language and culture under threat.
The 'Żeby' Trick
If you want to follow the phrase with a long explanation, just use 'żeby' + a verb. It's the easiest way to build complex sentences.
Genitive Alert
Never say 'nie mam odwaga'. It's the most common mistake for foreigners. Always 'odwagi'!
Meaning
To be afraid to do something.
The 'Żeby' Trick
If you want to follow the phrase with a long explanation, just use 'żeby' + a verb. It's the easiest way to build complex sentences.
Genitive Alert
Never say 'nie mam odwaga'. It's the most common mistake for foreigners. Always 'odwagi'!
Sound more native
Use 'brakuje mi odwagi' to sound more natural when talking about your own feelings of hesitation.
Politeness
Saying 'nie mam odwagi' is a very polite way to decline a challenge without sounding rude or lazy.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'odwaga'. Remember the negative rule!
Nie mam __________, żeby skoczyć ze spadochronem.
After 'nie mam', we must use the Genitive case: 'odwagi'.
Which sentence is the most natural for a social situation?
Chcę zaprosić ją na kawę, ale...
'Nie mam odwagi' is the standard way to say you're too shy/scared to act.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Dlaczego nie powiedziałeś prawdy? B: Bo nie __________ odwagi.
The question is in the past tense ('powiedziałeś'), so the answer should also be in the past tense ('miałem' for a male speaker).
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are at a high bridge and feel scared to look down.
Looking down from a height is a classic situation where one lacks courage.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Bać się vs Nie mieć odwagi
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNie mam __________, żeby skoczyć ze spadochronem.
After 'nie mam', we must use the Genitive case: 'odwagi'.
Chcę zaprosić ją na kawę, ale...
'Nie mam odwagi' is the standard way to say you're too shy/scared to act.
A: Dlaczego nie powiedziałeś prawdy? B: Bo nie __________ odwagi.
The question is in the past tense ('powiedziałeś'), so the answer should also be in the past tense ('miałem' for a male speaker).
You are at a high bridge and feel scared to look down.
Looking down from a height is a classic situation where one lacks courage.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but usually in the context of an action, like 'Nie mam odwagi spojrzeć w dół' (I don't have the courage to look down).
In this phrase, it is always 'odwagi' because of the negation 'nie'.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or even your boss.
The opposite is 'mieć odwagę' (to have courage) or 'być odważnym' (to be brave).
It's better to say 'Nie mam odwagi, żeby z tobą porozmawiać' or 'Nie mam odwagi do tej rozmowy'.
You say 'Nie miałem odwagi' (male) or 'Nie miałam odwagi' (female).
Yes, but it's very vulgar (like 'not having balls'). Avoid it in polite company.
Only if the food is something scary or disgusting, like 'Nie mam odwagi spróbować tych robaków'.
It can imply shyness, but it specifically means you are too afraid to act in that moment.
The Genitive case follows 'do'. For example: 'do tej rozmowy'.
Related Phrases
odważyć się
similarto dare / to venture
mieć odwagę
contrastto have the courage
tchórzyć
synonymto chicken out
bać się
similarto be afraid
wahać się
similarto hesitate
