Meaning
Asking someone not to mention something.
Cultural Background
Poles are notoriously superstitious about 'zapeszanie' (jinxing). Saying something positive before it happens is seen as inviting bad luck. 'Nie wymawiaj tego' is the standard verbal shield. In ancient times, certain animals like the wolf (wilk) were never called by their true name to avoid summoning them. This created a culture of linguistic avoidance that persists in this phrase. The phrase gained a 'cool' or 'dark' edge with the popularity of Harry Potter, where the translation for 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named' heavily utilized the verb 'wymawiać'. There is a strong tradition of 'not washing dirty linen in public.' If a family member brings up a taboo topic, 'nie wymawiaj tego' is a sharp way to enforce family loyalty and silence.
Use it for 'Voldemort' moments
If you want to sound like a native, use this when someone mentions a 'forbidden' person in your social circle. It adds a touch of humor and drama.
The Genitive Trap
Never say 'Nie wymawiaj to.' It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Always 'tego'!
Meaning
Asking someone not to mention something.
Use it for 'Voldemort' moments
If you want to sound like a native, use this when someone mentions a 'forbidden' person in your social circle. It adds a touch of humor and drama.
The Genitive Trap
Never say 'Nie wymawiaj to.' It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Always 'tego'!
Knock on Wood
When you say 'Nie wymawiaj tego' to avoid a jinx, it's very Polish to also knock on a wooden table (unpainted if possible!).
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the object after 'Nie wymawiaj...'
Nie wymawiaj ______ (to).
Negation in Polish requires the Genitive case. 'To' becomes 'tego'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Someone is about to say the name of your ex-boyfriend who broke your heart.
This phrase is used to protect emotional boundaries.
Complete the sentence to warn someone about jinxing.
Nie wymawiaj tego, bo ______!
'Zapeszysz' means 'you will jinx it,' which is the most common reason to use this phrase.
What would Ania say to stop Marek from jinxing the weather?
Marek: 'Jutro na pewno będzie słońce!' Ania: '______'
Ania wants to prevent Marek from jinxing the good weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNie wymawiaj ______ (to).
Negation in Polish requires the Genitive case. 'To' becomes 'tego'.
Someone is about to say the name of your ex-boyfriend who broke your heart.
This phrase is used to protect emotional boundaries.
Nie wymawiaj tego, bo ______!
'Zapeszysz' means 'you will jinx it,' which is the most common reason to use this phrase.
Marek: 'Jutro na pewno będzie słońce!' Ania: '______'
Ania wants to prevent Marek from jinxing the good weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on the tone. It can be a playful warning among friends or a very firm, serious request in a family setting. Use 'proszę' to make it softer.
No, if you are struggling with pronunciation, you would say 'Nie umiem tego wymówić' (I can't pronounce this).
'Mówić' is the general verb for speaking. 'Wymawiać' specifically refers to the act of articulating sounds or uttering a specific word.
Because of the 'Genitive of Negation' rule in Polish. Negative verbs take the genitive case for their direct objects.
Only informally, like when discussing a deal that isn't signed yet. 'Nie wymawiajmy tego, dopóki nie ma podpisu.'
Use the plural form: 'Nie wymawiajcie tego.'
No, for an opinion, use 'Nie mów tak' or 'Nie mów takich rzeczy.'
Yes, very often in dramas or fantasy movies when referring to a curse or a secret.
Avoiding bad luck (jinxing) is by far the most frequent use in daily Polish life.
Yes, that is a very common and clear way to use the phrase.
Related Phrases
Nie zapeszaj
similarDon't jinx it.
Nie mów o tym
synonymDon't talk about it.
Ugryź się w język
builds onBite your tongue.
Milcz jak grób
contrastBe silent as a grave.
