Bedeutung
it is worth attempting even if uncertain
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase reflects the Polish 'kombinowanie' spirit—finding a way through obstacles by trying different, low-risk angles. In Polish offices, this is used to suggest innovative ideas without taking full responsibility for potential failure. Poles use this to avoid sounding too pushy. It frames the advice as a logical choice rather than a command. During the PRL (communist) era, 'nie zaszkodzi spróbować' was a survival strategy for getting better goods or services in a shortage economy.
Use it to soften advice
If you want to suggest something to a superior, start with 'Nie zaszkodzi spróbować...' to make it sound like a low-risk experiment rather than a demand.
Don't use for danger
Never use this for things that are actually harmful, like 'Nie zaszkodzi spróbować skoczyć z dachu'. It sounds insane.
Bedeutung
it is worth attempting even if uncertain
Use it to soften advice
If you want to suggest something to a superior, start with 'Nie zaszkodzi spróbować...' to make it sound like a low-risk experiment rather than a demand.
Don't use for danger
Never use this for things that are actually harmful, like 'Nie zaszkodzi spróbować skoczyć z dachu'. It sounds insane.
The 'Nic' addition
Adding 'Nic' (Nic nie zaszkodzi spróbować) makes you sound more like a native speaker and adds emphasis.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Może zapytaj o zniżkę? Nie ________ spróbować.
The future form 'zaszkodzi' is the standard part of this idiom.
Which of these is the most natural way to encourage a friend to apply for a job?
Ania: Boję się wysłać CV. Marek: ...
This is the canonical, most idiomatic form.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: You are not sure if a new software will work on your old computer.
Contextual logic: software is installed.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Czy myślisz, że on mi wybaczy? B: Nie wiem, ale ...
The phrase is often followed by a more specific action (talking to him).
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMoże zapytaj o zniżkę? Nie ________ spróbować.
The future form 'zaszkodzi' is the standard part of this idiom.
Ania: Boję się wysłać CV. Marek: ...
This is the canonical, most idiomatic form.
Situation: You are not sure if a new software will work on your old computer.
Contextual logic: software is installed.
A: Czy myślisz, że on mi wybaczy? B: Nie wiem, ale ...
The phrase is often followed by a more specific action (talking to him).
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, that's the past tense. It means 'It didn't hurt to try' (even if it failed).
'Warto' means 'it's worth it' (focus on gain). 'Nie zaszkodzi' means 'it won't hurt' (focus on lack of risk).
'Zaszkodzi' is future perfective, implying a potential future consequence of the specific attempt.
Yes, if you are suggesting a new approach to a task. It shows initiative and pragmatism.
Yes, common in emails and articles, though less so in very formal legal documents.
No, it sounds pragmatic. It's a 'safe' way to be optimistic.
Absolutely. It's perfect for encouraging someone to try a new dish.
Translating 'hurt' literally as 'boleć'. Remember to use 'szkodzić'.
Use the conditional: 'Nie zaszkodziłoby spróbować'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
warto spróbować
similarit's worth trying
nic nie tracisz
synonymyou lose nothing
raz kozie śmierć
specialized forma goat only dies once
do odważnych świat należy
builds onthe world belongs to the brave
