Meaning
to not be affected by something
Cultural Background
The phrase is linked to the concept of 'znieczulica', a term used to criticize the lack of social empathy in modern Polish cities. Many Polish poets, like Wisława Szymborska, explore themes of indifference and the 'passing by' of life's important moments. Polish NGOs (like WOŚP or PAH) frequently use this phrase in their campaigns to mobilize the public. During the partitions of Poland, 'not passing indifferently' was a call to maintain national identity and support the resistance.
Use with 'nie sposób'
A very elegant way to use this is 'Nie sposób przejść obojętnie obok...' (It's impossible to ignore...).
Preposition Trap
Remember: 'obok' for people/things, 'wobec' for situations/problems.
Meaning
to not be affected by something
Use with 'nie sposób'
A very elegant way to use this is 'Nie sposób przejść obojętnie obok...' (It's impossible to ignore...).
Preposition Trap
Remember: 'obok' for people/things, 'wobec' for situations/problems.
The 'Znieczulica' Connection
If you use this phrase in an essay about society, mention 'znieczulica społeczna' to sound like a C1/C2 student.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition (obok or wobec).
Nie możemy przejść obojętnie _______ cierpienia zwierząt.
We use 'wobec' for abstract concepts like 'suffering'.
Which sentence describes a social slight?
Które zdanie pasuje do sytuacji, w której kolega cię zignorował?
Physical ignoring uses 'obok'. 'Wobec mnie' sounds like he is indifferent to your existence in a more philosophical way.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
A: Widziałeś ten plakat o głodujących dzieciach? B: Tak, straszne. Nie wolno nam _________ _________ wobec takich tragedii.
Both could work, but 'przejść' is more common in this fixed expression of moral duty.
Match the sentence to the context.
1. 'Nie przechodź obojętnie!' 2. 'Przeszedł obojętnie obok wystawy.'
The imperative is a classic charity slogan.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Obok vs Wobec
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNie możemy przejść obojętnie _______ cierpienia zwierząt.
We use 'wobec' for abstract concepts like 'suffering'.
Które zdanie pasuje do sytuacji, w której kolega cię zignorował?
Physical ignoring uses 'obok'. 'Wobec mnie' sounds like he is indifferent to your existence in a more philosophical way.
A: Widziałeś ten plakat o głodujących dzieciach? B: Tak, straszne. Nie wolno nam _________ _________ wobec takich tragedii.
Both could work, but 'przejść' is more common in this fixed expression of moral duty.
1. 'Nie przechodź obojętnie!' 2. 'Przeszedł obojętnie obok wystawy.'
The imperative is a classic charity slogan.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot exactly. If you didn't like it, you were bored. You 'przeszłeś obojętnie' only if the movie didn't evoke *any* emotion or interest at all, like you didn't even care to finish it.
90% of the time, yes. However, it can be positive when describing art or a person's beauty ('Nie można przejść obojętnie'), meaning it's impossible *not* to notice.
'Przejść' is for one specific time (He walked past me yesterday). 'Przechodzić' is for habits (People usually walk past).
No, that's a common mistake. Use 'obok' for physical passing.
Related Phrases
zignorować
synonymTo ignore
zbagatelizować
similarTo downplay or trivialize
zareagować
contrastTo react
zatrzymać się
contrastTo stop
