Meaning
To perform work effectively.
Cultural Background
Poles value 'solidność' (reliability). Praising someone for 'doing a good job' is often more respected than praising them for being 'smart' or 'talented', as it acknowledges their actual output and effort. In the mining region of Silesia, 'robota' is a sacred word. It's not just a job; it's a way of life. Saying someone 'robi dobrą robotę' there carries a heavy weight of communal respect. In Warsaw's 'Mordor' (the business district), the phrase is used as a quick, efficient way to give feedback, often replacing more complex corporate jargon. Polish workers abroad are often stereotyped as being very hardworking. The phrase 'dobra robota' is a point of pride for many Polish contractors and professionals living abroad.
Use it for praise
It's the safest and most natural way to give a compliment in a Polish workplace.
Watch the endings
Don't forget the 'ą' and 'ę' endings. Without them, the sentence sounds broken.
Meaning
To perform work effectively.
Use it for praise
It's the safest and most natural way to give a compliment in a Polish workplace.
Watch the endings
Don't forget the 'ą' and 'ę' endings. Without them, the sentence sounds broken.
The 'Kawał' trick
Add 'kawał' (odwalić kawał dobrej roboty) to sound like a native speaker who really appreciates the effort.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'robić dobrą robotę'.
Mój zespół projektowy naprawdę ________ ________ ________.
The subject 'zespół' (team) is singular, so the verb must be 'robi'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to praise a colleague?
How would you say 'You did a great job' after a presentation?
'Zrobiłeś' is perfective (completed task), and 'dobrą robotę' is the correct idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skończyłem naprawiać twój rower. B: Widzę, że działa idealnie! ________ ________!
As an exclamation, we use the Nominative case: 'Dobra robota!'.
Match the phrase variation to the situation.
Which phrase fits a very big, impressive achievement?
'Kawał' (a piece/chunk) emphasizes the scale and effort of a large task.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Dobra Robota'
Work
- • Reports
- • Coding
- • Meetings
Home
- • Cleaning
- • Cooking
- • Repairs
Society
- • Charity
- • Volunteering
- • Teaching
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMój zespół projektowy naprawdę ________ ________ ________.
The subject 'zespół' (team) is singular, so the verb must be 'robi'.
How would you say 'You did a great job' after a presentation?
'Zrobiłeś' is perfective (completed task), and 'dobrą robotę' is the correct idiom.
A: Skończyłem naprawiać twój rower. B: Widzę, że działa idealnie! ________ ________!
As an exclamation, we use the Nominative case: 'Dobra robota!'.
Which phrase fits a very big, impressive achievement?
'Kawał' (a piece/chunk) emphasizes the scale and effort of a large task.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is informal. In this specific phrase, it's perfectly fine for work.
You can, but it sounds like a translation. 'Dobra robota' is the natural idiom.
'Robić' is for the process (You are doing...), 'zrobić' is for the result (You did...).
Just say 'Dobra robota!' with an enthusiastic tone.
Related Phrases
spisać się na medal
similarTo perform exceptionally well (literally: to perform for a medal).
odwalić manianę
contrastTo do a sloppy, poor job.
robić swoje
similarTo do one's duty/work steadily.
kawał dobrej roboty
builds onA great piece of work.
