Signification
Expressing regret about something.
Contexte culturel
Poles value sincere empathy. Saying 'Wielka szkoda' shows you are paying attention to the other person's feelings, which is crucial for building trust. In Polish business, 'Wielka szkoda' is a polite way to decline an offer without being too harsh. It softens the 'no'. On Polish Facebook or Instagram, 'Wielka szkoda' is a very common comment on posts about closed restaurants or cancelled events. The phrase is often used in historical discussions about 'what could have been' for Poland, reflecting a national sense of missed opportunities.
The 'Że' Connection
Always remember that 'Wielka szkoda' is almost always followed by 'że' if you want to add more information.
Not for Funerals
Never use this at a funeral. It sounds like you are talking about a missed bus, not a lost life.
Signification
Expressing regret about something.
The 'Że' Connection
Always remember that 'Wielka szkoda' is almost always followed by 'że' if you want to add more information.
Not for Funerals
Never use this at a funeral. It sounds like you are talking about a missed bus, not a lost life.
Sigh for Effect
Poles often sigh slightly before saying 'Wielka szkoda'. It adds to the sincerity of the regret.
Teste-toi
Choose the best response to the following news: 'Mój ulubiony zespół odwołał koncert.'
Mój ulubiony zespół odwołał koncert.
When a concert is cancelled, you express regret using 'Wielka szkoda'.
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
Wielka ____, że nie możesz przyjść na obiad.
The phrase is a fixed nominative form: 'Wielka szkoda'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Your friend lost their keys.
Losing keys is an unfortunate event that warrants an empathetic 'Wielka szkoda'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Nie mamy już sernika. B: ________. Bardzo go lubię.
The speaker is disappointed that the cheesecake is gone.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Wielka szkoda'
Situations
- • Cancelled plans
- • Bad weather
- • Sold out tickets
- • Lost items
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMój ulubiony zespół odwołał koncert.
When a concert is cancelled, you express regret using 'Wielka szkoda'.
Wielka ____, że nie możesz przyjść na obiad.
The phrase is a fixed nominative form: 'Wielka szkoda'.
Situation: Your friend lost their keys.
Losing keys is an unfortunate event that warrants an empathetic 'Wielka szkoda'.
A: Nie mamy już sernika. B: ________. Bardzo go lubię.
The speaker is disappointed that the cheesecake is gone.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in almost any context, from family dinners to business emails.
Yes, 'Szkoda' is very common and slightly more casual. 'Wielka szkoda' adds more emphasis.
There isn't a direct opposite phrase, but you might say 'To świetnie!' (That's great!) or 'Całe szczęście!' (Thank goodness!).
No, use 'Przepraszam' or 'Przykro mi' for personal mistakes.
Place your tongue slightly further back than for the English 'sh'. It should sound a bit 'thicker'.
Yes, very often. People sometimes just write 'szkoda' or use a sad emoji.
It's redundant. Just 'Wielka szkoda' or 'Straszna szkoda' is better.
No, in legal or insurance contexts, it means 'damage' or 'claim'.
Yes, 'Szkoda mi go' means 'I feel sorry for him'.
Yes, it is perfectly polite for professional regret.
'Szkoda' is for disappointment; 'żal' is for deeper sorrow or grief.
Yes, if said with a flat tone, it can mean 'I don't really care that it happened'.
Expressions liées
Przykro mi
similarI'm sorry / I feel bad
Jaka szkoda!
synonymWhat a pity!
Szkoda czasu
specialized formA waste of time
Bez szkody
contrastWithout harm
Szkoda gadać
builds onNot worth talking about
