Signification
The action of shutting a window.
Contexte culturel
The 'Przeciąg' (Draft) is a cultural obsession. Closing windows to prevent a cross-breeze is seen as essential for health. Polish developers use 'zamknąć okno' for closing UI elements, directly mirroring English terminology. There is an unwritten rule that the person sitting closest to the window decides if it should be open or closed, but they usually defer to the elderly. Despite the cold, 'wietrzenie' (airing out) is mandatory. You open the window wide for 5 minutes, then 'zamknąć okno' for the rest of the day.
The 'ą' sound
In 'zamknąć', the 'ą' is often pronounced more like 'on' before the 'ć'. Don't over-nasalize it.
The 'Shut Up' Trap
Remember: 'Zamknij okno' = Close the window. 'Zamknij się' = Shut up. Don't mix them!
Signification
The action of shutting a window.
The 'ą' sound
In 'zamknąć', the 'ą' is often pronounced more like 'on' before the 'ć'. Don't over-nasalize it.
The 'Shut Up' Trap
Remember: 'Zamknij okno' = Close the window. 'Zamknij się' = Shut up. Don't mix them!
Digital Polish
If you use Polish on your computer, you will see 'Zamknij' on every window. It's the best way to practice!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'zamknąć' (imperative).
Jest mi zimno. Proszę, _______ okno.
You are asking someone to do something right now, so the imperative 'zamknij' is required.
Which sentence is correct for turning off a light?
How do you say 'Close the light' in Polish?
You cannot 'close' a light in Polish; you must 'extinguish' (zgaś) it.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Czy możesz zamknąć okno? B: Tak, już _______.
The person is performing the action right now in response to the request.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a formal meeting and it's noisy outside.
This is the most polite and formal option suitable for a meeting.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Perfective vs Imperfective
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJest mi zimno. Proszę, _______ okno.
You are asking someone to do something right now, so the imperative 'zamknij' is required.
How do you say 'Close the light' in Polish?
You cannot 'close' a light in Polish; you must 'extinguish' (zgaś) it.
A: Czy możesz zamknąć okno? B: Tak, już _______.
The person is performing the action right now in response to the request.
You are in a formal meeting and it's noisy outside.
This is the most polite and formal option suitable for a meeting.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'zamknąć książkę' is perfectly correct.
The phrase itself is neutral. The formality comes from the verb form (e.g., 'Zamknij' vs 'Proszę zamknąć').
'Zamknąć' is for a one-time completed action. 'Zamykać' is for an ongoing or repeated action.
Use 'Czy mógłby pan/pani zamknąć okno?'
There is a strong cultural belief that 'przeciąg' (drafts) cause illness.
Yes, 'zamknąć okno w samochodzie' is the standard phrase.
It refers to the end of the period when sports teams can trade players.
It is neuter (to okno).
It can, but usually 'zamknąć na klucz' is used to specify locking with a key.
Yes, it means 'to close one's eyes'.
Expressions liées
otworzyć okno
contrastTo open the window
zamknąć drzwi
similarTo close the door
przymknąć okno
specialized formTo crack/partially close the window
zasłonić okno
similarTo draw the curtains/blinds
wyjrzeć przez okno
builds onTo look out the window
