Meaning
to gain the support or liking of others
Cultural Background
In Poland, 'zjednywanie sobie ludzi' often happens over a shared meal or coffee. The concept of 'gościnność' (hospitality) is a primary tool for winning people over. The American equivalent 'winning friends and influencing people' (Dale Carnegie) is more focused on networking and efficiency, whereas the Polish 'zjednać' feels more about deep sympathy. In Japan, winning people over is often about 'reading the air' (kuuki wo yomu) and showing humility, rather than the overt charisma often implied in Poland. In many Middle Eastern cultures, 'zjednywanie sobie ludzi' is deeply tied to family honor and long-term relationship building through mutual favors.
Use the Imperfective for Skills
When talking about someone's personality, always use 'zjednywać'. Example: 'On ma talent do zjednywania sobie ludzi'.
Don't Forget 'Sobie'
Without 'sobie', you are a matchmaker or a mediator, not a charismatic leader!
Meaning
to gain the support or liking of others
Use the Imperfective for Skills
When talking about someone's personality, always use 'zjednywać'. Example: 'On ma talent do zjednywania sobie ludzi'.
Don't Forget 'Sobie'
Without 'sobie', you are a matchmaker or a mediator, not a charismatic leader!
Authenticity Matters
In Poland, if you try too hard to 'zjednać sobie' someone, you might be seen as 'nieszczery' (insincere).
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Nowy dyrektor musiał ciężko pracować, aby ________ sobie zaufanie pracowników.
We need the infinitive form 'zjednać' after 'musiał'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
The idiom requires the dative reflexive 'sobie' and the Accusative object 'ludzi'.
Match the action to the result.
Jeśli będziesz słuchać innych i pomagać im, to...
Winning people over to yourself is 'zjednać ich sobie'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jak on to robi, że wszyscy go uwielbiają? B: On po prostu ma dar ________ sobie ludzi.
We need the gerund form of the imperfective verb 'zjednywać' to describe a general talent.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNowy dyrektor musiał ciężko pracować, aby ________ sobie zaufanie pracowników.
We need the infinitive form 'zjednać' after 'musiał'.
Choose the correct option:
The idiom requires the dative reflexive 'sobie' and the Accusative object 'ludzi'.
Jeśli będziesz słuchać innych i pomagać im, to...
Winning people over to yourself is 'zjednać ich sobie'.
A: Jak on to robi, że wszyscy go uwielbiają? B: On po prostu ma dar ________ sobie ludzi.
We need the gerund form of the imperfective verb 'zjednywać' to describe a general talent.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. 'Make friends' is 'zaprzyjaźnić się'. 'Zjednać sobie' is more about gaining support or sympathy, often in a professional or broader social context.
Yes, but it sounds a bit formal. 'Zjednał sobie jej serce' (He won her heart) is poetic and beautiful.
There isn't one perfect word, but 'zrazić sobie kogoś' (to alienate someone) is the direct opposite.
Yes, it's very professional. 'Chciałbym zjednać sobie Państwa przychylność dla tego pomysłu' is a great formal line.
It can, but usually, it implies genuine charisma. Context is key.
Yes, 'zjednać sobie tłumy' or 'zjednać sobie zespół' are very common.
It takes the Accusative case (Biernik) for the people you are winning over.
'Zjednać' is perfective (completed action). 'Zjednywać' is imperfective (ongoing action).
Yes! 'Zjednał sobie psa kawałkiem mięsa' (He won over the dog with a piece of meat).
Yes, it's a staple of high-level Polish and very useful for C1 learners.
Related Phrases
zaskarbić sobie czyjeś względy
synonymto win someone's favor through long-term effort
pozyskać zwolenników
similarto gain supporters
urobić kogoś
informalto work someone over / to manipulate someone into agreeing
przypodobać się komuś
similarto try to make someone like you
pociągnąć za sobą tłumy
builds onto lead the masses
