Meaning
To make someone want something.
Cultural Background
In Poland, the phrase is often used as a polite way to accept food or a suggestion. It signals that the host's description was successful. On Polish Instagram, 'robienie ochoty' is a common strategy for food and travel influencers. The hashtag #zrobiliscieochote is used by followers. Polish ads often use the question 'Zrobiliśmy Ci ochotę?' (Did we make you want it?) to engage consumers directly. Using this phrase for a coffee break is a common 'social lubricant' in Polish offices to encourage colleagues to take a break together.
Use it to compliment
If someone is cooking, saying 'Ale robisz mi ochotę tym zapachem!' is a great way to compliment their cooking before you even taste it.
Watch the case!
Remember: Mi (Dative), not Mnie (Accusative). This is the most common error for B1 learners.
Meaning
To make someone want something.
Use it to compliment
If someone is cooking, saying 'Ale robisz mi ochotę tym zapachem!' is a great way to compliment their cooking before you even taste it.
Watch the case!
Remember: Mi (Dative), not Mnie (Accusative). This is the most common error for B1 learners.
The 'Smacznego' connection
Poles love talking about food. Using this phrase shows you are engaged in the sensory experience of the meal.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words in the correct case.
Twoje zdjęcia z Paryża zrobiły ______ (ja) wielką ______ (ochota) na podróż.
We use the Dative 'mi' for the person and Accusative 'ochotę' for the object of the verb 'zrobić'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'You made me want pizza'?
'Mi' is Dative, 'na' is the correct preposition, and 'pizzę' is Accusative.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Ale ten sernik wygląda pysznie! B: Nie mów tak, bo ______ mi ______ na słodycze, a jestem na diecie!
The speaker is currently being tempted, so the imperfective 'robisz' is used.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your friend is describing a very relaxing weekend in the spa.
You are expressing that their description has triggered a desire in you.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTwoje zdjęcia z Paryża zrobiły ______ (ja) wielką ______ (ochota) na podróż.
We use the Dative 'mi' for the person and Accusative 'ochotę' for the object of the verb 'zrobić'.
How do you say 'You made me want pizza'?
'Mi' is Dative, 'na' is the correct preposition, and 'pizzę' is Accusative.
A: Ale ten sernik wygląda pysznie! B: Nie mów tak, bo ______ mi ______ na słodycze, a jestem na diecie!
The speaker is currently being tempted, so the imperfective 'robisz' is used.
Situation: Your friend is describing a very relaxing weekend in the spa.
You are expressing that their description has triggered a desire in you.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not used for romantic attraction. For that, use 'wpaść komuś w oko' or 'czuć pociąg'.
'Ochota' is more about a whim or a craving, while 'chęć' is more about a general willingness or intent.
Both are correct. 'Narobić' is slightly more informal and emphasizes a larger amount of desire.
Yes, but you usually need a noun. Instead of 'zrobić ochotę biegać', say 'zrobić ochotę na bieganie'.
Yes, it's very neutral and polite. It's safe to use with your boss or a stranger.
Use 'Zrobiłeś mi na to ochotę'.
Absolutely! 'Ten zapach zrobił mi ochotę na kawę' is a very common sentence.
Yes: 'Nie rób mi ochoty' (Don't tempt me).
The most common slang version is 'zrobić komuś smaka'.
In this idiom, yes. It's a fixed prepositional pair.
Related Phrases
nabrać ochoty
similarTo start wanting something.
mieć na coś ochotę
builds onTo feel like having/doing something.
narobić komuś apetytu
synonymTo whet someone's appetite.
skusić się na coś
builds onTo be tempted into having/doing something.
zrobić komuś smaka
specialized formTo make someone's mouth water (slang).
