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A1 verb 11 min read

zarabiać

Examples zarabiać in 30 Seconds
Explanation zarabiać in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'zarabiać' is introduced as a basic action verb related to work and daily life. Students learn to conjugate it in the present tense (ja zarabiam, ty zarabiasz) and use it with simple objects like 'pieniądze' (money) or 'dużo' (a lot). The focus is on being able to say what one does for a living and that they earn money. For example, 'Pracuję i zarabiam' (I work and earn). At this stage, learners don't need to worry about complex aspectual differences (perfective vs. imperfective) but should understand that this word describes their ongoing job situation. It's often taught alongside vocabulary for professions and numbers to allow students to describe their economic reality in a very simple way.
At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'zarabiać' with more complex sentence structures. They learn to use the preposition 'na' to express the goal of their earning, such as 'Zarabiam na wakacje' (I'm earning for a vacation). They also start to use adverbs to describe how they earn, such as 'dobrze' (well) or 'mało' (little). A2 students should be able to ask basic questions about earnings, like 'Ile zarabiasz?', though they should also be taught the cultural nuances of such a question. This level also introduces the past tense 'zarabiałem/zarabiałam', allowing learners to talk about their previous jobs and how much they used to earn.
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By B1, students should have a solid grasp of the difference between the imperfective 'zarabiać' and the perfective 'zarobić'. They use 'zarabiać' to describe trends, habits, and long-term states. For example, 'W Polsce lekarze zarabiają coraz więcej' (In Poland, doctors are earning more and more). B1 learners start to use the verb in conditional sentences: 'Gdybym zarabiał więcej, kupiłbym dom' (If I earned more, I would buy a house). They also encounter the word in more professional contexts, such as discussing 'zarobki brutto' (gross earnings) vs. 'zarobki netto' (net earnings) and understanding the nuances of different types of employment contracts in Poland.
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At the B2 level, 'zarabiać' is used in more abstract and formal contexts. Students learn to use it in discussions about economics, social justice, and market trends. They might analyze articles about the 'gender pay gap' (luka płacowa) and use 'zarabiać' to compare different demographic groups. B2 learners are expected to use the verb with more sophisticated collocations like 'zarabiać na życie' (to earn a living) or 'zarabiać na marży' (to earn on a margin). They also begin to recognize figurative uses, such as 'zarabiać na zaufanie' (to earn trust), although 'pracować na zaufanie' is more common. Their command of the verb allows them to participate in debates about the ethics of earning and wealth distribution.
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C1 learners use 'zarabiać' with a high degree of precision and stylistic variety. They can distinguish between 'zarabiać', 'pobierać', 'zyskiwać', and 'czerpać korzyści' with ease. They use 'zarabiać' in complex idiomatic expressions and are aware of its historical roots. At this level, students can write professional reports or academic essays discussing how certain sectors 'zarabiają na innowacjach' (earn through innovations). They understand the subtle social implications of using different synonyms and can adjust their register from formal business Polish to colloquial slang ('kosić kasę') depending on the audience. Their usage is fluid, natural, and grammatically flawless even in complex subordinate clauses.
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At the C2 level, 'zarabiać' is a tool for nuanced expression in literature, high-level diplomacy, or philosophical discourse. A C2 speaker might use the verb to discuss the 'earning' of historical merit or the metaphorical 'earning' of one's place in society. They are sensitive to the word's resonance in different historical periods of Polish literature—from the labor-focused prose of the 19th century to the capitalist-driven narratives of the post-1989 era. They can play with the word in puns, use it in highly technical financial contexts, and understand every possible shade of meaning, including the irony or sarcasm that might be conveyed by its use in specific social situations.
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Examples

zarabiać in 30 Seconds

  • Zarabiać is an imperfective verb meaning 'to earn money' through work or business activities over time.
  • It is conjugated regularly and typically takes the Accusative case for the amount or thing being earned.
  • Commonly used in phrases like 'zarabiać na życie' (to earn a living) or 'zarabiać na dom' (earning for a house).
  • It differs from the perfective 'zarobić', which focuses on a single completed earning event or a specific sum.

The Polish verb zarabiać is a fundamental pillar of daily conversation, primarily translating to the English verb 'to earn' or 'to make money.' At its core, it describes the process of receiving financial compensation in exchange for labor, services, or professional expertise. However, its utility extends beyond the mere transaction of currency; it encapsulates the effort and time invested in a pursuit. In the Polish linguistic landscape, zarabiać is an imperfective verb, meaning it focuses on the ongoing action, the habit, or the process of earning, rather than a single completed instance of getting paid (which would be the perfective zarobić).

Professional Context
Used when discussing salaries, hourly wages, or the general profitability of a career path. For example, asking someone how much their profession typically pays.
Entrepreneurial Context
Used when a business is generating revenue or 'earning' its keep in a competitive market.

Mój brat ciężko pracuje, żeby zarabiać na swoje utrzymanie.

Translation: My brother works hard to earn a living.

Culturally, Poles may be more reserved about stating their exact earnings compared to some Western cultures, but the verb itself is used constantly in discussions about the economy, job satisfaction, and life goals. It is often paired with the preposition na (for/on) to indicate what the money is being earned for, such as zarabiać na dom (earning for a house). This versatility makes it one of the first verbs a learner should master to navigate social and professional settings in Poland.

Czy programiści w Polsce dobrze zarabiają?

Translation: Do programmers in Poland earn well?

The word's etymology is also fascinating, rooted in the Old Slavic 'rabъ' meaning servant or worker. While the modern word has lost any connotation of servitude, it retains the strong link between labor and reward. In a broader sense, zarabiać can also be used figuratively, such as 'earning' respect or 'earning' a punishment, though the financial meaning is dominant. When you use this word, you are speaking about the engine of the economy—the effort people put in every day to sustain their lives and families.

Social Context
Common in small talk about the cost of living and whether certain jobs are 'worth it' based on what one can earn.

Chcę zarabiać więcej pieniędzy, żeby podróżować.

Ona zarabia jako tłumaczka.

Using zarabiać correctly requires an understanding of Polish verb conjugation and case government. As a first-conjugation verb ending in -ać, it follows a predictable pattern in the present tense. You must match the ending to the subject: ja zarabiam (I earn), ty zarabiasz (you earn), on/ona/ono zarabia (he/she/it earns), my zarabiamy (we earn), wy zarabiacie (you all earn), and oni/one zarabiają (they earn).

The Accusative Case
The object of your earning (what you earn) must be in the Accusative case (Biernik). For example: 'Zarabiam duże pieniądze' (I earn big money).

Czy ty zarabiasz wystarczająco, by opłacić czynsz?

Translation: Do you earn enough to pay the rent?

When you want to specify the purpose of the earning, use the preposition na followed by the Accusative. This is very common when talking about saving for specific goals. For instance, 'Zarabiam na nowe auto' (I am earning for a new car). If you are talking about a profession, you can use jako (as) followed by the Nominative: 'Zarabiam jako lekarz' (I earn [money] as a doctor).

Negative Sentences
In negative sentences, the Accusative object usually changes to the Genitive (Dopełniacz). 'Nie zarabiam pieniędzy' (I don't earn money).

Oni zarabiają głównie na sprzedaży owoców.

Translation: They earn mainly from selling fruit.

In the past tense, zarabiać indicates a habitual action in the past. 'Kiedyś zarabiałem mało' (I used to earn little). If you want to talk about a specific sum earned once, you must switch to zarobić. This distinction is crucial for sounding natural. For learners, focusing on the present tense 'zarabiam' is the best way to start talking about your job and lifestyle.

Questions about Earnings
'Ile zarabiasz?' (How much do you earn?) is a direct question. Use it carefully as it can be considered intrusive.

Nie chcę zarabiać kosztem swojego zdrowia.

Translation: I don't want to earn at the expense of my health.

Moja firma zaczęła w końcu zarabiać.

You will encounter zarabiać in a variety of real-world scenarios, from formal news broadcasts to casual coffee shop chats. In the workplace, HR managers use it during salary negotiations, often asking about your 'oczekiwania finansowe' (financial expectations) and how much you 'chciałbyś zarabiać' (would like to earn). On the streets of Warsaw or Kraków, you might overhear young professionals discussing which industries 'pozwalają zarabiać' (allow one to earn) the most.

In the Media
News headlines often feature the word when discussing the 'średnia krajowa' (national average wage) or when reporting on how much top CEOs or athletes earn annually.

W tej branży można naprawdę dobrze zarabiać.

Translation: In this industry, one can really earn well.

At home, parents might use the word when teaching children about the value of money, perhaps explaining that they need to zarabiać to buy toys or go on vacation. It’s also a common topic in student circles, where people look for part-time jobs to dorobić (earn extra) while studying. The word is ubiquitous because it touches upon the necessity of survival and the desire for prosperity.

At the Bank
When applying for a loan, the bank will ask 'ile Pan/Pani zarabia miesięcznie?' (how much do you earn monthly?) to assess your creditworthiness.

Mój sąsiad zarabia na wynajmie mieszkań.

Translation: My neighbor earns from renting out apartments.

Furthermore, in the digital age, you'll see zarabiać on YouTube titles or blog posts like 'Jak zarabiać przez internet?' (How to earn through the internet?). This shows the word's adaptation to modern gig-economy contexts. Whether it's a traditional 9-to-5 or a creative side hustle, zarabiać is the verb that describes the flow of wealth from effort to pocket.

In Literature
Authors use the word to describe the struggles of characters or their rise to wealth, often contrasting 'zarabiać' (honest earning) with 'kraść' (stealing).

Przestań narzekać i zacznij zarabiać!

Ile można zarabiać jako grafik?

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using zarabiać is failing to distinguish between the imperfective zarabiać and the perfective zarobić. In English, 'to earn' covers both the process and the result. In Polish, if you say 'Ja zarabiam 5000 złotych,' you are talking about your regular monthly salary. If you say 'Ja zarobiłem 5000 złotych,' you mean you have already earned that specific amount, perhaps from a single project.

Case Confusion
Another common pitfall is using the wrong case after the verb. Remember: Positive statement = Accusative. Negative statement = Genitive. Saying 'Nie zarabiam pieniądze' is a grammatical error; it must be 'Nie zarabiam pieniędzy'.

Mistake: Chcę zarabiać na życie jako kucharza.

Correction: Chcę zarabiać na życie jako kucharz.

Explanation: Use Nominative after 'jako'.

Another mistake involves the preposition na. Some learners try to translate 'earn from' literally using z or od. While you can say 'zarabiać na czymś' (to earn on/from something), using 'od' (from a person) is usually reserved for receiving money, not earning it through work. Stick to na + Accusative for the source or purpose of earnings.

Confusion with 'Pracować'
Learners often use 'pracować' (to work) when they mean 'zarabiać'. While related, they are not interchangeable. You work at a place, but you earn money. Avoid saying 'Pracuję 3000 złotych'.

On zarabia (nie: zarobi) co miesiąc tę samą kwotę.

Explanation: Use imperfective for recurring monthly earnings.

Finally, be careful with the word zarobki (earnings/income). While zarabiać is the verb, zarobki is the noun. Don't confuse the two in sentences like 'Moje zarabiać są niskie' (should be 'Moje zarobki są niskie'). Mastering these nuances will prevent common 'Anglicisms' and make your Polish sound much more authentic and professional.

Preposition Pitfall
Don't say 'zarabiać pieniądze dla firmy' if you mean 'making money for the company' in a sales sense; usually 'zarabiać dla' is used for people, while 'przynosić zysk' (bring profit) is used for firms.

Mistake: On zarabia na życie przez granie.

Correction: On zarabia na życie grając.

Nie zarabiam (nie: zarabiam nie) ani grosza.

While zarabiać is the most common way to say 'to earn,' the Polish language offers several alternatives depending on the context and the 'vibe' of the earning. Understanding these synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you're talking about a side hustle, a corporate bonus, or a long-term investment.

Dorabiać vs. Zarabiać
'Dorabiać' means to earn extra money on top of your main income. It's often used for side jobs or student work. Example: 'Dorabiam jako kelner w weekendy' (I earn extra as a waiter on weekends).
Zyskiwać vs. Zarabiać
'Zyskiwać' means 'to gain' or 'to profit.' It's more abstract and often used for non-monetary gains like experience or respect, or for financial profit in a business sense (e.g., 'zyskać na giełdzie').

On pobiera wysoką pensję, ale mało pracuje.

Note: 'Pobierać' (to collect/draw) is more formal, often used for pensions or official salaries.

Another interesting alternative is wyciągać (literally: to pull out), which is slangy and used to describe how much one 'clears' or 'makes' in a job. 'Ile wyciągasz miesięcznie?' is a very informal way to ask 'How much do you make?'. On the more formal side, you might see osiągać dochód (to achieve/reach an income), which is common in tax documents and financial reports.

Comparison: Zarabiać vs. Dostawać
'Dostawać' (to get/receive) is passive. You 'get' a salary, but you 'earn' it. Poles often say 'Dostaję 4000 na rękę' (I get 4000 net/in hand).

Muszę dorobić do czynszu w tym miesiącu.

Translation: I need to earn extra for the rent this month.

In business contexts, generować przychód (to generate revenue) is the preferred term for companies. If you are talking about 'earning' a living in a very modest or difficult way, you might hear uciułać (to scrape together/save up slowly). Lastly, kosić kasę (literally: to mow cash) is a very common slang term for making a lot of money quickly. Choosing between these depends entirely on who you are talking to and what kind of 'earning' you are describing.

Formal Alternative
'Czerpać korzyści finansowe' (to derive financial benefits) is used in legal or academic texts.

Oni koszą niezłą kasę na tym nowym projekcie.

Ile można wyciągnąć z tej furgonetki z jedzeniem?

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Examples by Level

1

Ja zarabiam pieniądze.

I earn money.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

Czy ty zarabiasz?

Do you earn?

Question form.

3

On zarabia mało.

He earns little.

Adverb usage.

4

My zarabiamy w biurze.

We earn in the office.

1st person plural.

5

Ona zarabia dużo.

She earns a lot.

3rd person singular.

6

Oni nie zarabiają.

They don't earn.

Negation.

7

Gdzie zarabiasz pieniądze?

Where do you earn money?

Interrogative.

8

Zarabiam na chleb.

I earn for bread (idiom for basic living).

Preposition 'na'.

1

Zarabiam na nowe auto.

I am earning for a new car.

Future goal with 'na'.

2

Mój tata zarabia jako kierowca.

My dad earns as a driver.

Using 'jako' for profession.

3

Ile zarabiasz miesięcznie?

How much do you earn monthly?

Time adverb 'miesięcznie'.

4

Ona zarabia na swoje studia.

She earns for her studies.

Possessive pronoun usage.

5

Czy w tej pracy dobrze się zarabia?

Does one earn well in this job?

Reflexive impersonal form.

6

Nie chcę zarabiać tak mało.

I don't want to earn so little.

Infinitive after 'chcieć'.

7

Oni zarabiają na sprzedaży kwiatów.

They earn from selling flowers.

Preposition 'na' + noun.

8

Kiedyś zarabiałem więcej.

I used to earn more.

Past tense masculine.

1

Zarabianie pieniędzy nie jest najważniejsze.

Earning money is not the most important thing.

Gerund form 'zarabianie'.

2

Muszę zacząć zarabiać na własne życie.

I must start earning for my own life.

Phrasal verb 'zacząć zarabiać'.

3

Większość moich znajomych zarabia za granicą.

Most of my friends earn abroad.

Locative phrase.

4

On zarabia wystarczająco, by utrzymać rodzinę.

He earns enough to support a family.

Conjunction 'by'.

5

Czy można zarabiać na hobby?

Is it possible to earn from a hobby?

Modal 'można'.

6

Firma zaczęła zarabiać po roku działalności.

The company started earning after a year of operation.

Past tense feminine (firma).

7

Zarabiam na prowizji od sprzedaży.

I earn on commission from sales.

Specific financial term 'prowizja'.

8

Chciałbym zarabiać tyle, co on.

I would like to earn as much as him.

Conditional mood.

1

Zarabiamy na marży, a nie na objętości.

We earn on the margin, not on volume.

Business vocabulary.

2

Oni zarabiają na niewiedzy swoich klientów.

They earn from their clients' ignorance.

Abstract object 'niewiedza'.

3

Jakie są szanse, by zarabiać na tym projekcie?

What are the chances to earn on this project?

Noun 'szanse' + infinitive.

4

Zarabiać na życie jako freelancer to wyzwanie.

Earning a living as a freelancer is a challenge.

Subject as a gerund phrase.

5

Nauczyciele powinni zarabiać godnie.

Teachers should earn with dignity/well.

Adverb 'godnie'.

6

Nie da się zarabiać bez inwestowania.

It's impossible to earn without investing.

Impersonal phrase 'nie da się'.

7

Zarabiała na pisaniu artykułów naukowych.

She was earning by writing scientific articles.

Past continuous sense.

8

Zarabiamy na wynajmie nieruchomości.

We earn from renting real estate.

Plural 1st person.

1

Spółka przestała zarabiać na rynkach wschodzących.

The company stopped earning on emerging markets.

Complex noun phrase.

2

Trudno jest zarabiać na zaufaniu w dzisiejszych czasach.

It is difficult to earn (build) trust nowadays.

Figurative usage.

3

Zarabianie na cudzej krzywdzie jest niemoralne.

Earning from someone else's harm is immoral.

Ethical context.

4

Zarabia na życie, spekulując na giełdzie.

He earns a living by speculating on the stock market.

Present participle 'spekulując'.

5

Autorzy rzadko zarabiają na swoich pierwszych książkach.

Authors rarely earn on their first books.

Frequency adverb 'rzadko'.

6

Zarabiać na pasji to marzenie wielu osób.

Earning from passion is a dream of many people.

Abstract concept 'pasja'.

7

Oni zarabiają głównie na optymalizacji podatkowej.

They earn mainly through tax optimization.

Legal/Financial jargon.

8

Zarabiała na utrzymanie całej wielopokoleniowej rodziny.

She was earning to support an entire multi-generational family.

Compound adjective 'wielopokoleniowej'.

1

Zarabianie na arbitrażu wymaga błyskawicznych decyzji.

Earning on arbitrage requires lightning-fast decisions.

Technical term 'arbitraż'.

2

Nie godzi się zarabiać na podstawowych potrzebach ludzkich.

It is not fitting to earn from basic human needs.

Archaic/Formal 'nie godzi się'.

3

Zarabiała na chleb powszedni ciężkim trudem fizycznym.

She earned her daily bread through heavy physical toil.

Literary 'chleb powszedni'.

4

Zarabiamy na różnicach kursowych między walutami.

We earn on the exchange rate differences between currencies.

Professional finance.

5

Czy można zarabiać na ideach, nie kompromitując ich?

Can one earn from ideas without compromising them?

Philosophical question.

6

Zarabiał na życie, trudniąc się rzemiosłem artystycznym.

He earned a living by engaging in artistic craft.

Formal verb 'trudnić się'.

7

Zarabianie na kapitale intelektualnym to przyszłość gospodarki.

Earning on intellectual capital is the future of the economy.

Economic theory term.

8

Zarabiali na dostarczaniu rzadkich komponentów do reaktorów.

They earned by supplying rare components for reactors.

Highly specific context.

Synonyms

dorabiać zyskiwać pobierać wyciągać kosić osiągać dochód utrzymywać się przynosić zysk

Antonyms

wydawać tracić przepuszczać dopłacać

Common Collocations

zarabiać pieniądze
zarabiać na życie
dobrze zarabiać
mało zarabiać
zarabiać na dom
zarabiać jako (zawód)
zarabiać na marży
zarabiać na boku
zarabiać na giełdzie
zacząć zarabiać

Common Phrases

zarabiać na chleb

— To earn enough for basic needs.

Ciężko pracuje, by zarabiać na chleb.

zarabiać na czysto

— To earn net profit after all expenses.

Ile zarabiasz na czysto?

zarabiać krocie

— To earn a fortune/huge amounts.

Oni zarabiają na tym krocie.

zarabiać grosze

— To earn very little (pennies).

W tej fir

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