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B1 noun 11 min de leitura

strata

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas strata em 30 segundos

Explicação strata in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know 'strata' primarily in the context of 'strata czasu' (a waste of time). This is a very common phrase you might use when you don't like a movie, a book, or a long wait in line. You should also recognize it as a feminine noun, meaning it often ends in '-a'. You might hear it in simple sentences like 'To jest strata' (This is a loss). Focus on the basic idea that 'strata' means something is gone or wasted. You don't need to worry about complex business terms yet, just the general feeling of losing something or wasting a resource like time or energy. Remember, it's 'moja strata' (my loss) because the word is feminine.

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At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'strata' in more varied contexts, such as 'strata pieniędzy' (loss of money). You should start noticing how the word changes in basic sentences, like 'To wielka strata' (It's a great loss). You might use it to talk about losing a game or a small personal item, though remember that the item itself is called a 'zguba'. You should be able to understand 'strata' when it appears in simple news stories or weather reports (e.g., 'straty po burzy' - losses after a storm). You are starting to see that 'strata' is the result of 'tracić' (to lose). It's a useful word for expressing regret about something that didn't go well.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'strata' in both personal and professional contexts. You should know the common collocation 'ponieść stratę' (to suffer/incur a loss) and be able to use the Genitive case correctly after it (e.g., 'strata czasu', 'strata zaufania'). You can use 'strata' to offer condolences ('Bardzo mi przykro z powodu twojej straty') or to discuss business results in a basic way. You should also distinguish between 'strata' (abstract loss) and 'zguba' (physical lost object). At this stage, you are expected to use appropriate adjectives like 'bolesna strata' (painful loss) or 'finansowa strata' (financial loss) and ensure they agree in gender and case.

At the B2 level, you should recognize 'strata' in more abstract and idiomatic expressions. You might encounter terms like 'strata wizerunkowa' (loss of reputation) or 'straty w ludziach' (casualties). You should be able to discuss the 'rachunek zysków i strat' (profit and loss account) and understand the nuances of the word in legal or economic texts. Your usage should include more sophisticated verbs like 'odrobić straty' (to make up for losses) or 'zminimalizować straty' (to minimize losses). You understand that 'strata' can be used metaphorically to describe a lack of progress or a missed opportunity in life or career.

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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'strata' and its many synonyms like 'ubytek', 'uszczerbek', or 'szkoda'. You can use the word in academic or literary contexts, perhaps discussing 'niepowetowana strata' (an irreparable loss) to the culture or history of a nation. You are sensitive to the emotional weight the word carries in different registers. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Mimo dotkliwej straty, firma zdołała przetrwać na rynku'. You understand the subtle differences between 'strata' and 'marnotrawstwo' and can choose the one that fits the level of criticism you wish to express.

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At the C2 level, 'strata' is a tool for precise and evocative expression. You can use it in philosophical discussions about the nature of loss and time. You are familiar with rare idioms and literary uses of the word. You can effortlessly navigate technical fields—like insurance law or macroeconomics—where 'strata' has very specific definitions. You understand the historical connotations of 'straty' in Polish history (especially regarding war and national identity). Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the correct use of all cases, plural forms, and complex collocations in any stylistic register, from slang to high-style prose.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

strata em 30 segundos

Strata means 'loss' or 'waste' in Polish.
It is a feminine noun (ta strata).
Commonly used for time (strata czasu) and money (strata pieniędzy).
Pairs with the verb 'ponieść' to mean 'to suffer a loss'.

The Polish word strata is a versatile feminine noun that primarily translates to 'loss' in English. It encompasses a wide spectrum of meanings, ranging from the physical misplacement of an object to the profound emotional devastation of losing a loved one, or the cold, calculated financial deficit in a corporate ledger. At its core, strata describes the state or process of no longer possessing something that was once held, or the failure to obtain a benefit that was expected.

Financial Context: In business and economics, strata is the standard term for 'deficit' or 'loss'. When a company's expenses exceed its revenue, it reports a strata finansowa. It is the opposite of zysk (profit).
Emotional and Personal Context: When discussing the death of someone, Poles use strata to express the void left behind. Phrases like ogromna strata dla rodziny (a huge loss for the family) are common in obituaries and condolences.
Abstract and Temporal Context: One of the most frequent uses for learners is strata czasu (a waste of time). It implies that time, a valuable resource, has been spent without any meaningful return or result.

To wielka strata czasu, nie powinniśmy tam iść.

Translation: It is a great waste of time; we should not go there.

Understanding the nuance of strata requires recognizing that it is not just about the object itself, but the impact of its absence. While zguba refers specifically to a lost item (like a lost key), strata refers to the fact that you no longer have it and the negative consequence of that fact. For example, if you lose your phone, the phone is your zguba, but the financial hit and the loss of your data is the strata.

Firma poniosła ogromną stratę w ostatnim kwartale.

Translation: The company suffered a huge loss in the last quarter.

In interpersonal relationships, strata can also refer to the end of a friendship or the loss of trust. It is a heavy word, carrying weight and often a sense of regret. It is frequently paired with adjectives like niepowetowana (irreparable), bolesna (painful), or dotkliwa (severe/acute), emphasizing the depth of the negative impact.

Jego odejście to niepowetowana strata dla świata nauki.

Translation: His departure is an irreparable loss for the world of science.

Colloquial Usage: In everyday speech, you might hear Szkoda czasu i atłasu, which is a poetic way of saying something is a total waste of effort/time, though strata czasu remains the most direct and common expression.

Nie chcę przeżyć kolejnej straty.

Translation: I don't want to experience another loss.

Ultimately, strata is a fundamental concept in the Polish language that bridges the gap between the material and the spiritual. Whether you are discussing a lost umbrella, a bad investment, or a tragic event, this word provides the necessary linguistic framework to express the absence of something valuable.

Using strata correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender (feminine) and the specific verbs it typically pairs with. In Polish, nouns change their endings depending on their role in the sentence (cases). Since strata ends in '-a', it is a standard feminine noun. Let's look at how it functions across different grammatical contexts and common sentence structures.

The Nominative Case (Subject): When strata is the subject of the sentence, it remains in its base form. Example: Ta strata jest bolesna (This loss is painful). Here, it is the thing performing the action or being described.
The Accusative Case (Direct Object): When you 'suffer' or 'feel' a loss, the ending changes to '-ę'. Example: Czuję wielką stratę (I feel a great loss). This is the most common form when describing active experiences.

Każda strata czegoś nas uczy.

Translation: Every loss teaches us something.

A key aspect of using strata is the 'loss of [something]' construction. In Polish, the 'something' must be in the Genitive case. For example, 'loss of money' is strata pieniędzy, and 'loss of time' is strata czasu. This is a vital rule for B1 learners to master.

Próbujemy odrobić straty po pożarze.

Translation: We are trying to recover the losses after the fire.

In plural forms, strata becomes straty. This is used when referring to multiple instances of loss or a general accumulation of deficits. For example, in a military or sports context, one might speak of straty w ludziach (casualties/loss of life) or straty punktowe (point losses).

To była tylko strata energii.

Translation: It was only a waste of energy.

Using with Adjectives: Adjectives must agree with the feminine gender: duża strata (big loss), mała strata (small loss), całkowita strata (total loss). Note how the adjective also changes its ending based on the case.

Niestety, strata jest nieunikniona w tej sytuacji.

Translation: Unfortunately, loss is inevitable in this situation.

By practicing these patterns—especially the Genitive 'loss of' construction and the verb 'ponieść'—you will be able to use strata with the precision of a native speaker, whether you are complaining about a bad movie or discussing business strategy.

The word strata is ubiquitous in Polish life, appearing in formal reports, emotional conversations, and casual banter. Its high frequency across different domains makes it a 'must-know' for anyone reaching the B1 level. Let's explore where you are most likely to encounter it in the wild.

News and Media: In news broadcasts, strata is used constantly. You will hear about straty wojenne (war losses), straty po powodzi (losses after a flood), or straty wizerunkowe (reputational damage) of a politician. Journalists use it to quantify the impact of events on society or the economy.
Business and Workplace: Walk into any office in Warsaw, and you'll hear about strata czasu na spotkania (waste of time on meetings). In accounting, the rachunek zysków i strat (profit and loss account) is the fundamental document for any business entity.

Musimy przeanalizować nasze straty z zeszłego miesiąca.

Translation: We need to analyze our losses from last month.

In social settings, strata takes on a more personal tone. It is used during funerals or when someone is grieving. A common expression of sympathy is Bardzo mi przykro z powodu twojej straty (I am very sorry for your loss). It is considered polite and formal enough for most social situations involving bereavement.

To była niepowetowana strata dla całego zespołu.

Translation: It was an irreparable loss for the whole team.

In sports commentary, you'll hear strata piłki (loss of the ball/turnover). If a player loses the ball to the opponent, the commentator will shout: Fatalna strata w środku pola! (Fatal turnover in the middle of the field!). This usage is very specific to the action of losing possession.

Ta strata piłki kosztowała ich bramkę.

Translation: That loss of the ball cost them a goal.

Educational Environment: Teachers might talk about straty w wiedzy (knowledge gaps/losses) due to missed classes, or the strata szansy (missed opportunity) for a scholarship.

Nie pozwól, by ta strata cię zniechęciła.

Translation: Don't let this loss discourage you.

Whether you are watching the evening news, reading a financial report, or talking to a grieving friend, strata is the key word that will help you navigate the complexities of Polish life and culture. It is a word that connects the tangible with the intangible, the economic with the emotional.

While strata seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble when choosing between it and other related Polish words like zguba, brak, or przegrana. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Polish sound much more natural and precise.

Strata vs. Zguba: The most common mistake is using strata to refer to the physical item you lost. In Polish, the item itself is zguba. If you find a lost wallet, you found a zguba. If you are sad that you don't have the money anymore, that is your strata. You suffer a strata, but you find a zguba.
Strata vs. Brak: Brak means 'lack' or 'absence'. Use strata when something was there and is now gone. Use brak when something was never there or is simply missing from a set. Example: Brak cukru (Lack of sugar) vs. Strata pieniędzy (Loss of money).

To nie jest strata, to po prostu brak organizacji.

Translation: It is not a loss; it is simply a lack of organization.

Another frequent error involves gender agreement. Because strata is feminine, beginners often forget to use feminine adjectives or verb forms. Saying duży strata instead of duża strata is a classic error. Always pair it with '-a' or '-ą' endings in adjectives.

Nie mów „mój strata”, mów „moja strata”.

Translation: Don't say "my loss" (masculine); say "my loss" (feminine).

Learners also struggle with the verb 'to lose'. The verb is tracić (imperfective) or stracić (perfective). While the noun is strata, you don't 'strata' something. You tracisz (lose) it, resulting in a strata (loss). Confusing the noun with the verb is a common hurdle.

On stracił wszystko, co miał.

Translation: He lost everything he had.

Strata vs. Przegrana: Przegrana refers specifically to losing a game, a match, or a court case (a 'defeat'). Strata refers to the loss of resources during that game (like losing points or time). If you lose a match 3-0, that's a przegrana. If you lose your best player to injury, that's a strata.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the physical vs. abstract nature of zguba vs. strata—you will avoid the most frequent errors and communicate your thoughts on loss with clarity and accuracy.

To truly master Polish, you need to know when to use strata and when a more specific synonym would be more appropriate. Polish is a language of nuances, and choosing the right word for 'loss' can significantly change the tone of your sentence.

Ubytek: This word is often used in technical, medical, or physical contexts. It refers to a 'decrease' or 'diminishment'. For example, ubytek wagi (weight loss) or ubytek w zębie (a cavity/loss of tooth material). It sounds more clinical than strata.
Szkoda: Usually translated as 'damage' or 'harm'. While strata is about the absence of something, szkoda is about the negative state caused by an event. In insurance, you claim szkody (damages). It's also used as an interjection: Szkoda! (What a pity!).

To nie tylko finansowa strata, ale też wielka szkoda dla środowiska.

Translation: It is not only a financial loss but also a great harm to the environment.

When the loss is particularly damaging to one's health, reputation, or integrity, the word uszczerbek is used. You often hear uszczerbek na zdrowiu (damage to health) or uszczerbek na honorze (blow to one's honor). It implies a 'nick' or a 'chip' taken out of something that should be whole.

To czyste marnotrawstwo pieniędzy podatników.

Translation: This is a pure waste of taxpayers' money.

In the context of a competition or battle, klęska is a 'catastrophic loss' or 'defeat'. While strata could describe losing a few soldiers, klęska describes losing the entire war. It is much more dramatic and final.

Comparison Table

Strata: General loss (money, time, person).
Ubytek: Physical/Technical decrease (weight, material).
Szkoda: Damage/Harm (car accident, moral harm).
Przegrana: Defeat (game, election).
Zguba: The lost object itself.

Musimy zaakceptować ten ubytek w budżecie.

Translation: We must accept this deficit (diminishment) in the budget.

By expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives, you'll be able to describe every kind of 'loss' with the exact emotional and technical weight it requires, making your Polish more sophisticated and expressive.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word is related to the English word 'detriment' through very distant Indo-European roots involving 'rubbing' or 'wearing away'. In Polish, 'tracić' can also mean 'to execute' someone in old legal contexts (to make them lose their life).

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈstra.ta/

US /ˈstrɑːtə/

First syllable (stra-ta).

Rima com

chata (hut) tata (dad) data (date) mata (mat) rata (installment) szata (garment) łata (patch) armata (cannon)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' instead of a rolled Polish 'r'.
Stress on the second syllable (stra-TA) instead of the first.
Making the 't' too aspirated (like in 'top'). In Polish, it is softer and dental.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though abstract uses can be tricky.

Escrita 4/5

Requires knowledge of the Genitive case for collocations.

Expressão oral 3/5

Pronunciation is simple, but must remember it is feminine.

Audição 2/5

Distinct sound, usually easy to hear in conversation.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

tracić czas pieniądze duży szkoda

Aprenda a seguir

zysk ponieść odrobić niepowetowany ubytek

Avançado

uszczerbek marnotrawstwo deficyt bilans

Gramática essencial

Genitive after 'strata'

strata czasu (NOT strata czas)

Feminine declension

Widzę tę stratę (Accusative).

Genitive after negation

Nie ma żadnej straty.

Adjective agreement

duża strata, bolesnej straty.

Verb 'ponieść' usage

Oni ponieśli straty.

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Exemplos por nível

To jest wielka strata czasu.

This is a big waste of time.

Strata is the subject here (Nominative).

To moja strata.

This is my loss.

Moja (my) matches the feminine gender of strata.

To nie jest duża strata.

This is not a big loss.

Duża is the feminine form of large/big.

Szkoda, to wielka strata.

Pity, it's a great loss.

Szkoda is often used with strata to express regret.

Czy to twoja strata?

Is this your loss?

Twoja matches the feminine strata.

To była strata energii.

That was a waste of energy.

Energii is in the Genitive case after strata.

Mała strata, krótki żal.

Small loss, short grief (Polish proverb).

A common rhyme/proverb in Poland.

To tylko strata pieniędzy.

It's just a waste of money.

Pieniędzy is Genitive plural.

Firma ma dużą stratę w tym roku.

The company has a large loss this year.

Stratę is in the Accusative case (object of 'ma').

To bolesna strata dla nas wszystkich.

This is a painful loss for all of us.

Bolesna (painful) describes the emotional weight.

Nie chcę ponieść kolejnej straty.

I don't want to suffer another loss.

Ponieść is the standard verb for incurring a loss.

To była strata szansy na wygraną.

It was a loss of a chance to win.

Szansy is Genitive singular.

Czy te straty są duże?

Are these losses big?

Straty is the plural form.

On nie lubi strat.

He doesn't like losses.

Strat is Genitive plural (used after negation).

To wielka strata dla świata sportu.

It's a great loss for the world of sports.

Świata is Genitive.

Musimy zaakceptować tę stratę.

We must accept this loss.

Tę is the feminine accusative of 'this'.

Bardzo mi przykro z powodu twojej straty.

I am very sorry for your loss.

Standard phrase for condolences.

Ponieśliśmy dotkliwe straty finansowe.

We suffered severe financial losses.

Dotkliwe (severe) is a common adjective for losses.

To kompletna strata czasu i atłasu.

It's a complete waste of time and effort (idiom).

An idiomatic way to say something was useless.

Musimy jak najszybciej odrobić straty.

We must make up for the losses as soon as possible.

Odrobić means to recover or make up for.

Jego śmierć to niepowetowana strata.

His death is an irreparable loss.

Niepowetowana is a high-level adjective for 'irreparable'.

Każda strata piłki była niebezpieczna.

Every loss of the ball was dangerous.

Piłki is Genitive singular.

Nie możemy pozwolić sobie na taką stratę.

We cannot afford such a loss.

Pozwolić sobie na + Accusative.

To była tylko strata nerwów.

It was just a waste of nerves (stressful for nothing).

Nerwów is Genitive plural.

Inwestycja przyniosła więcej strat niż zysków.

The investment brought more losses than profits.

Comparative structure using 'niż'.

Firma ogłosiła upadłość z powodu ogromnych strat.

The company announced bankruptcy due to huge losses.

Z powodu + Genitive.

Należy zminimalizować straty wizerunkowe.

Reputational losses should be minimized.

Wizerunkowe relates to image/reputation.

To była dotkliwa strata dla lokalnej społeczności.

It was a severe loss for the local community.

Dotkliwa means 'felt deeply'.

Straty w ludziach były przerażające.

The casualties were terrifying.

Straty w ludziach is the term for human casualties.

Analiza wykazała ubytek, a nie stratę.

The analysis showed a diminishment, not a loss.

Distinguishing between technical terms.

Niepowodzenie projektu to wielka strata dla nauki.

The project's failure is a great loss for science.

Nauki is Genitive.

Musimy powetować sobie tę stratę.

We must compensate ourselves for this loss.

Powetować is a formal verb for 'to compensate'.

Odejście profesora to niepowetowana strata dla uczelni.

The professor's departure is an irreparable loss for the university.

High register, formal context.

Bilans zysków i strat wypadł niekorzystnie.

The balance of profits and losses turned out unfavorably.

Bilans is a technical accounting term.

Strata zaufania jest trudna do odbudowania.

The loss of trust is difficult to rebuild.

Abstract noun usage.

Działania wojenne spowodowały kolosalne straty materialne.

Warfare caused colossal material losses.

Kolosalne is an emphatic adjective.

To marnotrawstwo potencjału, a nie tylko strata czasu.

This is a waste of potential, not just a waste of time.

Comparing strata with marnotrawstwo.

Poniesione straty przekroczyły nasze najśmielsze oczekiwania.

The losses incurred exceeded our wildest expectations.

Passive participle 'poniesione'.

Każda sekunda zwłoki to strata dla budżetu państwa.

Every second of delay is a loss for the state budget.

Formal political/economic context.

Strata bliskiej osoby zmienia perspektywę na życie.

The loss of a loved one changes one's perspective on life.

Deep philosophical usage.

Jego rezygnacja stanowi dotkliwą stratę dla prestiżu instytucji.

His resignation constitutes a severe loss to the institution's prestige.

Stanowi is a formal alternative to 'jest'.

W obliczu tak wielkiej straty, słowa wydają się zbędne.

In the face of such a great loss, words seem unnecessary.

W obliczu + Genitive.

Narracja o stracie dominuje w powojennej literaturze polskiej.

The narrative of loss dominates post-war Polish literature.

Academic literary analysis.

Kapitał ludzki uległ nieodwracalnej stracie wskutek emigracji.

Human capital suffered an irreversible loss due to emigration.

Wskutek + Genitive.

Strata suwerenności była traumatycznym doświadczeniem dla narodu.

The loss of sovereignty was a traumatic experience for the nation.

Historical/Political terminology.

Należy rzetelnie oszacować wszelkie straty moralne.

All moral losses (damages) should be reliably assessed.

Legal context: straty moralne.

To pyrrusowe zwycięstwo, okupione ogromnymi stratami.

This is a Pyrrhic victory, bought at the cost of huge losses.

Okupione (paid for/bought) is a literary participle.

Wiersz ten jest przejmującym studium straty i przemijania.

This poem is a poignant study of loss and passing.

Literary criticism register.

Colocações comuns

ponieść stratę

strata czasu

strata pieniędzy

niepowetowana strata

odrobić straty

strata bliskiej osoby

strata piłki

zminimalizować straty

strata energii

rachunek zysków i strat

Frases Comuns

Co za strata!

— What a waste! or What a loss!

Nie kupiłeś tego? Co za strata!

Bez straty dla...

— Without detriment to...

Zrobił to bez straty dla jakości.

Zrekompensować stratę

— To compensate for the loss.

Muszę ci zrekompensować tę stratę.

Wielka strata

— A big loss (often emotional).

To wielka strata dla nas.

Strata na wadze

— Weight loss (though 'spadek wagi' is more common).

Nagła strata na wadze jest niepokojąca.

Strata przytomności

— Loss of consciousness.

Nastąpiła nagła strata przytomności.

Strata słuchu

— Hearing loss.

Pracuje w hałasie, grozi mu strata słuchu.

Strata pamięci

— Memory loss.

Cierpi na okresowe straty pamięci.

Iść na straty

— To be written off as a loss.

Ten samochód pójdzie na straty.

Wliczyć w straty

— To count something as a loss/unavoidable cost.

Musimy to wliczyć w straty projektu.

Frequentemente confundido com

strata vs zguba

Zguba is the object; strata is the event/fact of losing.

strata vs brak

Brak is a lack/absence; strata is when you had it and lost it.

strata vs przegrana

Przegrana is a defeat in a game; strata is a loss of resources.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Strata czasu i atłasu"

— A complete and utter waste of time/effort.

Próba przekonania go to strata czasu i atłasu.

informal/literary

"Mała strata, krótki żal"

— A small loss shouldn't cause much grief.

Zgubiłeś długopis? Mała strata, krótki żal.

colloquial

"Ponieść klęskę"

— To suffer a total, crushing defeat (related to strata).

Nasza drużyna poniosła klęskę.

neutral

"Wyjść na swoje"

— To break even or make a profit after a loss.

Po roku wreszcie wyszliśmy na swoje.

colloquial

"Spisać na straty"

— To give up on someone or something; to write it off.

Już dawno spisałem tę przyjaźń na straty.

neutral

"Szkoda zachodu"

— It's not worth the effort (similar to strata czasu).

Nie idź tam, szkoda zachodu.

colloquial

"Gonić w piętkę"

— To act illogically due to loss or stress (rare).

Z tych nerwów zaczął gonić w piętkę.

informal

"Płakać nad rozlanym mlekiem"

— To cry over spilled milk (regretting a loss that can't be fixed).

Stało się, nie ma co płakać nad rozlanym mlekiem.

informal

"Z pustego i Salomon nie naleje"

— You can't get something from nothing (often said when discussing losses).

Nie mamy budżetu, z pustego i Salomon nie naleje.

proverb

"Odrobić z nawiązką"

— To make up for a loss and gain even more.

Odrobił stratę z nawiązką.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

strata vs szkoda

Both translate to 'loss' or 'pity' in some contexts.

Szkoda is more about damage or a general sense of 'pity'. Strata is more about the specific deprivation of a resource.

Wielka szkoda, że nie przyszedłeś. (Pity). / Firma ma stratę. (Loss).

strata vs ubytek

Both mean loss/decrease.

Ubytek is technical or physical (like a leak or weight loss). Strata is more general and emotional.

Ubytek wody w basenie. (Water loss).

strata vs uszczerbek

Both mean a loss of something valuable.

Uszczerbek is a 'dent' or 'harm' to something abstract like health or honor. Strata is the whole event.

Uszczerbek na zdrowiu.

strata vs marnotrawstwo

Both involve wasting resources.

Marnotrawstwo implies active, irresponsible wasting. Strata is just the fact that it's gone.

To marnotrawstwo jedzenia.

strata vs klęska

Both describe losing.

Klęska is a massive, catastrophic defeat. Strata is any loss, even small.

Ponieść klęskę żywiołową.

Padrões de frases

To jest [adjective] strata.

To jest duża strata.

To strata [noun in Genitive].

To strata pieniędzy.

Przykro mi z powodu [adjective] straty.

Przykro mi z powodu twojej straty.

Ponieść [adjective] stratę.

Ponieśliśmy wielką stratę.

Odrobić straty po [noun in Locative].

Odrobić straty po kryzysie.

[Noun] stanowi stratę dla [noun in Genitive].

To stanowi stratę dla nauki.

W obliczu [adjective] straty...

W obliczu tak bolesnej straty...

Okupione [adjective] stratami.

Okupione licznymi stratami.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

stratność (lossiness/loss level)

wytracanie (losing/slowing down)

tracenie (the act of losing)

Verbos

tracić (to lose - imperfective)

stracić (to lose - perfective)

utracić (to lose - formal)

roztrwonić (to squander/waste)

Adjetivos

stratny (loss-making/at a loss)

bezzwrotny (irrecoverable)

stracony (lost/wasted)

Relacionado

zguba

szkoda

ubytek

uszczerbek

przegrana

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Como usar

frequency

Extremely high in news, business, and daily complaints.

Erros comuns

To jest duży strata. → To jest duża strata.
Strata is a feminine noun, so the adjective must also be feminine (ending in -a).
To strata czas. → To strata czasu.
After 'strata', the noun describing what was lost must be in the Genitive case.
Znalazłem moją stratę (referring to keys). → Znalazłem moją zgubę.
You use 'zguba' for the physical object and 'strata' for the abstract concept of loss.
On straty pieniądze. → On stracił pieniądze.
Don't confuse the noun 'strata' with the verb 'stracić' (to lose).
Przykro mi z powodu twoja strata. → Przykro mi z powodu twojej straty.
After 'z powodu', you must use the Genitive case for both the pronoun and the noun.

Dicas

Remember the Genitive

Always use the Genitive case for the thing you lost. It's 'strata CZASU' (Genitive), not 'strata CZAS' (Nominative). This is the most common mistake for B1 learners.

Ponieść vs. Stracić

You 'stracić' (lose) something, and as a result, you 'ponieść stratę' (suffer a loss). Use the verb 'stracić' for the action and the noun 'strata' for the result.

Sympathy

Using 'strata' in condolences is very polite. It shows you recognize the depth of the other person's feelings without being overly dramatic.

Profit and Loss

If you work in a Polish office, learn 'zysk' (profit) and 'strata' (loss) together. They are the two sides of the same coin in business discussions.

Turnovers

When watching football in Polish, listen for 'strata'. It's what the commentator shouts when a player loses the ball. It helps you connect the word to a fast-paced action.

The 'S' Rule

Strata starts with 'S' just like 'Szkoda' (pity) and 'Smutek' (sadness). All three are related to negative outcomes and loss.

Formal Writing

In formal reports, use 'odnotować stratę' (to record a loss) instead of just 'mieć stratę' (to have a loss).

Waste of Time

'Strata czasu' is the most frequent use of this word. Use it whenever you feel something isn't worth your effort.

Accusative 'ę'

When 'strata' is the object of a sentence, it becomes 'stratę'. Example: 'Widzę wielką stratę'. Don't forget the tail on the 'e'!

Tap that R

Make sure to tap or roll the 'r'. If you use an English 'r', the word might be harder for Poles to recognize quickly.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'STRATA' as a 'STRATEGY' that went wrong. If your strategy fails, you have a strata (loss).

Associação visual

Imagine a financial graph with a red line dipping into the ground, or a person looking at an empty hourglass representing 'strata czasu'.

Word Web

pieniądze czas energia śmierć biznes sport żal szkoda

Desafio

Try to use 'strata czasu' three times today: once when stuck in traffic, once during a boring video, and once when talking about a chore you dislike.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Proto-Slavic root *trata, which is related to the verb *tratiti (to spend, to lose, to destroy). It shares roots with the Old Church Slavonic 'tratiti'.

Significado original: The original sense was likely related to 'wearing down' or 'spending' resources.

Indo-European -> Slavic -> West Slavic -> Polish.

Contexto cultural

Be careful using 'strata' regarding people. While 'strata bliskiej osoby' is correct, calling a person a 'strata' (like 'He is a loss') is not done; instead, say 'Jego odejście to strata' (His departure is a loss).

In English, we often say 'I'm sorry for your loss'. In Polish, the equivalent 'Przykro mi z powodu straty' is equally standard and important for social harmony.

The 'Rachunek zysków i strat' is a term every Polish adult knows from taxes and business. The poem 'Treny' by Jan Kochanowski is the ultimate Polish literary work about 'strata' (the loss of his daughter). The phrase 'stracone pokolenie' (lost generation) is often used to describe those who died in the Warsaw Uprising.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Business Meeting

Mamy stratę.
Jak odrobić straty?
To strata pieniędzy.
Analiza strat.

Funeral / Condolences

Moje kondolencje.
Przykro mi z powodu straty.
To wielka strata.
Będziemy o nim pamiętać.

Sports Match

Głupia strata piłki.
Mamy stratę punktową.
Musimy zminimalizować straty.
To bolesna przegrana.

Daily Life / Complaints

Szkoda czasu.
To strata energii.
Co za strata!
Nie płacz, to mała strata.

Medical / Health

Strata przytomności.
Strata krwi.
Strata wagi.
Strata słuchu.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Czy uważasz, że media społecznościowe to strata czasu?"

"Jak radzisz sobie z bolesną stratą?"

"Czy twoja firma miała kiedyś dużą stratę finansową?"

"Co jest dla ciebie największą stratą w życiu?"

"Jak można szybko odrobić straty po kryzysie?"

Temas para diário

Opisz sytuację, w której poczułeś, że coś było kompletną stratą czasu.

Napisz o kimś, kogo odejście było wielką stratą dla świata.

Czy wolisz ryzykować stratę, czy zawsze grasz bezpiecznie?

Jakie straty materialne najbardziej cię zabolały w przeszłości?

Refleksja: Czy każda strata czegoś nas uczy? Podaj przykłady.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, 'strata' is used for many things: time (strata czasu), energy (strata energii), health (strata zdrowia), and people (strata bliskiej osoby). It is a very broad term.

If you lose your wallet, the wallet itself is 'zguba'. The fact that you don't have it and the money inside is gone is 'strata'. You find a 'zguba', but you suffer a 'strata'.

No. In Polish, you say 'To moja strata' (It's my loss) or 'Jestem stratny' (I am at a loss/losing money). 'Jestem strata' would mean 'I am a loss', which doesn't make sense.

The most common way is: 'Bardzo mi przykro z powodu twojej straty' (I am very sorry because of your loss).

It can be. If you say a meeting was a 'strata czasu', you are criticizing the organizer. Use it carefully in professional settings.

It is the 'Profit and Loss Statement' (P&L) used in accounting to show a company's financial performance.

Yes, 'straty' is the plural. It is often used for multiple business losses or military casualties ('straty w ludziach').

The most common verb is 'ponieść' (ponieść stratę - to suffer a loss). You can also use 'mieć' (mieć stratę) or 'odrobić' (odrobić straty - to recover losses).

It is feminine. You can tell by the '-a' ending. This means you say 'duża strata', 'moja strata', etc.

Not really a slang word, but people might say 'W plecy' (In the back) to mean they are losing money or points. 'Jestem pięć dych w plecy' means 'I am 50 zlotys down'.

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