Archive for 'Vocabulary'
Pleasantly Surprised with City Hall in Gdańsk Posted by Anna on Feb 12, 2009
I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised with the speed and efficiency of Polish governmental offices. With the exception, perhaps, of Urząd Skarbowy (Tax Office), but then again, you can’t expect too much from the Taxman. They’re only fast if THEY want something from you, right? But all the other offices I’ve dealt…
Sknery R Us Posted by Anna on Feb 7, 2009
I am what you might call “dusigrosz” or “sknera” in Polish. In other words, I’m cheap, as in “I’m a cheapskate.” I travel on a budget, drive an old car (but I keep it running perfectly) and I don’t like to spend money on things I don’t need. If there are things I do need…
Co się tutaj stało? – What happened here? Posted by Anna on Jan 10, 2009
In the comments to the previous post, Yellerbelly made a very valid point regarding “co się stało?” He said that he thought it meant “what’s wrong?” I think it’s a reflection of our collective Polish psyche that something so innocent as “what happened” can imply “what’s wrong?” in our language. Just goes to show you…
Using the Polish Się, Part 1 Posted by Anna on Jan 8, 2009
Are you ready for another installment of Polish grammar? No? Don’t worry, I’m not ready either. We’ll get through it together. A couple of posts back I started to talk about “się.” That was when I told you how this little word could alter the meaning of a verb. You have a verb without “się”…
Fun with Polish: New Year’s Resolutions Posted by Anna on Dec 30, 2008
So… it’s that time of the year again. The time of parties, bigger parties and totally massive parties. What are your plans for New Year’s Eve (Sylwester)? Going anywhere? Doing anything special? We’ll stay at home and watch TV. And then watch our terrified cats as they try to hide under the bed when the…
Polish Christmas Eve: Wigilia Posted by Anna on Dec 23, 2008
Tomorrow is Wigilia (Christmas Eve) and it’s one day that most Polish families take very seriously. I said “most” because some celebrate it in a less traditional way – like at an all-inclusive resort in Madeira or Tenerife, for example. But for most Poles, Wigilia means getting together with their extended family, eating huge amounts…
It’s Almost Christmas! Posted by Anna on Dec 21, 2008
How’s your Christmas shopping coming along? I haven’t even started mine, to be honest. And if someone asks me why, I’m going to tell them that I’m turning Greek orthodox this year. Speaking of which, these guys have it so easy – everything is on sale for THEIR xmas. Not fair, so not fair… And…