Amerykański sen
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What it means
Literally “the American dream.” It refers to the belief that anyone can gain success and prosperity through hard work, whatever their background. It is used both sincerely and ironically in Polish.
Vocabulary
- amerykański — American
- sen — dream / sleep
Grammar note
'Amerykański' is a masculine adjective agreeing with 'sen' (masculine noun). In oblique cases: 'amerykańskiego snu' (genitive), 'amerykańskim śnie' (locative).
Cultural context
The phrase entered Polish from English and has the same cultural weight and mixed feelings. It can be used admiringly or as gentle mockery of naive optimism.
Beginner
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