Amerykański sen
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What it means
Literally “the American dream.” Refers to the belief that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work — regardless of their background. 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 carries the same cultural weight — and the same ambivalence. It can be used admiringly or as gentle mockery of naive optimism.
Beginner
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