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  What it means

  Literally “time urges” or “time presses,” this phrase expresses urgency — there is little time left and action must be taken immediately. It is the Polish equivalent of “time is of the essence” or “time is running out.” Used when a deadline is approaching or a situation demands immediate response: “Musimy skończyć projekt. Czas nagli” — “We need to finish the project. Time is pressing.”

  Vocabulary

  • czas — time
  • nagli — urges, presses (3rd person singular of naglić)
  • naglić — to urge, to press, to be urgent (imperfective)

  Grammar note

  The verb 'naglić' is imperfective and here appears in the third person singular present tense. The subject is 'czas' (time), which is masculine. 'Naglić' can also take a direct object (naglić kogoś — to pressure someone), but in this set phrase it is used intransitively.

  Cultural context

  This is a slightly formal, somewhat literary phrase. You will encounter it in journalism, business writing, and formal speech. In casual conversation, Poles might say 'Nie mamy czasu' (We don't have time) instead. The phrase also appears in the derived adjective 'nagląca sprawa' (an urgent matter).

  Beginner

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