polski.directory

[ Learn Polish. All resources, one place. ]
  • Listen

    What it means

    “A tender string.” A sensitive topic or emotional weak spot — something that, when touched, provokes a strong emotional reaction. To “trafić w czułą strunę” means to hit a nerve or strike a chord.

    Vocabulary

    • czuły — tender, sensitive
    • struna — string (of an instrument)

    Grammar note

    'Trafić w czułą strunę' — 'w czułą strunę' is accusative after 'trafić w' (to hit).

    Cultural context

    The musical metaphor — plucking a sensitive string — is vivid and widely used.

    Intermediate

Noticed a typo, a wrong translation, or anything that doesn't look right? We'd love to fix it — just let us know via the contact page. Thank you!

More Polish idioms

  • Literally "one's whole life flew past before the eyes," this phrase describes the vivid, involuntary …
    Intermediate
  • Literally "for an example," na przykład is the standard Polish phrase for "for example" or "for …
    Beginner
  • Literally "in the last/recent times," ostatnimi czasy is a common temporal phrase meaning "lately," …
    Beginner
  • Literally "in the manner of Judas," this adverb describes acting in a treacherous, backstabbing way …
    Intermediate