• Listen

  What it means

  Literally “to the front” or “forward,” this phrase functions both as a directional expression and as an idiom meaning to make progress or advance in life. “Iść do przodu” means to move forward, to improve, to get ahead. It can also describe someone who is sharp, quick-witted, or ambitious — “ten chłopak idzie do przodu” (this guy is going places). Context determines whether it is literal movement or figurative progress.

  Vocabulary

  • do — to, towards (preposition governing genitive)
  • przodu — the front (genitive of przód)
  • przód — front, forward direction
  • iść do przodu — to move forward, to make progress

  Grammar note

  The preposition 'do' always takes the genitive case, so 'przód' (front) becomes 'przodu' in the genitive. This is a fixed directional phrase. The idiomatic sense of 'making progress' pairs it with motion verbs like 'iść' (to go), 'pójść' (to go, perfective), or 'pchać' (to push): 'pchać kogoś do przodu' means 'to push someone forward/to help them advance.'

  Cultural context

  The phrase is register-neutral and used across all age groups. In motivational contexts it is a favourite of coaches, teachers, and politicians. It also appears in colloquial speech as simple encouragement: 'chodź, do przodu!' (come on, let's go!). The figurative meaning of personal advancement is especially active in post-1989 Polish discourse about ambition and success.

  Beginner

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!