• Listen

  What it means

  Literally “to go after an example,” this phrase means to follow someone’s lead or model your behaviour on what another person does. It implies active imitation of a positive or instructive action. Poles use it both to praise someone who sets a good example and to encourage others to do the same. You’ll often hear it in educational, professional, or parenting contexts — for example, “Idź za przykładem starszego brata” (Follow your older brother’s example).

  Vocabulary

  • iść — to go / to walk (imperfective)
  • za — after / behind (+ instrumental)
  • przykład — example, model
  • przykładem — example (instrumental case)

  Grammar note

  The preposition 'za' here takes the instrumental case, so 'przykład' becomes 'przykładem.' The verb 'iść' is imperfective, emphasising the ongoing or repeated nature of following someone's lead. To express a completed act, you'd use the perfective 'pójść za przykładem.'

  Cultural context

  The phrase is neutral in register and appears in formal speeches, self-help writing, and everyday conversation alike. It reflects a broadly Polish cultural value of learning through role models, and teachers or coaches use it regularly when addressing students or athletes.

  Beginner

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