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  What it means

  Literally “to have hope,” this phrase simply means to hope for something. Figuratively, it carries the same weight as its English counterpart — expressing a wish or expectation about an outcome. Poles use it in everyday speech to convey optimism, anticipation, or a cautious wish. It can be followed by “że” (that) with an indicative clause or “na” (for) with a noun. It is one of the most neutral and common ways to express hope in Polish.

  Vocabulary

  • mieć — to have
  • nadzieję — hope (accusative of 'nadzieja')
  • nadzieja — hope

  Grammar note

  The noun 'nadzieja' (hope) appears in the accusative case here — 'nadzieję' — because it is the direct object of the verb 'mieć' (to have). This is a fixed collocation. You can follow it with a 'że' clause ('Mam nadzieję, że przyjdziesz' — I hope you'll come) or with 'na + accusative' ('Mam nadzieję na lepsze czasy' — I hope for better times).

  Cultural context

  This is a completely neutral, everyday expression suitable in all registers — casual conversation, formal writing, and everything in between. It is also the title of well-known Polish songs and literary works, reflecting its deep cultural familiarity.

  Beginner

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