• Listen

  What it means

  Literally “to measure with one’s gaze.” Figuratively, it means to look someone up and down, assessing or judging them silently. It often implies suspicion, criticism, or evaluation based on appearance. Poles use this expression when describing a noticeable, often uncomfortable way of looking at someone.

  Vocabulary

  • mierzyć — to measure (imperfective)
  • wzrok — gaze, sight
  • wzrokiem — with one's gaze (instrumental form)
  • spojrzenie — look, glance

  Grammar note

  "Wzrokiem" is the instrumental singular of "wzrok," used to indicate the means or instrument ("with the gaze"). The instrumental case often answers the question "how?" or "by what means?" The verb "mierzyć" remains imperfective, describing an ongoing action of looking.

  Cultural context

  The phrase is neutral but often carries a slightly negative tone because of its evaluative nature. It is similar to English expressions like "to size someone up" or "to give someone a once-over." It frequently appears in descriptions of social interactions.

  Intermediate

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