Na czarno
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What it means
Literally “on black / in black.” Means off the books, illegally, without declaring to authorities — “under the table,” “cash in hand,” “off the books.” E.g. “pracować na czarno” — to work illegally/undeclared.
Vocabulary
- czarny — black
Grammar note
'Na czarno' uses the accusative of 'czarne' after 'na' — a fixed adverbial phrase.
Cultural context
The 'black economy' ('czarna gospodarka') is a well-known concept in Poland — 'na czarno' is the standard term for undeclared work or transactions.
Intermediate
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