• Listen

  What it means

  Literally “by snatching” or “at random”, used to mean knowing something by heart so well that you can answer instantly, or testing someone by calling on them randomly. ‘Znam tabliczkę mnożenia na wyrywki’ — “I know the multiplication table cold (can be quizzed on any part).” Teachers use it when they quiz students without warning.

  Vocabulary

  • na — on/by (preposition)
  • wyrywki — random picks, spot-checks (accusative plural of 'wyrywek', a colloquial noun from 'wyrwać' — to snatch/pull out)
  • wyrwać — to snatch, to pull out (perfective verb)

  Grammar note

  'Wyrywki' is the accusative plural of the informal noun 'wyrywek'. The preposition 'na' + accusative here expresses the manner of knowing or testing. The phrase is adverbial and invariable in usage.

  Cultural context

  Very common in Polish school culture — teachers are known for 'pytanie na wyrywki' (random spot questioning). Outside school it describes thorough mastery: knowing something so well you can be tested on any part without preparation. Informal to neutral register.

  Intermediate

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!