• Listen

  What it means

  Literally “burn six,” this exclamation is used to dismiss something as unimportant: “to hell with it,” “forget it,” or “who cares.” It expresses resignation or deliberate indifference towards something that is not worth worrying about. Poles use it when they have decided to stop caring about a problem, a failed plan, or an annoyance. The origin of ‘sześć’ (six) is obscure, possibly derived from an old card game expression.

  Vocabulary

  • palić — to burn (imperfective); also 'to smoke'
  • pal — burn! (imperative singular of 'palić')
  • sześć — six (the number)

  Grammar note

  'Pal' is the second-person singular imperative of 'palić' (to burn or smoke). Although it looks like a command, it is a fixed exclamation and does not tell anyone to burn anything. The phrase is invariable: it does not change with the subject or listener. It often stands alone as a sentence.

  Cultural context

  This everyday expression is completely inoffensive and suits all registers, including polite company. It works as a mild, resigned alternative to stronger swear words. The number 'sześć' is a sound-based placeholder, so its real meaning does not matter. People use the phrase throughout Poland and across age groups.

  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!