• Listen

  What it means

  Literally “with a top” or “with a surplus,” this phrase means “over,” “more than,” or “upward of” a given amount or number. It is used to indicate that a quantity exceeds a stated figure, similar to “over” or “well over” in English. Poles attach it after a number to signal that the real amount is somewhat higher than the number mentioned.

  Vocabulary

  • z — with, from (preposition governing instrumental)
  • góra — mountain; top, surplus (here in instrumental: górą)
  • górą — with a surplus/top (instrumental of góra)

  Grammar note

  The preposition 'z' here takes the instrumental case, giving 'górą' (instrumental of 'góra'). This is a fixed adverbial phrase — 'z górą' modifies a numeral or noun phrase to express excess ('z górą sto złotych' = 'over a hundred złoty'). It is invariable and always follows the quantity it modifies.

  Cultural context

  This is a neutral, everyday expression used across all registers — in conversation, journalism, and official writing alike. It is especially common with quantities of time ('z górą rok' = over a year) and money. The closest English equivalents are 'over,' 'upwards of,' or 'more than.' It is understated and matter-of-fact in tone.

  Intermediate

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