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  What it means

  Literally “jokes are jokes.” This phrase signals a change in tone during a conversation. It admits that people have been laughing, but now it is time to deal with the serious part of the situation or issue. It is like saying “all jokes aside.”

  Vocabulary

  • żart — joke
  • poważnie — seriously

  Grammar note

  This is an elliptical construction—a repetition of the noun 'żart' in the plural nominative and plural instrumental. It is almost always followed by "ale" (but).

  Cultural context

  This phrase is used when a conversation moves from humour to a practical or serious point. It often comes before a concern, warning, or request.

  Intermediate

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