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  What it means

  Literally “to turn / return attention,” this versatile phrase has two main meanings: (1) to notice or pay attention to something, and (2) to point something out to someone, including to rebuke or warn them. Context determines which meaning is intended. A teacher zwraca uwagę (draws attention to / reprimands) a student; a tourist zwraca uwagę (notices) an unusual building. It is a high-frequency, neutral expression used in all registers.

  Vocabulary

  • zwrócić — to turn, to return, to draw (perfective of zwracać)
  • zwracać — to turn, to return (imperfective)
  • uwagę — attention (accusative of uwaga)
  • uwaga — attention, notice, remark

  Grammar note

  Uwagę is the accusative singular of uwaga (feminine noun). Zwrócić is the perfective aspect, used for a completed, one-time act (e.g., 'she noticed it'). Zwracać is the imperfective, used for ongoing or repeated action (e.g., 'he keeps pointing it out'). The phrase can take 'na + accusative' to specify what the attention is directed toward: zwrócić uwagę na coś.

  Cultural context

  This is one of the most common phrases in Polish, appearing in schools, workplaces, and everyday life. The double meaning (to notice / to admonish) can lead to ambiguity: 'Nauczyciel zwrócił mi uwagę' can mean both 'The teacher pointed something out to me' and 'The teacher told me off.' The context and tone usually clarify which is meant.

  Beginner

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