Lesson 39 – Opinions

Welcome back to your Polish learning journey! By now, you’ve mastered basic greetings, self-introductions, numbers, and even some grammar. Now, it’s time to take your conversational skills to the next level by learning how to express your opinions in Polish. Whether you’re discussing holidays, food, or everyday topics, knowing how to share your thoughts will make your conversations more engaging and meaningful.

Let’s dive in!

Why Is Expressing Opinions Important?

In any language, expressing opinions is key to connecting with others. It allows you to share your perspective, agree or disagree, and engage in deeper discussions. In Polish, there are specific phrases and structures that will help you sound natural and confident when sharing your thoughts.

Useful Phrases for Expressing Opinions

Here are some essential phrases to get you started:

1. „Moim zdaniem…” – In my opinion…
   • Example: „Moim zdaniem kawa jest lepsza od herbaty.” (In my opinion, coffee is better than tea.)
2. „Uważam, że…” – I think that…
   • Example: „Uważam, że nauka polskiego jest ciekawa.” (I think that learning Polish is interesting.)
3. „Sądzę, że…” – I believe that…
   • Example: „Sądzę, że Polska ma piękną kulturę.” (I believe that Poland has a beautiful culture.)
4. „Nie zgadzam się.” – I don’t agree.
   • Example: „Nie zgadzam się, że lato jest najlepszą porą roku.” (I don’t agree that summer is the best season.)
5. „Masz rację.” – You are right.
   • Example: „Masz rację, Warszawa to piękne miasto.” (You are right, Warsaw is a beautiful city.)
6. „To zależy.” – It depends.
   • Example: „To zależy od pogody.” (It depends on the weather.)

Grammar Tip: Using „że” in Opinion Sentences

You may have noticed that many opinion phrases include the word „że” (that). This is a conjunction that connects your opinion to the rest of the sentence. For example:

• „Uważam, że polska kuchnia jest pyszna.” (I think that Polish cuisine is delicious.)

Here’s how it works:

1. Start with an opinion phrase (e.g., „Uważam” – I think).
2. Add „że” to link your opinion to the rest of the sentence.
3. Finish with your thought or idea.

This structure is very common in Polish, so practice using it to sound more natural!

Example Conversations

Let’s see these phrases in action!

Conversation 1: Talking About Holidays

• Anna: „Moim zdaniem Wielkanoc jest najważniejszym świętem w Polsce.”
  (In my opinion, Easter is the most important holiday in Poland.)
• Jan: „Nie zgadzam się. Uważam, że Boże Narodzenie jest ważniejsze.”
  (I don’t agree. I think that Christmas is more important.)
• Anna: „To zależy od regionu.”
  (It depends on the region.)

Conversation 2: Discussing Food

• Kasia: „Sądzę, że pierogi to najlepsze danie w Polsce.”
  (I believe that pierogi are the best dish in Poland.)
• Tomek: „Masz rację, ale myślę, że bigos też jest wyjątkowy.”
  (You are right, but I think that bigos is also special.)

Practice Tasks

Now it’s your turn to practice! Try these exercises to reinforce what you’ve learned.

Task 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct opinion phrase:

1. „____________, że polskie miasta są bardzo piękne.” (I think that Polish cities are very beautiful.)
2. „____________, że zima jest za długa.” (I believe that winter is too long.)
3. „____________, że lato jest najlepszą porą roku.” (I don’t agree that summer is the best season.)

Task 2: Create Your Own Sentences
Write 3-5 sentences in Polish expressing your opinions about:

• Your favorite Polish food.
• A place you’d like to visit in Poland.
• A Polish tradition or holiday.

Task 3: Role Play
Practice a conversation with a friend or language partner. Use the opinion phrases to discuss:

• Your favorite season.
• A movie or book you like.
• A topic of your choice.

Cultural Tip: Polish Communication Style

Poles value directness and honesty in conversations. Don’t be afraid to share your opinions, even if they differ from others’. At the same time, being polite and respectful is important, especially when disagreeing. Phrases like „Moim zdaniem” (In my opinion) or „Uważam, że” (I think that) help soften your statements and show that you’re open to discussion.

Key Takeaways

• You’ve learned essential phrases for expressing opinions in Polish.
• You now know how to use „że” to connect your thoughts in a sentence.
• You’ve practiced forming your own sentences and engaging in conversations.

Keep practicing these phrases, and soon you’ll be sharing your thoughts like a native speaker!