Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| umowa | /uˈmɔ.va/ |
| porozumienie | /pɔ.rɔ.zuˈmjɛ.ɲɛ/ |
| układ | /ˈu.kwat/ /ˈu.kɫɒt/ (Middle, Polish) |
| kontrakt | /ˈkɔn.trakt/ |
The various Polish terms for 'deal' depend on whether you are referring to a formal legal contract, a business transaction, a mutual understanding or a general arrangement.
Which one should you use?
While umowa can refer to a casual deal, it is also the standard word for a formal legal contract. In contrast, układ refers to an arrangement, a set of interconnected parts or a political/international treaty rather than a simple commercial deal. Use porozumienie when you want to emphasize the act of reaching an agreement or coming to terms. If you are specifically referring to a financial transaction or a business deal, use transakcja.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word umowa is pronounced /uˈmɔ.va/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use umowa to mean 'to deal with' or 'to handle'. If you want to express the verb 'to deal with' or 'to manage', use the phrase radzić sobie.
When do people say it?
In casual conversation, Polish speakers use the phrase Umowa stoi? to ask 'Is it a deal?' or 'Do we have an agreement?'
Did you know?
- The word układ can refer to a 'deal' in a sinister sense, often describing a secret, corrupt agreement or a 'cabal' between powerful people.
- When Polish speakers ask Umowa stoi?, they are literally asking 'Does the agreement stand?', using a spatial metaphor to confirm a deal.
- The word umowa is actually rooted in the verb mówić, which means 'to speak'.
Examples in context
- Umowa stoi?Deal?This example shows a colloquial way to ask if a deal is confirmed using umowa.Tatoeba #730547 by zipangu, translation #4838266 by TrioLinguist
- Umowa stoi.We have a deal.This example shows how to confirm that an agreement has been reached using umowa.Tatoeba #3127458 by Inci, translation #2549593 by CK
- Podpisaliśmy umowę na dostawę produktówWe signed a deal for product delivery
- Proszę o potwierdzenie przeprowadzonej transakcjiPlease confirm the completed deal
- Podpisaliśmy porozumienie w sprawie współpracyWe signed a deal regarding cooperation
- Gdzie zrobiłem tę transakcję?Where did I make this deal?
- Ta umowa jest bardzo długa.This agreement is very long.
Example conversation
Katarzyna and Tomasz are discussing a trade.
- KatarzynaDam ci książkę za twoją grę.I'll give you the book for your game.
- TomaszTo jest świetna umowa!That is a great deal!
- KatarzynaWięc się zgadzasz?So, do you agree?
- TomaszTak, Tomasz się zgadza.Yes, Tomasz agrees.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “deal” translations and entries umowa, porozumienie, układ, kontrakt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kontrakt, porozumienie, układ, umowa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
