Ways to say it
| Polish |
|---|
| spadaj! |
| zjeżdżaj! |
These phrases are used as commands to tell someone to go away. Note that these are distinct from the verbs gubić się, zgubić się or błądzić, which describe the act of losing one's way or direction.
What does it mean word for word?
spadaj! is the imperative form of spadać, which literally means "to fall". zjeżdżaj! is the imperative form of zjeżdżać, which literally means "to slide down" or "to descend".
Which one should you use?
spadaj! is more common and carries a sharper, more dismissive tone than zjeżdżaj!
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both spadaj! and zjeżdżaj! are highly informal and can be perceived as rude or aggressive.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To tell more than one person to get lost, use the plural imperative form spadajcie! instead of spadaj!
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the command 'get lost!' (go away) with the verb zgubić się (to lose one's way/direction).
Did you know?
- The word zjeżdżaj! comes from the same root as the word for 'sliding' or 'skiing', evoking the image of someone sliding out of sight quickly.
- Adding the word no to create the phrase no spadaj transforms the command from a direct order into a sarcastic expression of incredulity.
- While spadaj! is rude to strangers, close friends may use it playfully to dismiss a joke or an unbelievable claim.
Examples in context
- Spadaj!Get lost!This sentence shows the use of the command spadaj!Tatoeba #623563 by Dorenda, translation #623565 by Dorenda
- Spadaj.Get lost.
- Znikaj stąd.Get out of here.
- Spadaj! Nie chcę cię widzieć.Get lost! I don't want to see you.
Example conversation
Paweł and Agnieszka are having a heated argument in the street.
- PawełZostaw mnie w spokoju!Leave me alone!
- AgnieszkaPrzestań tak na mnie krzyczeć.Stop shouting at me like that.
- PawełSpadaj! Już nie chcę z tobą rozmawiać.Get lost! I don't want to talk to you anymore.
- AgnieszkaDobrze, pójdę.Fine, I will go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “get lost” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
