mieć nadzieję
/ˈmjɛt͡ɕ naˈd͡ʑɛ.jɛ/imperfective
To hope in Polish is mieć nadzieję. Wiktionary also lists spodziewać się.
Meaning: to want something to happen, with expectation that it might (verb)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mieć nadzieję | /ˈmjɛt͡ɕ naˈd͡ʑɛ.jɛ/ /ˈmjɛt͡ɕ naˈd͡ʑɛ.jɛw̃/ |
imperfective |
| spodziewać się | imperfective |
The verb is used when you want something to happen, with expectation that it might.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mieć nadzieję is literally composed of the verb mieć (to have) and the noun nadzieja (hope).
Which one should you use?
Mieć nadzieję expresses a wish or desire for something to happen. In contrast, spodziewać się is used when you actually expect or anticipate something based on probability or evidence, similar to the English 'to expect'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to express the object of your hope, use the conjunction że followed by a clause, such as mieć nadzieję, że… (to hope that…).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmjɛtɕ naˈdʑɛ.jɛ/ (3 syllables, stress on the 1st syllable)
When do people say it?
In informal situations, you can use the phrase Trzymam kciuki, which means 'I'm keeping my fingers crossed' to express hope.
Did you know?
- The verb spodziewać is derived from the archaic word spodziać, a root no longer used in modern Polish outside of this specific context of expectation.
- While English speakers cross their fingers, Poles use the phrase trzymam kciuki, which literally means 'I am holding my thumbs'.
- The Polish noun nadzieja can be used in the phrase ostatnia nadzieja, which carries a heavy literary weight often found in Polish Romantic poetry.
Examples in context
- Możemy tylko mieć nadzieję.All we can do is hope.This sentence shows how to use mieć nadzieję to express a general sentiment.Tatoeba #3706404 by jeedrek, translation #2881848 by CK
- Możemy tylko mieć nadzieję, że rząd wycofa swoje wojsko.We can only hope the government decides to withdraw its troops.This sentence demonstrates how to use mieć nadzieję with a clause to specify what you are hoping for.Tatoeba #6159905 by arie, translation #6152074 by Miznia
- Trzeba mieć nadzieję, że los okaże się sprawiedliwy, a wojnę wygra obrońca, a agresor poniesie dotkliwe konsekwencje.One has to hope that the fate will turn out to be fair, and the war will be won by the defender, and the aggressor will suffer severe consequences.This sentence illustrates a more complex way to use mieć nadzieję when expressing a hope regarding fate and justice.Tatoeba #12014068 by Piteris, translation #12014070 by Piteris
- Mam nadzieję, że ta propozycja spełni państwa oczekiwania.I hope this proposal meets your expectations.
- Trzymam kciuki za Twój sukces na egzaminie.I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your success in the exam.
- Mam nadzieję, że szybko się zobaczymy!I hope we'll see each other soon!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hope” translations and entries mieć nadzieję, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mieć, mieć nadzieję, się, spodziewać, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
