u mnie dobrze
/ˈu ˈmɲɛ ˈdɔ.bʐɛ/word by word
The English phrase "I am good" is expressed in Polish as u mnie dobrze.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "at me well" or "with me [it is] well".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word dobrze is an adverb, which is why it is used to describe the state of things being 'well' rather than using an adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈu ˈmɲɛ ˈdɔ.bʐɛ/. The first of 4 syllables is stressed.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the adjective dobry (good) instead of the adverb dobrze (well) when responding to "how are you".
Did you know?
- While u mnie dobrze is common, Poles often respond to "how are you" with średnio, meaning 'average'. This reflects a cultural tendency to be modest or honest about struggles rather than defaulting to a positive response.
- The word dobrze is used not only to describe a state of being but also as a way to say 'okay' or 'agreed' when accepting a proposal.
- The sound of the 'rz' in dobrze is a single-syllable sound that is pronounced like the 's' in 'measure' or 'treasure', rather than two separate letters.
Examples in context
- U mnie dobrze, dziękuję.I am doing well, thank you.
- U mnie dobrze, a u ciebie?I am fine, and you?
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Małgorzata meet on the street.
- KrzysztofCześć Małgorzato, co u ciebie słychać?Hi Małgorzata, how are things with you?
- MałgorzataCześć Krzysztofie, u mnie dobrze.Hi Krzysztof, I am doing well.
- KrzysztofCieszę się, że u ciebie dobrze.I am glad that you are doing well.
- MałgorzataA co słychać u ciebie?And how are things with you?
