Wiem
/ˈvjɛm/
The English phrase "i know" is translated into Polish as Wiem.
Wiem is used to assert that you possess an answer, a piece of information or an idea. You can also use the phrase Wiem o co chodzi in informal situations to indicate that you understand what is going on.
Meaning: assertion that speaker has answer or idea (phrase)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction in Polish between knowing information and being familiar with something. Use Wiem when you know facts or the answer to a question. In contrast, use Znam when expressing familiarity with a person, a specific place or a thing, such as a song.
How does it change in a sentence?
Wiem is the first-person singular present tense of the verb wiedzieć.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvjɛm/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use Wiem to express familiarity with a person or a specific object. Use Znam instead.
Did you know?
- In very informal settings, instead of Wiem, a Polish speaker might say No wiem, where the No doesn't mean 'no' but acts as a filler similar to 'yeah' or 'well'.
- In Polish, the distinction between Wiem and Znam is so strict that using Wiem to describe knowing a person would sound like you know a secret fact about them rather than knowing them personally.
- The word wiedzieć is a distant relative of the English word 'wit', as both stem from an ancient root meaning to see or perceive.
Examples in context
- Wiem już o tym.I know that already.This sentence is useful for saying that you already have certain information using Wiem.Tatoeba #3881884 by Baakamono, translation #3826778 by CK
- Tyle to ja wiem.I know that much.This sentence shows how to express a limited amount of knowledge using Wiem.Tatoeba #7002361 by BeataB, translation #2376114 by CK
- Wiem czym one są.I know what they are.This sentence demonstrates using Wiem to indicate knowledge of what something is.Tatoeba #3512405 by Bilberry, translation #2376320 by CK
- 375 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Piotr are discussing a schedule change.
- AnnaCzy wiesz, że spotkanie jest dziś?Do you know that the meeting is today?
- PiotrTak, wiem.Yes, I know.
- AnnaWięc nie muszę ci o tym przypominać.So I don't have to remind you about it.
- PiotrDziękuję, doceniam troskę.Thank you, I appreciate the concern.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry wiem.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
