Ways to say it
| Polish | Note |
|---|---|
| zostaw mnie w spokoju | informal |
| zostaw mnie | informal |
| niech pan mnie zostawi | formal |
| niech pan mnie zostawi w spokoju | formal |
| daj mi spokój | informal, singular |
| dajcie mi spokój | informal, plural |
This phrase is used when you want someone to stop talking to you. You can use various forms depending on whether you are speaking to one person or a group, and how much politeness or distance you wish to maintain. In some colloquial contexts, the phrase Odpuść mi is used, which literally translates to 'forgive me' but functions as a way to tell someone to leave you alone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase zostaw mnie w spokoju literally translates to 'leave me in peace', where w spokoju means 'in peace'.
Which one should you use?
Zostaw mnie is a shorter and more abrupt version that simply means 'leave me'. Zostaw mnie w spokoju is the full expression meaning 'leave me alone'. Daj mi spokój is a common idiomatic alternative that literally means 'give me peace' and is used to say 'leave me alone' or 'stop bothering me'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For informal situations, you can use zostaw mnie w spokoju, zostaw mnie or daj mi spokój. If you are speaking to a group informally, use dajcie mi spokój. In formal situations, use niech pan mnie zostawi when addressing a man or niech pani mnie zostawi when addressing a woman. For a very polite way to ask for privacy, you can use Proszę o odrobinę prywatności, which means 'Please give me a bit of privacy'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a single person informally, the singular imperative zostaw is used. To address a group of people, the imperative changes to zostawcie, as seen in zostawcie mnie w spokoju.
Did you know?
- If a Polish speaker is extremely frustrated, they might replace zostaw mnie with odczep się, which literally means 'unhook yourself from me'.
- The phrase daj mi spokój can be used as a sarcastic expression of disbelief. In this context it does not mean the speaker wants to be alone but rather that they find the other person's claim ridiculous.
- The formal term pan used in niech pan mnie zostawi is an ancient word for 'lord' or 'master'. In modern Polish it has evolved into a standard polite pronoun used to address any stranger regardless of their social rank.
Examples in context
- Zostaw mnie w spokoju.Leave me alone.This sentence demonstrates the use of zostaw mnie.Tatoeba #440540 by zipangu, translation #27641 by CK
- Zostaw mnie w spokoju! Nie widzisz, jestem zajęty.Leave me alone! Can't you see I'm busy?This sentence shows how to use zostaw mnie when you are busy.Tatoeba #5909071 by Ceresnya, translation #6029342 by Huskion
- Dostałeś to, czego chciałeś, teraz zostaw mnie w spokoju.You got what you wanted, now leave me alone.This sentence uses zostaw mnie to show a reaction to someone getting what they wanted.Tatoeba #5968906 by jeedrek, translation #2900291 by AlanF_US
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tomasz is trying to study while Anna keeps asking him questions.
- TomaszTomasz, dlaczego nie odpowiadasz?Tomasz, why aren't you answering?
- AnnaZostaw mnie w spokoju, muszę skończyć projekt.Leave me alone, I have to finish the project.
- TomaszTylko jedno pytanie, proszę!Just one question, please!
- AnnaPowiedziałem, żebyś zostawiła mnie w spokoju.I told you to leave me alone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leave me alone” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries niech, pan, w, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
