Social Propriety: "wypada" and "nie wypada"
To express what is socially acceptable or expected, Polish uses the impersonal verb wypada (it is appropriate / proper) and its negative form nie wypada (it is not appropriate / proper).
Because they are impersonal, these verbs don't take a subject (like "I" or "you"). Instead, they are followed directly by a verb in the infinitive to state a general rule of etiquette.
| For such a ceremony, it is appropriate to come in evening attire. | Na taką uroczystość wypada przyjść w stroju wieczorowym. |
| During the gala, it is appropriate to pay the host a compliment. | Podczas gali wypada powiedzieć komplement gospodarzowi. |
To point out poor etiquette or things that shouldn't be done, use nie wypada.
| Generally speaking, it is not appropriate to yawn among the guests. | Ogólnie rzecz biorąc, nie wypada ziewać wśród gości. |
| This comment was tactless and it is simply not appropriate to speak in this way. | Ten komentarz był nietaktowny i po prostu nie wypada mówić w ten sposób. |
Describing Etiquette and Behavior
For formal events, describe behavior and attire with adjectives like stosowny (appropriate) and taktowny (tactful). Form their opposites by adding the prefix nie-: niestosowny (inappropriate) and nietaktowny (tactless).
| When we talk with the host, a tactful compliment is always appropriate. | Gdy rozmawiamy z gospodarzem, taktowny komplement jest zawsze stosowny. |
| Such an inappropriate attire is simply a lack of manners. | Taki niestosowny strój to po prostu brak manier. |
Your questions are stored by us to improve Elon.io