Word
To nic nie znaczy.
Meaning
It means nothing.
Part of speech
sentence
Pronunciation
Course
Questions & Answers about To nic nie znaczy.
Why are there two negative words (nic and nie) in this sentence?
In Polish, double negatives are strictly required. When you use a negative word like nic (nothing), you must also make the verb negative by putting nie in front of it. So literally, this sentence translates to 'It nothing does not mean.'
What is the base form of the verb znaczy?
The infinitive (dictionary form) is znaczyć (to mean). In this sentence, it is conjugated in the third person singular because the subject is to (it).
Could I leave out to and just say Nic nie znaczy?
Yes, but it changes the feel slightly. Using to points directly at a specific thing or situation, like saying 'This means nothing.' Dropping it makes the statement a bit more general, but both are common and correct.
Can this phrase also mean 'It doesn't matter'?
Yes! Just like in English, To nic nie znaczy is often used figuratively to say 'It doesn't matter' or 'It is of no importance,' rather than just literally translating words.