Meaning
The state of being physically fit.
Cultural Background
Health is the most common wish during the 'Opłatek' ceremony on Christmas Eve. It is considered more important than money. The song 'Sto lat' is sung at every celebration, wishing the person 100 years of life and health. Polish grandmothers often emphasize 'hartowanie' (cold-weather exposure) to build 'dobre zdrowie' in children. Toasts in Poland almost always use the word 'zdrowie'.
The Genitive Rule
Always remember to say 'Dobrego zdrowia' when you are wishing it to someone. This is the most common mistake for beginners!
Health First
In Poland, if you don't know what to wish someone, just wish them 'zdrowia'. It's never wrong and always appreciated.
Meaning
The state of being physically fit.
The Genitive Rule
Always remember to say 'Dobrego zdrowia' when you are wishing it to someone. This is the most common mistake for beginners!
Health First
In Poland, if you don't know what to wish someone, just wish them 'zdrowia'. It's never wrong and always appreciated.
Cieszyć się
To sound more advanced, use the verb 'cieszyć się' (to enjoy) with the instrumental case: 'Cieszę się dobrym zdrowiem'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'dobre zdrowie' for a wish.
Życzę Ci ________ ________!
The verb 'życzyć' requires the genitive case.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct sentence:
'Zdrowie' is neuter, so 'dobre' is the correct adjective form.
Match the Polish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the most common health-related collocations.
Complete the dialogue between a doctor and a patient.
Lekarz: Wszystko jest w porządku. Ma Pan... Pacjent: To świetna wiadomość!
The doctor is stating a fact (Nominative).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use which form?
Stating a fact
- • Dobre zdrowie
Making a wish
- • Dobrego zdrowia
After a sneeze
- • Na zdrowie
Practice Bank
4 exercisesŻyczę Ci ________ ________!
The verb 'życzyć' requires the genitive case.
Select the correct sentence:
'Zdrowie' is neuter, so 'dobre' is the correct adjective form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the most common health-related collocations.
Lekarz: Wszystko jest w porządku. Ma Pan... Pacjent: To świetna wiadomość!
The doctor is stating a fact (Nominative).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your doctor, or your best friend.
No, 'zdrowie' is neuter. You must say 'Mam dobre zdrowie'.
Say 'Na zdrowie!', not 'Dobre zdrowie'.
Say 'Życzę Ci dobrego zdrowia!'
It means 'horse health', which is an idiom for having a very strong constitution.
Yes, you can say 'zdrowie psychiczne'.
Because the verb 'to wish' (życzyć) requires the genitive case in Polish.
Usually, you just say 'Na zdrowie!', but you can say 'Za Twoje dobre zdrowie!' (To your good health!).
Yes, etymologically it comes from a root meaning 'strong as wood'.
The opposite is 'złe zdrowie' or 'słabe zdrowie'.
Related Phrases
Zdrowy styl życia
builds onHealthy lifestyle
Końskie zdrowie
specialized formIron constitution
Szybkiego powrotu do zdrowia
similarGet well soon
Na zdrowie
similarCheers / Bless you
