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  What it means

  Literally “God preserve us.” An exclamation of horror, strong disapproval, or alarm — “God forbid!” or “heaven forbid!”

  Vocabulary

  • Bóg — God
  • uchować — to preserve / to protect / to keep safe

  Grammar note

  'Boże' is the vocative of 'Bóg' — directly addressing God. 'Uchowaj' is the imperative of 'uchować.' A fixed exclamatory phrase.

  Cultural context

  A very common Polish exclamation, used by religious and secular speakers alike. Can express genuine alarm or dramatic exaggeration.

  Beginner

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