Powodzenia

Powodzenia is a Polish noun and a common interjection meaning “success” or, more often, a wish of good luck. The form commonly used in everyday speech is the plural noun “powodzenia,” which is directed at someone (or a group) as a well-wish. The singular form, “powodzenie,” refers to a successful outcome or state.

Etymology and usage context: Powodzenie comes from the same root family as the verb powodzić/powodować, meaning to cause, to bring about. In practice, powodzenia is not a literal statement about past events but rather a hopeful expression for a positive result in the near future. It is frequently used in formal and informal contexts alike.

Common usage: The phrase Powodzenia! is typically said before exams, interviews, competitions, or new challenges. It can stand alone as a closing remark or be incorporated into longer sentences, such as Życzę ci powodzenia (I wish you success) or Powodzenia w nowej pracy (Good luck in your new job). It may be used with prepositions to specify the situation, for example, Powodzenia na egzaminie or Powodzenia w projekcie.

Relation to related terms: Powodzenia differs from sukces (success) in that it emphasizes the wish for a favorable outcome rather than reporting that a success has already occurred. It is also distinct from szczęście (luck), which more often refers to a general sense of happiness or fortune.

In Polish culture, Powodzenia is one of the most common expressions to encourage someone embarking on a task, study, or venture.