zaradny

Zaradny is a Polish adjective describing a person who is resourceful, capable, and enterprising. It typically refers to someone who can manage practical matters, solve problems, and make ends meet through initiative and practical thinking. The term generally carries a positive connotation, highlighting thrift, self-reliance, and the ability to improvise when needed.

The related noun is zaradność, referring to the quality of being resourceful or enterprising. Common derivatives include zaradny (masculine), zaradna (feminine), and zaradne (neuter), used to agree with the noun they modify. In usage, a zaradny person is someone who can navigate everyday challenges effectively, often without relying on external help.

Etymology is not definitively settled in contemporary sources, but zaradny is a long-standing part of Polish vocabulary and is conceptually linked to terms describing usefulness, capability, and prudent action. The sense overlaps with related adjectives such as przedsiębiorczy (entrepreneurial) and praktyczny (practical), while sprytny (clever, crafty) may convey a stronger emphasis on wit than on practical sufficiency. Antonyms are typically expressed with negations such as niezaradny or bezradny, depending on context.

In common usage, zaradny appears in both personal descriptors and in descriptions of approaches or strategies that are efficient and effective in achieving goals. It remains a versatile term in Polish for praising practical competence without overemphasizing technical expertise.