zdaniem

Zdanie is a Polish noun with several related meanings. In everyday language it most often refers to an opinion or view, but it can also mean a sentence in the sense of grammar or a judicial decision. The instrumental singular form zdaniem is used to attribute an opinion to someone or to a group, and it is common in formal and journalistic style.

When used with a following noun, zdaniem typically expresses “in the opinion of” or “according to.” The usual construction is Zdaniem [genitive plural or singular], for example: Zdaniem ekspertów, projekt should be supported, or Zdaniem naukowców, climate change is accelerating. In this role, the phrase does not require a preposition in Polish and can stand at the beginning of a clause, followed by the rest of the sentence. Common collocations include zdaniem autora, zdaniem ekspertów, and zdaniem sędziów, referring to the author, experts, or judges respectively.

Semantically, zdanie (the base noun) has a broader range of senses. Aside from “opinion,” it can mean a personal judgment, a stated point of view, or, in law or publishing, a formal verdict or conclusion. In linguistic terms, zdanie also means a grammatical sentence, a distinction that is clear from context (for example, “to zdanie” meaning “that sentence” rather than “opinion”).

Differences with related terms: opinia and pogląd are close in meaning but slightly more formal or general; zdanie emphasizes a considered judgment or declared viewpoint. Translations of zdaniem include “in the opinion of” or “according to” in English, depending on context.