Episode 66: Shoo!

English Phonemes: “vohn”

Elegant Translation: Get out! Go away!

English Equivalent: Shoo!

This simple word is a staple of any Polish person’s childhood. A much needed tool in any parent’s arsenal, this word, when sharply administered, tells the young’un that he/she is in a place they very hastily need to be out of.

It’s tough to find a direct literal translation. “Shoo” in English is the closest. The word “won” in Polish doesn’t actually mean “go” or “get” or “away” or “out”. But like “shoo” in English, “won” is accomplishing the same exact thing.

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