wbrew + Dative

Wbrew with the Dative

Level 4

Wbrew is a preposition used to express opposition to rules, expectations, or someone's will. It is unique because it is one of the few prepositions in Polish that governs the dative case.

How It Works

The preposition wbrew is used to express defiance, contradiction, or acting against a specific force, will, or expectation. Unlike przeciwko, which often implies physical direction or hostility, wbrew focuses on the violation of a standard.

1. Case Government
Always use the dative case after wbrew. For example, 'wbrew przepisom' (contrary to the regulations) uses the dative plural ending -om.

2. Defiance of Will or Logic
While often used with abstract concepts (rules, logic, appearances), it is also used with people to show defiance of their will. For example: wbrew ojcu (against my father's will/wishes).

3. Nuance vs. Mimo
Learners often confuse wbrew with mimo (despite).

  • Mimo (+ Genitive) suggests a circumstance that didn't stop an action (e.g., despite the rain).
  • Wbrew (+ Dative) suggests a deliberate contradiction or violation (e.g., contrary to the rules).

4. The "Wbrew temu, co..." Construction
A very common way to start a sentence is Wbrew temu, co... (Contrary to what...). For example: Wbrew temu, co mówi, jest szczęśliwy (Contrary to what he says, he is happy).

5. Common Phrases
Look out for fixed expressions like wbrew pozorom (contrary to appearances) or wbrew mojej woli (against my will).

Examples (4)

  1. Wbrew pozorom, to nie jest takie trudne.

    Contrary to appearances, it is not that difficult.

    Word by Word: Contrary appearances-DAT, it not is such difficult.

    This is a very common idiomatic expression in Polish used to introduce a surprising fact.

  2. Zrobił to wbrew zaleceniom lekarza.

    He did it against the doctor's recommendations.

    Word by Word: He-did it contrary recommendations-DAT doctor-GEN.

    Here, 'zaleceniom' is in the dative plural, while 'lekarza' is in the genitive to show possession.

  3. Uśmiechnęła się wbrew sobie.

    She smiled in spite of herself.

    Word by Word: She-smiled herself contrary self-DAT.

    Using 'sobie' (dative of the reflexive pronoun) implies she didn't actually want to smile or it felt unnatural.

  4. Wszystko poszło wbrew naszym planom.

    Everything went contrary to our plans.

    Word by Word: Everything went contrary our-DAT plans-DAT.

    Both the adjective 'naszym' and the noun 'planom' must agree in the dative case.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the genitive case instead of the dative.

    Wbrew przepisów.
    Wbrew przepisom.

    Because most Polish prepositions take the genitive, learners often default to it. However, 'wbrew' is a strict dative-governing preposition.

  • Confusing 'wbrew' with 'mimo'.

    Wbrew deszczu poszliśmy na spacer.
    Mimo deszczu poszliśmy na spacer.

    Use 'mimo' for external circumstances like weather. Use 'wbrew' for things you can actively defy, like rules or opinions.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

wbrew + DativeLevel 4Wbrew with the Dative

Learn This First

Learn Dative Case before Wbrew With The Dative.

Words in This Pattern

wbrew