EVERYDAY PHRASES - PHRASE 7

Inspired by my student Bartek.

We’re talking about our morning routine and the ride to work when we come across a simple, instinctive action that every driver—and hopefully every passenger—does. But what exactly do we call it? That’s when the question arises: How do you say zapiąć in English? Well, it depends on the context—one verb for seatbelts and another for other things you might want to zapiąć. But overall, the language here is pretty logical.

📌Fasten
seat belts or straps

• Zapiąć pasy → Fasten* your seatbelt. 
• Zapiąć plecak → Fasten your backpack.

*Buckle your seatbelt in the car.

📌Button up
clothes with buttons.

• Zapiąć koszulę → Button up your shirt.
• Zapiąć marynarkę → Button up your blazer.

📌Zip up
clothes with a zipper.

• Zapiąć kurtkę → Zip up your jacket.
• Zapiąć torbę → Zip up the bag.