zwolnić

zwolnić

To slow down or to release/fire.

Here, 'zwolnić' is used to mean 'to slow down,' referring to reducing speed while driving.

Muszę zwolnić, bo samochód przed nami jedzie bardzo powoli.

I need to slow down because the car ahead is driving very slowly.

In this context, 'zwolnić' translates to 'to lay off,' signifying terminating employment for reasons such as cost reductions.

Firma postanowiła zwolnić kilku pracowników z powodu redukcji kosztów.

The company decided to lay off some employees due to cost reductions.

Here, 'zwolnić się' means 'to excuse oneself' or 'to leave,' specifically from an obligation or scheduled event like a class.

Profesor pozwolił mi zwolnić się wcześniej z zajęć z powodu wizyty u lekarza.

The professor allowed me to leave early from the class due to a doctor's appointment.