zdanie
/ˈzda.ɲɛ/
The Polish word for "a sentence" is zdanie.
zdanie refers to a set of words that is grammatically complete and expresses a complete thought. It is also a homonym that can mean a person's "opinion" or "judgment".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of zdanie is zdania. The form zdaniem is the instrumental case of zdanie, which is used to express identity, such as in the phrase "This is a sentence" or after certain prepositions. Note that while the word itself is neutral, when addressing people, the choice of pronoun changes based on formality: Pan is used for a formal "you" (man), Pani is used for a formal "you" (woman), ty is the informal singular "you" and wy is the informal plural "you".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzda.ɲɛ/. The word has 2 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Polish distinguishes between a 'sentence' as a grammatical unit zdanie and a 'sentence' as a prison term, which is called wyrok.
- The root of zdanie is related to the Proto-Indo-European root *deh₃, which is the ancestor of the English word 'do'.
- While zdanie means 'sentence' in a linguistic context, it also refers to a 'judgment' or 'verdict' in a legal sense.
Examples in context
- To nie jest zdanie.This is not a sentence.This sentence is useful for practicing the negation of the word zdanie.Tatoeba #822147 by zipangu, translation #547389 by MUIRIEL
- To zdanie nie jest zdaniem.This sentence is not a sentence.This sentence demonstrates how to use the instrumental case form zdaniem.Tatoeba #7703669 by qmak, translation #6993591 by Hybrid
- Musisz zacząć zdanie od wielkiej litery.You must begin a sentence with a capital letter.This sentence provides a rule regarding the capitalization of a zdanie.Tatoeba #1693847 by Hikaru, translation #320054 by CK
- Dzień dobry, Panie Smith.Good morning, Mr. Smith.
- Proszę zatrzymać się tutaj.Please stop here.
- Czy mogę prosić wodę?May I have some water, please?
- Cześć, jak się masz?Hi, how are you?
- Zrób to sam!Do it yourself!
- Idziemy na plażę?Shall we go to the beach?
- Powodzenia!Good luck!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student asks a teacher for help with a homework assignment.
- MałgorzataCzy to zdanie jest poprawne?Is this sentence correct?
- PiotrTak, to zdanie jest bardzo dobre.Yes, this sentence is very good.
- MałgorzataDziękuję za pomoc, panie profesorze.Thank you for the help, professor.
- PiotrNie ma za co, Małgorzato.You're welcome, Małgorzata.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zdanie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zdanie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
