Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| zły | /ˈzwɘ/ /zɫɨ/ (Middle, Polish) |
|
| rozgniewany | masculine |
The word zły is used to describe someone displaying anger. Depending on the context, it can also mean "bad". To express that you are angry with or at someone, use the pattern zły na [kogoś] (angry at/with [someone]). In informal speech, you might hear the idiom Zły jak osa, which literally means "angry like a wasp" and describes someone who is extremely furious.
Which one should you use?
While zły is the common, standard way to say angry, rozgniewany is a more formal or intense way to describe an angry or infuriated person. In an informal context, you may encounter the word wkurzony, which is similar to the English "pissed off".
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form is zła, the neuter form is złe and the masculine personal plural form is zli. The form rozgniewany is specifically the masculine form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzwɘ/
Did you know?
- Because zły also means 'bad', the phrase złe powietrze literally translates to 'bad air' but is often used to describe a foul mood or an oppressive atmosphere.
- The word rozgniewany is derived from gniew, which is the noun for 'anger'. In older Polish literature and religious texts, gniew often referred specifically to the divine wrath of God.
- The Polish word zły descends from the Proto-Slavic root *zъlъ, which is a distant relative of the English word 'evil'.
Examples in context
- Był zły na syna.He was angry with his son.This sentence shows how to use zły to express being angry with someone.Tatoeba #551577 by zipangu, translation #300972 by CH
- Jesteś na mnie zły?Are you angry with me?This sentence uses zły to ask if someone is angry with you.Tatoeba #6554207 by arie, translation #1229091 by Eldad
- Masz prawo być zły.You have a right to be angry.This sentence uses zły to state a person's right to feel anger.Tatoeba #12062288 by uvenit127, translation #8566285 by CK
- Władysław jest bardzo zły na swojego pracodawcę.Władysław is very angry at his employer.
- Pani Kowalska jest poirytowana z powodu spóźnienia pociągu.Mrs. Kowalska is annoyed due to the train's delay.
- Minister obrony był wściekły na swojego zastępcę za nieprzestrzeganie zasad protokołu.The Minister of Defense was furious at his deputy for not adhering to protocol.
- Marta jest wkurzona na swego chłopaka za jego nieodpowiedzialne zachowanie.Marta is pissed off at her boyfriend for his irresponsible behavior.
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Tomasz are discussing a mistake at home.
- MałgorzataDlaczego jesteś taki zły?Why are you so angry?
- TomaszKtoś zbił mój ulubiony kubek.Someone broke my favorite mug.
- MałgorzataPrzepraszam, to ja go zbiłem.I'm sorry, I broke it.
- TomaszJuż nie jestem zły, ale uważaj.I'm not angry anymore, but be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “angry” translations and entries zły, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zły, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
