sztuka
/ˈʂtu.ka/
The Polish word for 'art' is sztuka.
sztuka refers to the expression of creative skill and imagination, typically in visual forms like painting or sculpture. Interestingly, the word is also used to mean a single 'piece' or 'work' of art.
Which one should you use?
While sztuka is the default form, other forms are used depending on the grammatical context. Use sztuki when referring to 'arts' in the nominative plural, such as 'fine arts'. Use sztuki as the genitive singular form, for example when expressing a lack of something. Use sztuk as the genitive plural when referring to 'of arts', such as 'fields of arts'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word sztuka can function as a countable noun meaning a 'piece' of art. The nominative plural for 'arts' is sztuki, as in 'sztuki piękne' (fine arts).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈʂtu.ka/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word sztuka shares a common ancestor with the English word 'stick', originating from a root meaning 'to prick' or 'to pierce'.
- In a Polish supermarket or warehouse, sztuka is the standard term for a 'piece' or 'unit' when counting individual items.
- A 'trick' or 'prank' in Polish is called a sztuczka, which is a diminutive form of the word sztuka.
Examples in context
- Sztuka jest nieodłączną częścią naszej kultury.Art is an integral part of our culture.
- Muzeum Narodowe w Warszawie zgromadziło wiele arcydzieł sztuki.The National Museum in Warsaw has gathered many masterpieces of art.
- W ramach festiwalu organizowane są różne wydarzenia sztuki.Various art events are organized as part of the festival.
- Czy jesteś fanem malarstwa abstrakcyjnego?Are you a fan of abstract art?
- Ostatnio zainteresowałam się malarstwem nowoczesnym.Lately, I've been interested in modern art.
- Ta sztuka jest bardzo nowoczesna.This art is very modern.
- Sztuka może być bardzo różna.Art can be very diverse.
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Krzysztof are visiting a gallery.
- AgnieszkaKrzysztofie, spójrz na tę sztukę!Krzysztof, look at this art!
- KrzysztofTo wygląda bardzo interesująco.It looks very interesting.
- AgnieszkaMyślisz, że ta sztuka jest droga?Do you think this art is expensive?
- KrzysztofPewnie kosztuje mnóstwo pieniędzy.It probably costs a lot of money.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sztuka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sztuka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
