Which one should you use?
While jesień is the noun for the season, you can use the adjective form jesienny (masculine), jesienna (feminine) or jesienne (neuter) to say "autumnal" or "of autumn". For example, Sezon jesienny means "the autumn season".
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, jesień changes its form depending on the grammatical case. In the genitive case, it becomes jesieni, which is used to indicate possession, absence or after certain prepositions (for example, brak jesieni – lack of autumn). In the instrumental case, it becomes jesienią, used to express a state or the concept of "with" (for example, idzie jesień – autumn is coming).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈjɛ.ɕɛɲ/.
Did you know?
- The word jesień is a linguistic relative of the English word 'season'. Both trace their origins back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁es-en-.
- In Polish, the phrase złota polska jesień (golden Polish autumn) describes the specific period in September and October when the leaves turn vibrant yellow and the weather remains warm.
- In many Polish proverbs, jesień is personified as a woman who arrives with a specific character, often described as 'golden' or 'melancholy'.
Examples in context
- Wolę wiosnę niż jesień.I prefer spring to autumn.This sentence uses jesień to express a preference between seasons.Tatoeba #510058 by zipangu, translation #258495 by CK
- Jesień była długa i łagodna.The autumn was long and mild.This sentence uses jesień to describe the qualities of the autumn.Tatoeba #6534438 by arie, translation #942292 by spockofvulcan
- Jesień to moja ulubiona pora roku.Autumn is my favourite season.This sentence uses jesień to state a personal preference for the season.Tatoeba #7185137 by arie, translation #6537067 by deniko
- Jesień to pora roku, która otula duszę.Autumn is the season that hugs the soul.
- Jesień jest piękna!Autumn is beautiful!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Katarzyna are talking about the changing weather.
- PawełCzy czujesz, że nadchodzi jesień?Do you feel that autumn is coming?
- KatarzynaTak, robi się coraz zimniej.Yes, it's getting colder.
- PawełKiedy zaczyna się złota jesień?When does the golden autumn begin?
- KatarzynaZazwyczaj w październiku.Usually in October.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “autumn” translations and entries jesień, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jesień, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
