Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA |
|---|---|
| zły | /ˈzwɘ/ /zɫɨ/ (Middle, Polish) |
| kiepski | /ˈkjɛp.ski/ |
zły is used to describe things that are unfavorable, negative or of bad quality. It is also the standard word for expressing moral badness or bad omens. Additionally, depending on the context, zły can mean both 'bad' and 'angry' (for example, Jestem zły can mean 'I am bad' or 'I am angry').
Which one should you use?
zły is the standard form used for moral badness, poor quality or bad omens. In contrast, kiepski is a more colloquial term used to emphasize that something is of low quality, mediocre or disappointing, such as a bad movie or a bad meal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective zły must change its ending depending on the gender of the noun it describes: use zła for feminine nouns and złe for neuter nouns. While zły is the standard masculine singular form, it can change to źli when describing a man or a male person in certain grammatical contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzwɘ/
Did you know?
- The word kiepski is built from the noun kiep, which historically referred to a 'fool' or a 'simpleton'.
- The suffix '-ski' in kiepski is a very common building block in the Polish language, often used to turn nouns into adjectives related to places or characteristics.
- The term kiepski can be used to add a layer of informal disappointment, making it feel more like the English word 'lame' or 'pathetic' rather than just 'bad'.
Examples in context
- Tom nie był zły.Tom wasn't bad.This sentence shows how to use the form zły in a negative context.Tatoeba #10587559 by polski_ren, translation #6358665 by CK
- To jest zły znak.This is a bad sign.This sentence illustrates the use of zły to describe a sign.Tatoeba #3926361 by jeedrek, translation #3192785 by CK
- To był zły tydzień.It's been a bad week.This sentence demonstrates how to use zły to describe a period of time.Tatoeba #3894984 by jeedrek, translation #3635998 by CK
- To jest zła decyzja.This is a bad decision.
- To jest niewłaściwe zachowanie.This is inappropriate behavior.
- Wybór ten był niewłaściwy.This was a wrong choice.
- Wczorajsza pogoda była kiepska.Yesterday's weather was bad.
- Moje zdrowie jest kiepskie.My health is bad.
- Posiłek w tej restauracji był kiepski.The meal at this restaurant was poor.
- Jego umiejętności są słabe.His skills are weak.
- Ta książka jest słaba.This book is bad.
- Mój dzień był słaby.My day was lousy.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Katarzyna and Paweł are discussing a movie they just saw.
- PawełTo był zły film.It was a bad movie.
- KatarzynaZgadzam się z Pawłem.I agree with Paweł.
- PawełScenariusz był bardzo zły.The script was very bad.
- KatarzynaNiestety, to była słaba produkcja.Unfortunately, it was a weak production.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bad” translations and entries zły, kiepski, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kiepski, zły, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
