torba
/ˈtɔr.ba/feminine
The English word 'bag' can be translated into Polish as torba, torebka or worek.
Meaning: flexible container (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| torba | /ˈtɔr.ba/ | feminine |
| torebka | /tɔˈrɛp.ka/ | feminine |
| worek | /ˈvɔ.rɛk/ | masculine |
The term refers to a flexible container. While torba is a general term for a larger bag, such as a shoulder bag, a travel bag or a large shopping bag, you may use reklamówka if you are specifically referring to a thin plastic bags provided in grocery stores.
Which one should you use?
torba is the general term for a larger bag, such as a travel bag, a shoulder bag or a large shopping bag. In contrast, worek refers to a sack or a bag made of a coarser material (like a sack of flour or a bag of ice) rather than a fashion accessory. The word torebka is also a feminine form of a bag.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈtɔr.ba/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word torba actually traces its origins back to Ottoman Turkish, specifically the word torba, which entered the Polish language through historical contact with the Ottoman Empire.
- While torba is a general bag, the specific word for a plastic shopping bag is reklamówka, which literally translates to 'advertisement bag'.
- A Polish speaker might use torebka exclusively for a woman's fashion accessory, whereas torba is gender-neutral and used for gym or beach bags.
Examples in context
- Mam worek z lodem.I have an ice bag.This sentence is useful for describing having an ice bag using worek.Tatoeba #12202610 by MarekMazurkiewicz, translation #436659 by lukaszpp
- Ta torba jest moja.That bag is mine.This sentence uses torba to show possession.Tatoeba #540433 by Bilberry, translation #68476 by CK
- Na biurku jest torba.There is a bag on the desk.This sentence uses torba to describe the location of a bag.Tatoeba #529514 by orzechowski, translation #20580 by CK
- Przepraszam, gdzie jest sklep z torbami?Excuse me, where is the store with bags?
- Czy masz małą torebkę, którą mogę pożyczyć?Do you have a small bag that I can borrow?
- Czy masz jakieś książki w plecaku?Do you have any books in your backpack?
- Na wycieczkę weź swój plecak z prowiantemTake your backpack with snacks for the trip.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Agnieszka and Tomasz are shopping at a grocery store.
- AgnieszkaCzy potrzebujesz dodatkowej torby?Do you need an extra bag?
- TomaszTak, moja torba jest za mała.Yes, my bag is too small.
- AgnieszkaW takim razie weź tę torbę.In that case, take this bag.
- TomaszDzięki, Agnieszko.Thanks, Agnieszka.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bag” translations and entries torba, torebka, worek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries torba, torebka, worek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
