Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| piękno | /ˈpjɛŋk.nɔ/ | neuter |
| uroda | /uˈrɔ.da/ | feminine |
| krasa | /ˈkra.sa/ | feminine |
| pięknota | archaic, feminine | |
| krasota | archaic, feminine |
The word beauty is expressed using different terms depending on whether you are discussing an abstract concept, a person's physical appearance or a poetic quality.
Which one should you use?
Use piękno to refer to the abstract concept of beauty or the aesthetic quality of things. Use uroda specifically when referring to the physical attractiveness or natural features of a person. For a more literary or poetic sense, particularly when implying a glowing or radiant quality, use krasa.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term Ślicznota is an informal way to say beauty. For historical or literary contexts, you may encounter the archaic forms pięknota and krasota, which are rarely used in modern daily speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
piękno is a neuter noun, while uroda, krasa, pięknota and krasota are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈpjɛŋk.nɔ/. It has two syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word krasa is a linguistic cousin to the Russian word krasny, which means 'beautiful' in old texts but 'red' in modern Russian.
- The word uroda is closely linked to the concept of 'birth' or 'emergence', as it shares an ancient root with the idea of something being brought forth or produced.
- The adjective piękny is used in the phrase piękna pogoda, which translates to 'beautiful weather' but is often used as a sarcastic remark when the weather is terrible.
Examples in context
- Piękno nie trwa wiecznie.Beauty doesn't last forever.This sentence illustrates the concept of beauty not lasting forever using piękno.Tatoeba #12188930 by polski_ren, translation #11069346 by bill
- Piękno jest powodem życia.Beauty is the reason of life.This sentence shows beauty being described as a reason for life using piękno.Tatoeba #4886979 by BeataB, translation #1793483 by marko
- Jej uroda jest niezrównana.Her beauty is incomparable.This sentence describes incomparable physical beauty using uroda.Tatoeba #921401 by zipangu, translation #309667 by CM
- Podziwiam twoje piękno.I admire your beauty.
- Cieszy mnie twoja naturalna uroda.I am delighted by your natural beauty.
- Jesteś prawdziwą pięknością.You are a true beauty.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Małgorzata and Paweł are visiting an art gallery.
- MałgorzataSpójrz na to piękno!Look at this beauty!
- PawełTen obraz jest naprawdę zachwycający.This painting is truly stunning.
- MałgorzataPiękno tkwi w szczegółach.Beauty lies in the details.
- PawełMasz rację, Małgorzato.You are right, Małgorzata.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beauty” translations and entries piękno, uroda, krasa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
