Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| przyjaciel | /pʂɘˈja.t͡ɕɛl/ /pr̝ɨˈjɒ.t͡ɕel/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
| przyjaciółka | /pʂɘ.jaˈt͡ɕuw.ka/ | feminine |
The term is used to describe an especially close and trusted friend. In Polish, there is a distinction between a deep, long-term bond and a more casual connection. While przyjaciel implies a profound level of trust and history, a casual friend or acquaintance is referred to as a kolega (male) or koleżanka (female).
Which one should you use?
Use przyjaciel for a male best friend and przyjaciółka for a female best friend. To refer to a "best buddy" or "best pal" in a slightly less intense way, you might use najlepszy kolega for a male or najlepsza koleżanka for a female.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use the phrase to state that someone is your best friend using the verb "to be" (jest/jesteś), the noun must change into the instrumental case. For example, instead of the base form, you would use najlepszym przyjacielem.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /pʂɘˈja.tɕɛl/.
Did you know?
- In Poland, calling someone a przyjaciel is a significant emotional commitment, and many adults only have one or two in their entire lives.
- The word przyjaciel shares a common ancestor with the English word 'friend', both originating from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to love'.
- Because of the distinction between 'friend' and 'acquaintance', using przyjaciel for a casual companion can actually sound overly dramatic or even suspicious to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Jest moim najlepszym przyjacielem.He's my best friend.This sentence shows how to use the instrumental case for the masculine form przyjaciel.Tatoeba #3697563 by jeedrek, translation #1149142 by CM
- Jest tu moja przyjaciółka, Felicja.My best friend Felicja is here.This sentence demonstrates the use of the feminine form przyjaciółka.Tatoeba #919293 by zipangu, translation #919055 by sundown
- Jesteś moim najlepszym przyjacielem.You are my best friend.This sentence demonstrates the use of the instrumental case for the masculine form przyjaciel.Tatoeba #531927 by orzechowski, translation #20116 by CK
- Kasia, jesteś moją najlepszą przyjaciółkąKasia, you are my best friend.
- Beata to moja wspaniała najlepsza przyjaciółkaBeata is my wonderful best friend.
- Marcin jest moim najlepszym przyjacielem.Marcin is my best friend.
- Anna to moja najlepsza przyjaciółka.Anna is my best friend.
- Nasz związek to nie tylko miłość, ale i przyjaźń. Jesteśmy najlepszymi przyjaciółmi.Our relationship is not only love but also friendship. We are best friends.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a mutual friend at a cafe.
- AgnieszkaMarek to mój najlepszy przyjaciel.Marek is my best friend.
- KrzysztofNaprawdę? On jest bardzo miły.Really? He is very kind.
- AgnieszkaTak, to świetny przyjaciel.Yes, he is a great friend.
- KrzysztofCieszę się, że go znasz.I am glad that you know him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “best friend” translations and entries przyjaciel, przyjaciółka, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries przyjaciel, przyjaciółka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
