czarny kot
/ˈt͡ʂar.nɘ ˈkɔt/word by word
The English phrase "black cat" is czarny kot in Polish.
This phrase refers to a cat with black fur.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form czarny kot is in the nominative case, which is used when the cat is the subject of a sentence. If the black cat is the direct object of a verb such as "see" or "have", the phrase changes to czarnego kota. When using the phrase with the preposition z (with), or to describe a state in the instrumental case, it changes to czarnym kotem. To refer to multiple cats, use the plural form czarne koty.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʂar.nɘ ˈkɔt/. The phrase has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Using the word kot in a playful or affectionate way can sometimes refer to a romantic partner, similar to calling someone 'kitten' in English.
- In some Polish regions, a czarny kot is not just a superstition about bad luck, but was historically linked to folklore about witches transforming into animals.
- The word kot is also the root for the Polish word kotek, a diminutive form used to sound cuter or smaller, regardless of the cat's actual size.
Examples in context
- Pod stołem był czarny kot.Under the table was a black cat.This sentence shows the location of a czarny kot.Tatoeba #6672118 by juu_ichi, translation #39626 by orcrist
- Sami myślał, że czarny kot Layli był opętany.Sami thought Layla's black cat was demonic.This sentence uses czarny kot to describe a cat owned by Layla.Tatoeba #8892213 by digitcrusher, translation #7278664 by OsoHombre
- Widziałem, że czarny kot wbiegł do domu.I saw a black cat run into the house.This sentence describes the movement of a czarny kot into a house.Tatoeba #1215233 by esperio, translation #252501 by CK
- Podoba mi się ten czarny kotek – jest tak uroczy!I really like this black cat – it's so adorable!
Example conversation
Paweł and Małgorzata are sitting in a cafe looking out the window.
- PawełSpójrz, tam na murku siedzi czarny kot.Look, a black cat is sitting on the low wall over there.
- MałgorzataOch, jest bardzo uroczy.Oh, he is very cute.
- PawełMyślę, że on szuka jedzenia.I think he is looking for food.
- MałgorzataMoże ktoś mu zaraz pomoże.Maybe someone will help him soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (czarny, kot) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
